Taking Students Where 3D Printing is Going Next

Advancing Canada's expertise in additive and direct digital manufacturing.

Sheridan College has recently acquired the most sophisticated 3D Production System on the market, positioning its Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT) to better help Canadian manufacturers achieve and maintain competitiveness, while training the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

Through CAMDT, Sheridan’s faculty members involve students in applied research projects related to product and process innovation for small and medium manufacturing enterprises. The Centre also provides manufacturers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, services and highly-skilled advisors at its 40,000 square foot facility in Brampton, ON. With the addition of the new System, Sheridan will advance Canada’s expertise in both additive and direct digital manufacturing – where 3D printing and rapid prototyping are going next.

“This type of equipment is normally reserved for large commercial enterprises,” says Dr. Farzad Rayegani, Associate Dean of Sheridan’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and Technology. “No other post-secondary institution in Canada has this System, and small and medium enterprises certainly can’t afford it either. It allows us to 3D print advanced functional prototypes, manufacturing tools, jigs and fixtures, and even end use parts. That’s the missing piece that small and medium enterprises need to enhance their production processes, make them more productive, and give them a competitive edge.”

Involving industry is critical to training the next generation of leaders for the field. “Having our students delve into real business projects helps them to understand the design challenges that manufacturing businesses face on a daily basis. It also gives them hands-on experience in developing innovative and practical solutions which makes them in high demand upon graduation.” Through the Centre, faculty and students have completed projects now used in production for regional companies such as R.E. Morrison Equipment, Etapa Window Fashions, AVP Solutions, Keizus and Nexflow.

To date, over 120 students from mechanical and electronics engineering as well as architectural technology programs have been involved in projects through the Centre. As industry, society and academia continue to re-imagine what the technology can enable, plans are underway to make the Centre and its new Fortus 900 mc 3D Production System available to faculty and students in Sheridan’s art, design and animation programs. Sheridan’s Formula SAE student club has also used the new 3D Production System to manufacture an intake manifold that has been assembled into a race car it is building for an upcoming international competition. Samples of other manufacturing tools and end-use parts that have been created – including compressed air nozzles, building prototypes, casings and packaging – are on display at Sheridan’s Davis Campus.

Rayegani also credits his close working relationship with Cimetrix Solutions as instrumental in augmenting the Centre’s in-house capabilities in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and direct digital manufacturing. “The technology is changing so rapidly. Having a partner like Cimetrix that can help us take advantage of what these state-of-the-art machines are capable of doing helps us to enrich the learning opportunities that we offer our students both inside and outside the classroom.”

“As the leading provider of Additive Manufacturing technology to industry, Cimetrix understands the constant challenges facing industry today,” says James Janeteas, President Cimetrix Solutions. “The CAMDT is a vital innovation centre for SME’s, providing them access to capabilities that would not otherwise be within their reach. Additionally, by engaging students in real-world projects, students will acquire sound experience and skill sets not easily taught in a traditional classroom. It’s a win-win outcome for both SME’s and students.”

Sheridan College is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, offering over 100 diploma, certificate, and bachelor degree programs in an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. Its Faculty of Applied Science and Technology offers specialized education in nearly 30 programs, including computer science, skilled trades, and the engineering sciences. Students working on projects through its Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies are well prepared to enter the workforce as engineering designers, product developers, architectural model builders, and makers of models for props and special effects.

For more information, please contact:

Christine Szustaczek, Director of Corporate Communications & External Relations
Tel: 905-815-4169
Email: christine.szustaczek@sheridancollege.ca