UNB home to new 3D metal printing centre for marina and defence industries

The Univ of New Brunswick is capitalizing on innovation offset obligations of two major companies to establish Canada’s first research centre for 3D metal printing for the defence and marine industries. The Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is being established with $2.7 million from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as part of its industrial and regional benefits obligation related to the CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Project. Irving Shipbuilding Inc is contributing $750,000 as part of its Value Proposition commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy for the navy and coast guard. As of the agreement, UNB is partnering with community colleges in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM) — a Saint John NB-based company providing custom machining and fabrication and technical services. The centre now has nearly $5 million in commitments and expects that amount to triple as more partners come on board. Its mission as Canada’s first 3D metal printing centre for manufacturing parts for the marine sector is to build up core expertise in 3D technology by developing new manufacturing methods, procedures and training programs.