New Printable Materials for Advanced Additive Manufacturing (Extrusion-Based 3D Printing)

PROJECT COST:

560 019 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

177 359 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) makes it possible to significantly reduce the time between product design and fabrication, while eliminating the need for molds and tooling traditionally required for part production. This approach enables the fabrication of components with complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing methods. However, additive manufacturing based on thermoplastic polymers is still rarely used to produce end-use, ready-to-deploy parts. Two major limitations of extrusion-based additive manufacturing are commonly identified: low production speed and insufficient mechanical properties of the printed components.

In this context, the objective of the project led by Professor Pascal Vuillaume (COALIA), in collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke and several industrial partners, is to advance additive manufacturing technologies to a higher level of maturity by focusing on the development of innovative printing materials.

The project brings together a consortium of industrial partners whose expertise and objectives are complementary and well suited to fostering technological synergies in additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies. DYZE DESIGN will develop and manufacture extrusion systems for 3D printers. Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) will integrate advanced additive manufacturing processes and materials into the production of drone components. SOLAXIS will focus on the fabrication of large functional parts using additive manufacturing. EXO-S will manufacture plastic components for the automotive sector, while SPHÈRECO will provide rapid prototyping services.

Overall, this ambitious project will contribute to the training of two doctoral students, three undergraduate mechanical engineering students from the University of Sherbrooke, and six college-level students.

The participating companies will create or maintain employment, including four full-time positions, one part-time position, and one temporary position. The targeted markets include: (i) manufacturers of 3D printers, (ii) users of fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers, (iii) the automotive sector, and (iv) designers and manufacturers of industrial components.

Finally, this project will enhance the competitiveness of the participating partners and contribute to the revitalization of Quebec’s manufacturing sector, while supporting the training of highly qualified personnel, which is essential for the long-term development of this strategic field.