Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Advanced manufacturing technologies include a number of innovative technologies and methodologies used to improve traditional manufacturing. Additive manufacturing (often oversimplified as ""3D printing"") is one area of advanced manufacturing that can produce a custom complex part that is fully assembled, thereby replacing several parts, reducing assembly times and potentially reducing production costs and the need for large production runs. As a design technique rooted in engineering, topology optimization is used to address specific issues and characteristics, modifying an existing design or creating a new one. When combined with additive manufacturing technologies, components designed with topology optimization methods can be more complex than those created using traditional manufacturing techniques, often without a substantial increase in production costs. The main objective of this project is to assist a local metal machining company with the creation of superior auto parts for their car racing clients using a customized combination of additive manufacturing methods with topology optimization. The secondary objective is to determine which advanced manufacturing technology will best suit the needs and innovation capacity of the company. The Fleming College research team will enhance the design of race car parts using topology optimization, leading to the creation of parts manufactured using the selected method. The proposed applied research project will assist the company in modernizing their services and entering the advanced manufacturing sector. As a result, they will better meet the needs of their existing clients while attracting new customers, bringing in new sales and revenue, while fundamentally strengthening the regional manufacturing sector.