NGen and NRC IRAP partner to deliver new Additive Manufacturing Demonstration Program

Published on: March 21, 2022

NGen and NRC IRAP are partnering to deliver the Additive Manufacturing (AM) Demonstration Program for eligible Canadian companies. The program will focus on 3D Printing technologies such as powder bed fusion, Direct Energy Deposition (DED), electron beam (EB), Cold Spray as well as the deployment of new materials such as engineering grade plastics such as PEEK, PEI, Nylon and fiber reinforced grades.

Additive Manufacturing is changing how we make things, and this program is designed to help Canadian companies learn about its awesome potential but also de-risks companies’ initial trial of this exciting technology. The goal of this program is to create awareness and encourage the adoption of AM technology, thus improving Canada’s manufacturing and exporting sectors and our global competitiveness.

The program will provide companies with project funding support to have one of their parts manufactured. This will develop a better understanding of the advantages and business opportunities resulting from the adoption of additive manufacturing technology and processes including cost savings, reduced new product development cycle times and improved design and efficiencies. NGen will assist in assessing the needs of manufacturers and how best it suits their business model. Needs like the fabrication of obsolete legacy parts no longer available, AM may offer a relatively inexpensive solution. Others are tooling companies looking to improve productivity and gaining a competitive edge by adopting conformal cooling, the possibilities are numerous.

The limited availability of additive manufacturing expertise and know-how throughout the existing supply chains of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) is a structural issue that has become evident to many companies, particularly in the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors. Certain companies have AM capabilities but lack the accreditation to do the work, while other companies have the accreditation but little to no AM expertise. NGen will match two types of companies with projects in specific sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical and Oil & Gas with the goal of creating a sustainable supply chain for those sectors.

NGen will work with leading Canadian service providers of AM technologies who provide participating companies with a finished part or coupon, as well as guidance and advice to the advantages offered by AM. Small to medium-sized (SME) companies will form the majority of the businesses identified by the project. SMEs who are interested in adapting advanced manufacturing technology to improve their competitiveness should consider this program. NRC-IRAP’s financial support will enable NGen to offer this service free of charge.

Requirements to participate;

1. Companies need to be NRC-IRAP eligible with a referral from their local ITA. If you do not have an ITA representative refer to the NRC IRAP advisory services.
2. Companies will need to provide a CAD file of the part/coupon they want fabricated.

If you have any questions, contact frank.defalco@ngen.ca

About NRC IRAP
The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program's (NRC IRAP) support for your innovation projects goes beyond financial assistance. When you work with us, you also get access to:

• Industrial technology advisors (ITAs) who offer technical and business advice, referrals, and other services from concept to commercialization.
• An extensive network of regional, national, and international partners that can provide you with access to customized support (including business and technology advice and competitive intelligence), connect you with local sources of financing, expertise, and more.