Applied research with a focus on early-stage prototyping and product development, design for manufacturing, validation, and manufacturing optimization.
The Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC) is equipped with cutting edge, industry-leading prototype and advanced manufacturing equipment. Our staff are experts in design, simulation, manufacturing, validation, and commercialization of both new and existing products. We help clients to problem solve, engineer designs, create 3D models, and fabricate prototypes to bring their ideas to life. We also support process development and look for opportunities to increase client productivity through automation and robotics.
Working closely with our innovation network, the CIM-TAC advances applied research in manufacturing to increase digital literacy and adoption. Clients learn how to navigate emerging technologies, implement new equipment, and adopt the technological solutions that are best suited to their operational needs in order to foster commercialization.
- Prototyping
- Reverse engineering
- Evaluation for manufacturability
- Process development
- Design engineering
- Validation
- Materials testing and metrology
- Advanced manufacturing integration to your processes
- Design for additive manufacturing
- Additive manufacturing (ceramic, metal, polymers)
- Design for manufacturing and assembly
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Manufacturing and processing
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| ExOne Innovent+ binder jet 3D printer | Capable of printing metal, ceramic, and composite materials. |
| Stratasys Fortus 400mc Production 3D Printer | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer using multiple production grade and high requirement thermoplastics. |
|
Mazak INTEGREX i-200 CNC Multi-Tasking machine |
CNC (computer numerically controlled) 5-axis rotary, vertical, and horizontal machining of metals, wood, and plastics. |
| Creaform HandySCAN BLACK 3D Scanner | Handheld laser scanner able to produce digital scans of products, parts, and prototypes. |
| Flow Mach 200 Waterjet | Pivot+ 5-axis waterjet capable of cutting material up to 6 inches thick (metals, composites, stone, sheet glass, etc.). |
| Formech 1372 Vacuum Former | Large format vacuum former used for creating plastic moulds. |
| Microsoft HoloLens 2 mixed reality smart glasses | Augmented reality goggles for visualizing designs. |
| Techno LC Series 4896 CNC Router | CNC (computer numerically controlled) panel router etches designs in wood, plastic, and aluminum. |
| LaserPro Spirit GX Laser Engraver | Laser cuts shapes and etches designs, providing a higher resolution than a traditional engraver. |
| FESTO Manufacturing Cell | Simulates a universal manufacturing line. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
- Finis Energy Inc.
- Embark Enterprises Inc.
- Buddy Ventures International
- Wash-Bots Canada Ltd.
- NXL Technologies Inc.
- Deep Cryogenics International
- Karma Medical Products
- SolarSteam Inc.
- IntelliRain Inc.
- Assistability Inc.
- Andau Medical
- STEP Energy Services
- Benchmark International Inc.
- Sunshine Door
- MuellerBuilt
- Innovative Earth
- Canadian Mat Systems Inc.
- H3alth Technologies Inc.