Grant: Canada Research Chairs

The proposed research program aims to advance the field of additive manufacturing (AM), specifically in intelligent systems for laser-based metal AM processes. The overarching goal is to prepare these technologies for integration into serial production while addressing geopolitical, environmental, and supply chain challenges. The program capitalizes on the progress made in the first term of the CRC and focuses on developing innovative solutions for crucial applications. The key objectives of the research program are twofold: 1) it seeks to enhance AM through the development of process-aware quality assurance algorithms tailored to advanced monitoring devices. This includes artificial intelligence-based algorithms for in-situ anomaly detection during AM processes. The aim is to ensure the quality and reliability of AM components, particularly in applications across aerospace, automotive, defence, and natural resources sectors; and, 2) it will address gaps in the holistic integration of research results to move toward sustainable metal AM processes. The proposed research will integrate life cycle assessment into fast modeling, design, and quality assurance algorithms to minimize the environmental impact of serial production and large-scale manufacturing using AM. The novelty of the research lies in its focus on combining intelligent systems with sustainable AM practices. The nominee, with years of experience and patented technologies, has demonstrated expertise in developing accelerated models, in-situ monitoring algorithms, workflow optimization, and novel materials for AM processes. These technologies have practical applications in addressing challenges related to sustainable AM. The proposed work aligns with the University of Waterloo’s Strategic Research Plan, emphasizing advancements in manufacturing technologies and intelligent systems for sustainability. The expected impact of the program is broad, contributing to the enhancement of Canada's intellectual supply chain and ecosystem. It aims to provide diverse, well-trained professionals, sustain R&D, and transfer technologies to industry. The program addresses the qualification of AM technologies for scale-up and serial production, enhancing process repeatability, reliability, and productivity. It is anticipated that Canadian companies adopting metal AM will benefit from improved quality assurance tools, filling gaps in the global supply chain with locally made, innovative products.