The University of Waterloo’s Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Lab, Canada’s largest academic metal additive manufacturing facility, is receiving a $5 million investment to further its research and development of sustainable 3D printing technologies. This funding, announced by the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), supports the establishment of the Consortium for Sustainable Scale-up in Metal Additive Manufacturing (CSS-MAM).
MSAM, which began as a 150-square-foot lab in 2004, has grown to a 15,000-square-foot facility with over $25 million in cutting-edge infrastructure. The lab is a leader in advanced manufacturing, providing industry and academic access to high-level expertise and equipment, enabling the development of products from raw materials to finished goods. The lab focuses on applying scientific innovations to industrial applications, enhancing the future of manufacturing.
The $5 million funding will help expand MSAM’s efforts in clean economic growth, accelerating production for partner industries, and advancing training programs. Drs. Ehsan Toyserkani and Mihaela Vlasea, co-directors of MSAM, will lead the initiative, which aims to optimize additive manufacturing (AM) processes, enhance industry competitiveness, and minimize waste and carbon emissions. This will be achieved through the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven quality assurance platforms and the development of material reuse strategies.
The funding also supports the creation of advanced training programs to address the growing need for skilled engineers in Canada, particularly in the AM sector. These programs will be delivered both online and in-person to meet the demand for a qualified workforce.
The project is expected to bolster local supply chains, create job opportunities, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. The University of Waterloo looks forward to continuing its leadership in additive manufacturing and supporting industry innovation and R&D.
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