Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department has requested funding for a solids modeling system for its prototype fabrication lab (FAB Lab). This system would consist of two new pieces of equipment: a 3-D scanner, and a 3-D rapid prototype. The FAB Lab facility currently contains an advanced 5 axis HAAS CNC machining centre, advanced multi-functional welding machines and a CAD workstation and is staffed with highly qualified personnel including a journeyman welder, a machinist and a certified SOLIDWORKSTM technician. The ARIS Sports and Wellness Engineering Group established the lab to perform applied research on the design and fabrication of adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs for the disabled and sports equipment for Canada's National Sporting Organizations and private sports and recreation equipment manufacturers. The Solids Modeling System would benefit many research areas in addition to Sports and Wellness Engineering, since the FAB Lab creates prototypes for other applied research groups within SAIT including the Green Building Technology (GBT) group, the Energy and Environment group and the RFID applications development group. The FAB Lab has also produced prototypes for sister post-secondary institutions. The requested equipment will bring cost and efficiency advantages to current collaborative applied research projects. It will also attract future applied research opportunities with SMEs and other organizations in all areas where physical prototypes are fabricated, such as wheelchairs, other adaptive devices, sports equipment, and more. Lastly, opportunities will be created through which SAIT students, faculty and staff will also benefit from the new equipment.