Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Material Matters, an Emily Carr research cluster investigating the development and integration of emergentadditive manufacturing technologies, and Rayne Longboards, an established local manufacturer ofLongboarding equipment and apparel, are co-investigating new avenues of product development, materialinnovation, and design methods made possible by new digital processes 3D printing.Longboarding is a relatively new sport with an expanding demographic, which benefits from a low barrier toparticipation. Like traditional skateboarding, it has a strong focus on material innovation and customerpersonalization. Longboard hardware components are typically a direct translation of existing skateboardingtechnologies and are still in the early stage of differentiation and development.The goal of this research partnership is the application of new material research and manufacturing techniquesto the design of wheel sets, trucks, and longboard safety apparel.The research will have additional tangible benefits including the development of new production materials andmethods for local manufacture; the development of sustainable production methods; and commercialinnovation through technology transfer and knowledge mobilization.