A high-tech manufacturing lab at St. Clair College is getting some 'extras' thanks to the federal government.
Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan announced $45-million in funding for 94 projects including one at the college's 3D Innovation Lab.
The college is getting $150,000 to equip the lab with a 3D metal printer, materials, 3D printer and 7-axis robotic arm with a scanner.
The lab is housed in the Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing at the college.
Director of Applied Research and Development at the college, Peter Wawrow, says the 3D metal printer they have is the first one in Canada.
He notes there is a lot of interest in metal printing right now because it give tool and mould makers a chance to develop prototypes without spending a lot of money on a single mould to see if it works or is feasible.
Wawrow tells AM800 News there is a lot of interest in metal printing right now....
"The tool shops, the mould shops, they're interested in looking at how they can produce metal components that are prototypes or one offs, so they don't have to spend as much money on these big moulds. So these could be inserts that could be put into these moulds," says Wawrow.
He adds this will help them keep up with innovation and new technology within the manufacturing industry...
"We can 3D print complex components that would be really be difficult and expensive to machine and mould," says Wawrow. "So I think it's really important for our industry to to utilize this new technology."
Wawrow says the 3D metal printer they have is the first one in Canada...
"I guess it gives us a little bit of a leg up, in terms of that type of technology," says Wawrow. "I think it really puts us in a position where we're going to start leading some of the innovations in this type of research and technology."
The equipment will give local businesses an opportunity to take part in applied research projects with low risk capital investment.
Minister Duncan says colleges are pursuing exciting research opportunities while helping companies to enhance their products.