Operates as a hub for the integration and demonstration of advanced technologies targeting the sustainability of the manufacturing sector.
The National Research Council Canada’s (NRC) advanced manufacturing research facility in Winnipeg, acts as a gateway to Canada-wide NRC expertise and facilities in materials and processes, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to address complex challenges in advanced manufacturing development and commercialization through research and technology development (R&TD) spanning three core platform technologies:
- Additive manufacturing, including digital twinning and machine learning, in support of increasing manufacturing productivity, creating smarter products and improving sustainability.
- Sustainable food packaging and reclamation of products from biomass transformation, used to develop new products with potential for biomass and recycled plastics reclamation.
- Robotic manufacturing via 3D printing of polymers and composites to enable the application of industrial robots to low volume, highly customized manufacturing operations.
The facility supports the development of a pipeline of new, high-value technological solutions available for transition to regional and national industrial innovation partners, enabling products, devices and systems that together create economic value for Canada and more sustainable solutions.
- Metal additive manufacturing (binder jetting and laser powder bed fusion)
- Advanced robotic polymer fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing
- Biodegradation assessment (aerobic, anaerobic, aqueous)
- Mechanical testing (tensile, flexural, compression, hardness)
- Optical imaging
- Automotive
- Clean technology
- Manufacturing and processing
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
- Transportation
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Plant | ExOne X1 25PRO 3D Printing Machine and peripherals | Additive manufacturing (metal binder jetting technology). |
| Pilot Plant | TRUMPF TruPrint 5000 printing system and peripherals | Additive manufacturing (metal 3D printing, laser powder bed fusion). |
| Pilot Plant | ABB IRB 4400/60 industrial robot (arm) and ABB IRBP A-500 positioner | Robotic manufacturing/3D printing, enclosed cell. |
| Respirometer Lab | ECHO Instruments ER24/1.4 Respirometers (3) | Biodegradability system. Measures decomposition rate of samples in aerobic, anaerobic, and aqueous environments. |
| Metrology Lab | Mitutoyo CRYSTA-Apex S7106 coordinate measurement machine (CMM) | Precise, contactless measurement of parts with laser line scanner. Base material: steel. |
| Mechanical Testing Lab | MTS Criterion C45.305 (300kN) Electromechanical Universal Test System | Mechanical testing of samples, determine yield strength and elastic modulus. |
| Mechanical Testing Lab | MTS Landmark 370.10 (100kN) Servohydraulic Test System | Mechanical testing of samples, determine yield strength, elastic modulus, fatigue limit. |
| Wet Lab | UIC Inc. CM135 TC/TOC Analyzer | Measure total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC) in solid and liquid samples. |
| Wet Lab | UIC Inc. CM245 Carbon Analyzer (TC/TIC) | Measure total carbon (TC) and total inorganic carbon (TIC) in solid and liquid samples. |
| Microscopy Lab | ZwickRoell ZHU250CL Universal Hardness Tester | Determine hardness of samples. |
| Microscopy Lab | ZwickRoell ZHU750top topLine universal hardness testing machine | Determine hardness of samples. |
| Microscopy Lab | EMCO-TEST DuraScan 80 model G5 Micro Hardness Tester | Determine hardness of samples. |
| Microscopy Lab | Leica DM6 M Upright Materials Microscope | View grain structure and other microscopic properties of samples. |
| Microscopy Lab | Olympus SZX16 Advanced Stereo Microscope with SC50 Camera | View grain structure and other microscopic properties of samples. |
| Microscopy Lab | Olympus MX63 Semiconductor and Flat Panel Display Inspection Microscope with SC50 Camera | View grain structure and other microscopic properties of samples. |
Private and public sector research partners
- University of Manitoba
- Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
Innovating in the Heartland: The National Research Council of Canada is increasing opportunities for collaboration to build on Manitoba’s reputation for innovation. | https://prairiemanufacturer.ca/2020/03/04/part-1-in-a-4-part-series-focused-on-nrc-technology-and-innovation/ |
| Leveraging expertise: Research facility to focus on digital manufacturing, sustainable packaging. | https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/2021/11/05/leveraging-expertise |
| NRC's Advanced Manufacturing program: helping Canadian businesses meet Industry 4.0 challenges. | https://nrc.canada.ca/en/stories/nrcs-advanced-manufacturing-program-helping-canadian-businesses-meet-industry-40-challenges |
| AI helps NRC researchers find solutions to complex vehicle corrosion challenges. | https://nrc.canada.ca/en/stories/ai-helps-nrc-researchers-find-solutions-complex-vehicle-corrosion-challenges |