Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) proposal aims to replace, and upgrade failed and failing components of an X-Ray Nano Computed Tomography (Nano-CT) system housed within University of Waterloo's Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory. Nano-CT characterization capability has helped place MSAM, the NSERC National Strategic Network "Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing (HI-AM)", and Canada at the forefront of scientific discovery and non-destructive testing of additively manufactured components, from bio-composites and polymers to metallic elements. This Nano-CT provides throughput thermographic imaging based on industry-best resolution and contrast (700 nm precision with a 70 nm voxel size), enabling high quality non-destructive imaging of additively manufactured parts - a unique capability in Canada. The high resolution of this Nano-CT and its synchrotron-based imaging techniques have opened new opportunities for researchers/collaborators and affiliated industrial partners to move beyond exploration and detect pores and cracks that are not normally detectable by any other CT scanner on the market. With this capability, the Nano-CT has become a workhorse for large-scale, ongoing MSAM and HI-AM R&D programs that will extend through the next several years, including i) Holistic AM process development and quality assurance for sustainable manufacturing, ii) Novel AM processes for biphasic structures for joint replacements, iii) AM (3D Printing) of batteries and electrodes for the energy sector; and iv) AM of titanium, nickel-based and ferrous alloys for various industries. This proposal requests funds to replace the system's X-ray energy source, which will imminently expire, and replace/upgrade malfunctioning controllers of the rotational filter wheel and autoloader to ensure the above programs, and others under development, can continue. This research promises to develop critical quality assurance platforms that are needed for adoption of AM to serial production of critical components in Canada to minimize dependencies on foreign countries. The research programs address manufacturing sustainability that is a crucial factor for many Canadian companies that are seriously working on the waste reduction, efficiency improvement of operations through the integration of AM and digitization to comply with their environmental and social obligations. The outputs of the enabled projects and the HQP trained will contribute significantly to the Canadian economy by addressing issues associated with the supply chain.