Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

The Centre for Connected Building Technology (CCBT) and Fanshawe Product Testing (FPT), two engineering-focused research centres operated by Fanshawe College’s Centre for Research and Innovation, support advanced manufacturing in the London region through the design and production of printed circuit boards, development and training of machine learning algorithms, and the provision of advanced data analytics (CCBT) and the mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and electromagnetic testing of products (FPT). While Fanshawe had previously engaged in significant amounts of applied research to support advanced manufacturing, increases in academic programming have largely eliminated the ability of research projects to access the prototyping and fabrication equipment located in the welding lab and machine shop on campus. In order to maximize the capabilities of CCBT and FPT and meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers, we propose to purchase a suite of equipment—a 3D scanner, a CNC mill and lathe, and MIG welding tools—needed to undertake reliably research operations in these fields. Adding this equipment to the PCB manufacturing line at CCBT and the various testing apparatuses at FPT will not only exponentially extend the centres’ individual capabilities, but also further CRI’s goal to harmonize our research operations around shared capabilities with clear pathways for collaboration and partner engagement across all centres. In addition, by having this equipment we will be able to participate more fully in collaborative research networks like the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and work more effectively with strategic partners like the London Region Manufacturing Council and the Southwestern Ontario chapter of the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium and their members. Opening up an additional 3 to 5 industry-led applied research projects with new partners per year over the next five years in addition to supporting extended or repeat engagements with current partners, this equipment would also provide much needed training opportunities for students (between 5-10 new research assistant opportunities per year) in interdisciplinary skills like design, fabrication, maintenance, programming, and data analysis that drive contemporary manufacturing practices.