What the facility does
Specializes in automation, reverse engineering, process improvement, 3D engineering design, laser technologies, additive manufacturing; applied R&D from concept to prototype, to trials and testing.
Areas of expertise
Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre team specializes in engineering design, 3D laser scanning technologies, lean manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing. We work with Southern Ontario businesses to bring ideas to life, from concept through to developing working prototypes, and utilizing leading-edge technology, including equipment and software.
Research services
- Competitive market analysis
- Concept ideation and design review
- Design services
- Fabrication, prototyping and installation services
- Non-destructive inspection (NDI)
- Performance monitoring and management
- 3D printing
- Product testing
- Proof of concept
- Rapid prototyping/3D printing
- Technology and workflow consultation
- Testing services
- 3D laser scanning
- Commercialization referrals
- Components/parts fabrication
- FDM materials testing
- Field trials/simulation
- Ingredient selection and recommendations
- Market analysis
- Problem solving
- Project management
- Business development and market research services
Sectors of application
- Aerospace and satellites
- Automotive
- Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Manufacturing and processing
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| FARO Edge (probe) | Working volume: 9 ft ø sphere; Accuracy: ± 0.0016 in. |
| FARO Laser Line Probe (Blue LLP) | Accuracy: ± 0.001 in. |
| FARO Vantage Tracker | Working volume: 525 ft ø sphere; Accuracy: 0.0006 in. @ 2 m |
| FARO Focus 3DS 120 | Working Volume: 785 ft ø sphere; Ranging Error: ± 0.079 in. |
| DJI Inspire 1 Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) | Max Image Size: 4000 x 3000; Max Video Size: UHD (4K) |
| 3D Systems' Geomagic Design X | Conversion of scan data to intelligent CAD models |
| 3D Systems' Geomagic Control X | 3D Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) inspection software used to compare as-is to nominal |
| FARO CAM2 Measure 10 | All-purpose inspection software |
| InnovMetric PolyWorks ® | Very versatile 3D Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) inspection tool |
| BuildIT | Very versatile 3D Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) inspection tool |
| EdgeWise | Advanced feature recognition from point cloud data for BIM applications |
| Autodesk ReCap 360 | Conversion of photographs to point clouds (photogrammetry); Basic stitching of point cloud data |
| Fortus 400mc | Build Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 16 in. |
| Fortus 900mc | Build Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 36 in. |
| Connex 1 Objet 260 | 255 x 252 x 200 mm |
| Insight/Control Centre | Tool path creation/optimization, and printer management for Fortus machines; |
| Autodesk Inventor | |
| Autodesk Fusion | |
| Autodesk Factory Design Suite |
Private and public sector research partners
- Brilliant Photonics
- Vendalite
- Decap IV
- Laryngoscope
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| WAMIC helps fill 3D printing gap for Bluicity. | https://www.ncinnovation.ca/blog/research-innovation/wamic-helps-fill-3d-printing-gap-for-bluicity |
| Industry partner, Niagara College work together toward continuous improvement in lean manufacturing. | https://www.ncinnovation.ca/blog/research-innovation/industry-partner-niagara-college-work-together… |
| Company tests thermal energy use in electric vehicles. | https://www.ncinnovation.ca/blog/walker-advanced-manufacturing-innovation-centre/company-tests-ther… |
| Driving the lane on basketball training technology. | https://www.ncinnovation.ca/blog/walker-advanced-manufacturing-innovation-centre/driving-the-lane-o… |