Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may now capitalize on 3D printing through the Additive Manufacturing Demonstration Program (AMDP). This initiative was launched via the not-for-profit organization Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
“SMEs who are interested in adapting advanced manufacturing technology to improve their competitiveness should consider this program. NRC-IRAP’s financial support will enable NGen to offer this service free of charge.”
– NGen, A leading non-profit organization in Canadian manufacturing innovation
The purpose of this demonstration program is to improve awareness of 3D printing technologies and their many opportunities throughout Canada’s exporting and manufacturing industries. By introducing more businesses to the process of additive manufacturing and encouraging adoption of its technology, Canada plans to maintain its international reputation as a manufacturing leader through innovation-driven government funding programs.
What Is Additive Manufacturing (AM)?
3D printing is fundamentally changing the way organizations approach manufacturing practices by reducing costs, speeding up production, and offering more accurate design. These benefits are all associated with Additive Manufacturing (AM) which constructs three-dimensional materials by analyzing and realizing CAD/digital models. AM technologies have proven to make organizations more efficient when properly implemented.
“The word additive serves to contrast this category of manufacturing processes from traditional subtractive (machining, milling) and formative (casting, stamping, injection moulding) manufacturing.”
-ICTC, The Information and Communications Technology Council
However, with all the potential associated with AM, there are some hurdles that companies must pass before reaping the rewards. These difficulties are tightly associated with either attaining accreditation or hiring/training employees to have technical expertise. It is these common difficulties that inspired NGen’s collaboration with NRC-IRAP.
How Could the Additive Manufacturing Demo Program (AMDP) Help My Organization?
NGen’s plan is to leverage their collaboration with the NRC-IRAP to help Canadian organizations learn how to gain the benefits of additive manufacturing without risking substantial costs on their initial trial. Therefore, Canadian companies will be able to analyze the results of their first Additive Manufacturing Demo Program (AMDP) project at no cost and discover how this technology can best fit their business model.
From a production standpoint, the AMDP program will focus primarily on printing materials for:
- Powder bed fusion
- Direct energy deposition (DED)
- Electron Beam (BE)
- Cold spray parts
- Engineering-grade building materials such as:
- Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
- Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI)
- Nylon and fiber reinforced plastics
Please note that the AMDP program offers one no-cost print per applicant and a CAD file will be required from the applicant to facilitate printing specifications.
AMDP: Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the AMDP program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Companies must be NRC-IRAP eligible with a referral from their local ITA. If you do not have an ITA representative, please refer to the NRC-IRAP Advisory Services.
- Companies must have a CAD file of the part/coupon they want fabricated already made and available.
Preference may be given to organizations in the aerospace, medical, automotive, and oil and gas sectors. If your organization meets these eligibility criteria, you can apply for your free 3D printed material here.
AMDP: Deadline to Apply
The AMDP program is accepting applicants on a continual basis until funding has been fully committed.
What Is the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)?
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) is a Canadian government funding program designed to help Canadian innovators fast-track their research and development goals. Developing organizations and establishing process improvements are the key aims and most likely to receive research funding contributions throughthe IRAP. Large-scale technology adoption projects which may lead to new systems are also acceptable.
Read more about the NRC-IRAP to understand the full scope of funding amounts and eligibility requirements today.
Government Funding for Manufacturing Companies
Lastly, if your organization falls within the manufacturing industry and is looking to expand through research development, hiring and training or other practices, please consider government funding as a vehicle to get there.
To read more about manufacturing financial support from the Canadian government, reach out to a Mentor Works representative today. For more information on current funding programs, visit the government funding directory for Manufacturing.