Lambton College's Bluewater Technology Access Centre has opened an Additive Manufacturing Lab.
A new 3D printer has been acquired that uses selective laser sintering technology to produce polymer products directly from computer data.
BTAC Director Dr. Maike Luiken says they work with local companies to build prototypes, using the new technology to support innovation.
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The centre can now offer 3D computer-aided design, digital scanning capabilities and 3D printing to companies, increasing collaborative projects between the college and local industry.
Dr. Luiken says additive manufacturing allows just in time manufacturing and she doesn't think 3D printing will replace mass manufacturing of parts, at least not in the short term.
The printer was purchased through grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
