Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

As the leading technical institution in the region, Niagara College is well positioned to be a catalyst of manufacturing innovation. As the regional economy slowly diversifies from a well entrenched manufacturing economy dependent on the automobile sector to a more vigorous economy with a focus on renewable energies and advanced manufacturing, the role and traditional functions of the College have to be responsive to this shift. Niagara College has long been a vital component of the manufacturing and industrial design landscape, providing superior trained technicians and technologists to support the design engineering efforts required across a wide variety of industries. Many within the manufacturing community depend on Niagara College to continually invest in the evolution of our academic programs, so that they are adaptable, responsive and in-line with the needs of industry. As a result of this synergy, both Niagara College and our collaborators have identified the need and necessity of reverse engineering technologies and equipment to drive future projects. The strength of parametric modeling, which uses parameters to define aspects of a computer-aided design, increases the capabilities of product analysis and design to manipulate data, resulting in a modified or new version of the original component. Taken one step further, 3D printing provides a rapid prototype of the modified component which can then be used for supplementary or unique analysis. If necessary, several iterations may be developed to achieve the best design or process, all with a very quick turnaround time and in a cost effective and efficient manner. Increasing our capacity in reverse engineering further enhances our position as a relevant partner for industry and will help us provide products and sustainable solutions to help strengthen and support our regional economy.