Research and innovation support to manufacturers in automation, robotics, digital fabrication, design and simulation, and other areas of advanced manufacturing.
The Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CIM) merges technology and innovation to drive forward manufacturing expertise, technology and real-world solutions with immediate impact. CIM links companies of all sizes to Sheridan’s leading-edge expertise, infrastructure and interdisciplinary talent to develop new solutions and address manufacturing challenges.
The expertise in advanced automation and machine learning is supported by infrastructure for computer vision and image processing. The Centre is also extremely well equipped with advanced tools for digital manufacturing, including sophisticated design and modelling software, as well as high-fidelity 3D scanners. Digital manufacturing capabilities include CNC tools, laser cutting and engraving, and extensive additive manufacturing infrastructure including both multi-material metal 3D printers.
CIM links companies of all sizes to Sheridan’s advanced manufacturing expertise and equipment and allows them to explore these tools with the help of Sheridan staff, faculty, and students.
- Technology exploration and implementation
- Application development
- Technology development
- Product/process design and optimization
- Prototyping (3D and conventional)
- Design for manufacturing
- Design for additive manufacturing
- Training and workshops
- Modelling and simulation
- Concept validation
- Fabrication
- 3D scanning
- Reverse engineering
- Clean technology
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Manufacturing and processing
- Mining, minerals and metals
- Transportation
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Stratasys J750 Full Colour/Multi Material 3D Printer | Can print materials for dental, engineering, flexible, rigid, specialty applications. Build-size of up to 19 x 15 x 7 in. and a layer thickness of 14 microns. |
Renishaw AM400 Machine (400W)
| Flexible additive manufacturing for professional use in a wide range of metals. The benefits of additive manufacturing (3D printing) using the AM 400 include safe powder handling, glove access, 70 micron diameter laser, vacuum removal, and class-leading low argon usage. Print production-ready parts with Titanium, Aluminium, Cobalt Chromium, Stainless steel, and Nickel alloys for the aerospace and medical industries, with a large build volume of 250 mm × 250 mm × 300 mm. |
| Mojo 3D Printer | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printer. FDM technology allows to build spot-on functional concept models (3D printed parts) and rapid prototypes. These printers are the most capable systems available, delivering remarkable production agility. Printing with a variety of materials including but not limited to ABS, PC, UTEM, and Nylon. |
| Fortus 250mc | FDM printer |
| Fortus 400mc | FDM printer |
| Fortus 900mc | FDM printer. Printing a maximum size of 36” x 24” x 36”, it is one of the bigger production systems out there. |
Creaform REVscan 3D scanner
| The REVscan scanner, part of the first generation of HandySCAN 3D scanners, is reliable way to acquire accurate 3D measurements of physical objects anywhere, creating precise 360° 3D models from physical objects. The cost of a typical manufacturing design is reduced by 75% by utilizing 3D scanning. With a precision of up to 0.05 mm resolution, 3D scanners can produce high resolution CAD models. |
| Arctec 3D scanner | |
| HP 3D David SLS | Structured Light Scanner (SLS) |
| BOSS HP 3655 Laser Cutter | The HP-3655 (high power) offers a multi functional laser that engraves and cuts through deep materials, including thin gauge metal. It has a cutting area of 33.4" x 54.33" (850 x 1380mm). |
| Colchester Storm VMC610L | A computer numerical control lathe and mill with automatic tool changers. High accuracy and precision with very tight tolerances manufacturing.
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| Formech 686 Vacuum Forming Machine | PLC controlled quartz heaters with multiple zoning, combined with pre-stretch provide rapid response, accurate heat control and high definition forming with consistent results.
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| Mach 4 Flow Waterjet | The only waterjet system providing bevel and 3D cutting with true dynamic Active Tolerance Control. With a pump rated to up to 60,000 psi the system cuts 30-50% faster than common systems.
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ABB IRB 1200
| A compact, flexible, fast and functional small industrial robot that addresses the needs of the material handling and machine tending industries for flexibility, ease-of-use, compactness and short cycle times while still maintaining large working envelopes. |
| ABB IRB 140 | Small, powerful, and fast 6-axes robot |
| ABB IRB 2600 | Compact robot with a high payload capacity. The design has been optimized for targeted applications like arc welding, material handling and machine tending. |
| ABB IRB 120 | Robot 6 axes – for flexible and compact production. Ideal for material handling and assembly applications. |
| ABB YuMi IRB 14000 Dual Arm Robot | Collaborative robot, perfect for small parts assembly where people and robots work side-by-side on the same tasks. The fifth-generation, integrated IRC5 controller with TrueMove and QuickMove™ motion control technology commands accuracy, speed, cycle-time, programmability and synchronization with external devices. |
| ABB YuMi IRB 14050 Single Arm Robot | Collaborative robot, perfect for small parts assembly where people and robots work side-by-side on the same tasks. |