CCMRD increases activity with the launch of two new projects
The Composites Innovation Centre (CIC) has been selected as the project manager for the two most recently launched Canadian Composites Manufacturing R&D Inc. (CCMRD) projects. These projects represent the first phases of two large multi-party collaborative pre-competitive projects involving a minimum of 2 and 5 CCMRD member companies respectively. One project will develop and demonstrate the benefits of advanced composite process control founded on the application of advanced sensors, data fusion and simulation tools to reduce risk, scrap rates, lead times and processing cycle times especially for new complex composite components. The second project will investigate the feasibility of several recently developed high temperature composite materials for use on specific aerospace applications of interest. On both projects significant project work will be completed within Canadian companies, especially Small to Medium Enterprises, supporting their development of expertise in these emerging segments of the aerospace composite manufacturing market.
Information on CCMRD can be obtained from: www.ccmrd.ca
Project Focus
The EcoCycle continuing to garner praise
The CIC attended the BIO International Convention in Washington DC in June as part of a Team Manitoba approach in the Canadian Pavilion. The BIO event is the world’s largest industrial biotechnology gathering, attracting some 15,000 professionals, scientists and politicians annually. The convention is targeted specifically at decision-makers and the development of business linkages internationally. The CIC used the event to present the EcoCycle-1, developed with Chopper College of Minneapolis, MN, showcasing Manitoba’s expertise and leadership in the growing area of biocomposites technologies. Specific technologies demonstrated were the use on natural fibre reinforcements to form the fuel tank and rear fender panel as well as an E-85 ethanol fuelled engine. A highlight of the convention was the official unveiling of the EcoCycle-1 by Minister Dave Chomiak (Innovation, Energy and Mines, Province of Manitoba) with attendance from the Government of Manitoba, the State of Minnesota, the CIC and Chopper College.
“The key achievement”, said Simon Potter of the Composites Innovation Centre regarding development of the EcoCycle-1, “is in how rapidly the organization was able to take advantage of an opportunity to develop a unique, world-leading product.”
The development of the EcoCycle-1 was an international partnership that went from initial discussions to completed vehicle in less than 6 months. It is a great demonstration of the power of the CIC model in formulating an idea, finding an international partner, obtaining the necessary government support and pulling staff together from across the entire organization in a very focused and effective manner to deliver on-time and on-budget against a very challenging external schedule. Financial support to make this possible was received from the Province of Manitoba’s Department of Innovation, Energy and Mines
