Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The recent emergence of additive manufacturing (AM), Industry 4.0, and rapid prototyping has caused a paradigm shift in the design philosophy in many engineering sectors. Instead of relying on economies of scale, engineers can now greatly accelerate the prototyping process and can "design with purpose" by creating unique solutions that are customized for specific engineering applications. Together, 10 research groups from the University of Victoria and University of British Columbia have identified the urgent and essential requirement to update their 3D printing facilities to keep up with the tremendous pace of technological advancement observed in additive manufacturing over the past decade. In particular, many of the PIs in the research team conduct research and development of materials and devices that require prototyping and do not currently have access to a 3D printer capable of meeting their requirements for rapid prototyping in a wide range of materials. The requested SLS printer utilizes a powder bed as a self-supported platform, enabling the fabrication of components with internal architectural complexity with minimal support and printing resolution far beyond the capabilities of the existing equipment at our facilities. Taking advantage of these capabilities, researchers will be able to topologically optimize the performance of 3D-printed parts by designing structures with complex internal porous architecture and external geometry. Furthermore, this printer is a one-of-a-kind open-platform SLS system with exceptional printing resolution, speed, and volume capacity. It also has one of the widest material compatibilities in the current AM market: polyurethane elastomers, ductile thermoplastics, high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, and cold-fused metal alloys (stainless steel, tool steel, and Ti alloys). This highly versatile 3D printer can offer immediate research benefits to at least 10 different research groups (45 HQP) across 3 diverse disciplines (Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering) and it can accommodate the different material requirements of these groups (e.g., strength, stiffness, biocompatibility). This system will significantly enhance the effectiveness, productivity, and research output of both universities across a diverse array of subjects: solid mechanics and material physics of architected metamaterials, design of aerospace structures, sustainable construction composites, CO2 capture devices, and biomechanical/biomedical devices. The SLS printer is a powder-bed-fusion solution that shares many key characteristics with industry-standard metal 3D printers and will provide HQP with hands-on training in a state-of-the-art process in advanced manufacturing, enhancing their job readiness as they enter the Canadian workforce.