Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2018-2019)

Exco Engineering, an Ontario based world leader in the design and fabrication of tooling for high pressure die casting, has recentlyx000D
initiated significant R&D to adopt Additive Manufacturing (AM) for producing molds and dies. AM refers to a class of industrialx000D
technologies that build objects layer-by-layer directly from digitized geometry as opposed to subtractive or formative manufacturingx000D
methods. It is believed that AM will disrupt current manufacturing processes due to its distinct advantages in creating complexx000D
internal structures impossible to produce by conventional machining. In high pressure die casting, AM enables complex coolingx000D
channels that match the profile of the final component to be integrated into the steel die, improving thermal management andx000D
ultimately improving quality, production rates, and die longevity.x000D
Through this academic-industry partnership, we aim to develop technical knowledge to improve three aspects of metal AM for toolx000D
steel applications: reproducibility, process window for high quality, and costs. Specifically, we will (1) characterize powder size andx000D
morphology to understand the effects of reuse times; (2) optimize process parameters to reduce build time while maintainingx000D
desired mechanical properties; and (3) investigate hybrid manufacturing whereby critical sections such as those with conformalx000D
cooling are 3D printed onto an already existing bulk component. This project will enable Exco Engineering to maintain competitivex000D
advantage in the tool/die industry, retaining jobs and increasing revenue, while providing McMasters research team with newx000D
knowledge and experience related to the industrial application of metal AM, and in-service behaviour of this emerging and key newx000D
manufacturing technology.