How much funding can be received?

Fee-for-service facilities for businesses in the aluminium transformation industry to improve their manufacturing processes and make lighter, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly products.

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Project Eligibility Summary: The NRC's Aluminium Technology Centre offers R&D facilities and expertise to collaborate on projects in the aluminium transformation industry, specifically focusing on improving manufacturing processes for lighter and more environmentally friendly products.

Research and development collaborations in aluminium transformation processes
Technological solutions for assembly process development and aluminium forming
Integration of scientific infrastructure for adhesive assembly, welding techniques, and metallurgical and chemical characterization

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$50,000

Calgary

Create sustainable packaging solutions using recycled aluminium to reduce waste and improve recyclability

$45,000

Vancouver

Design lightweight aluminium bicycle frames to improve performance and reduce environmental impact

$50,000

Montreal

Develop new aluminium welding techniques to enhance durability and reduce manufacturing costs

$75,000

Edmonton

Integrate advanced aluminium forming and assembly processes for construction materials to enhance structural integrity

$90,000

Ottawa

Develop aluminium forming technologies for lightweight aerospace components to increase fuel efficiency

$60,000

Toronto

Establish adhesive assembly processes for aluminium automotive parts to increase efficiency and reduce weight

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Eligible companies for this grant are those involved in the aluminium transformation sector and seeking to improve their manufacturing processes, develop lighter products, and enhance environmental sustainability. These companies can benefit from access to cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, expertise in assembly process development, and aluminium forming technologies.

Companies in the aluminium transformation industry
Companies aiming to make lighter and more environmentally friendly products
Companies interested in improving manufacturing processes

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Eligible projects for this grant involve collaborations and developments in the aluminium transformation industry focusing on enhancing manufacturing processes, and improving product performance and sustainability. These activities span from assembly technologies to characterizing the mechanical and environmental performance of aluminium products.

Projects utilizing adhesive assembly, including the testing of environmental sustainability and mechanical strength in bonded joints.
Initiatives incorporating advanced welding techniques such as laser welding, friction stir welding, and robotic arc welding for large aluminium structures.
Research into aluminium forming processes, including hot forming, hydroforming, and extrusion, especially those that contribute to the automotive sector.
Development and optimization of semi-solid casting processes for producing high-integrity parts.
Advanced characterization of aluminium materials using high-resolution SEM, optical microscopy, and 3D X-ray tomography.
Projects aimed at improving the durability and corrosion resistance of aluminium structures through surface characterization and environmental testing.
Collaborative research forming part of the METALTec industrial R&D group focusing on lightweight vehicles through aluminium components.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to R&D and technological advancements in the aluminium transformation sector.

Costs associated with utilizing NRC's specialized R&D facilities and equipment for aluminium transformation research.
Expenses for collaborative research contracts, service agreements, and licensing arrangements with the NRC.
Costs of accessing expert advice from NRC's scientific and technical personnel.
Materials and supplies necessary for conducting research and development activities.
Fees for utilizing advanced testing and metallurgical characterization services.

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There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria are as follows:

Relevance of the project to the objectives of the Aluminium Technology Centre
Technical merit and innovation of the proposed research
Potential impact on the aluminium transformation industry
Quality of the research team and their expertise
Feasibility and likelihood of project success
Alignment with industry needs and priorities

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Contact
- Contact the NRC's Aluminium Technology Centre to discuss project needs and evaluate the suitability of the facility and its expertise.
- Engage with NRC scientists to align your R&D challenges with the centre’s capabilities.
Step 2: Develop a Proposal
- Collaborate with the NRC’s experts to develop a detailed research proposal that outlines objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
- Incorporate any required technical or commercialization insights from NRC specialists into the proposal.
Step 3: Submit Documentation
- Compile all necessary documents including the research proposal, organizational information, and any relevant technical reports or data that support the project.
- Ensure that all documentation meets the NRC application specifications and requirements.
Step 4: Formal Application Submission
- Submit your application and documentation to the NRC via the designated submission platform or contact point provided.
- Adhere to any submission deadlines specified by the NRC.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of receipt of your application.
- Follow up with NRC representatives for any additional information or clarification required post-submission.

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The NRC Aluminium Technology Centre offers various benefits to grant recipients:

Access to a large-scale laboratory equipped with advanced technological and research infrastructures.
Direct collaboration with specialists in aluminium transformation and manufacturing processes.
Opportunities for industry partnerships to leverage shared expertise in the aluminium transformation industry.
Support in developing and testing innovative manufacturing solutions using cutting-edge technologies like semisolid casting and hydroforming.
Opportunity to join the METALTec industrial R&D group, which is focused on vehicle weight reduction through aluminium or multi-material components.
Facilitation of technology transfer through collaborations, consortia, or licensing agreements.

grant_single_labels|documents

NRC — Aluminium Technology Centre

Apply to this program

Grant Summary

The NRC's Aluminium Technology Centre collaborates with clients in the aluminium transformation industry to enhance manufacturing processes, creating lighter, cost-effective, and eco-friendly products. The center offers cutting-edge scientific infrastructure for aluminium forming and assembly process development.

Detailed Explanation of the Grant

The Aluminium Technology Centre at the NRC specializes in supporting the aluminium transformation sector by providing advanced technological solutions and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The center focuses on adhesive assembly, welding techniques (laser, friction stir, robotic arc), semisolid casting, forming, and extrusion, enabling evaluation of mechanical strength, environmental sustainability, and metallurgical properties.

With a large-scale laboratory housing robotic welding cells, a friction stir welding machine, and forming presses, the center excels in optimizing the welding of complex pieces, particularly aluminium components. It also delves into adhesive joining processes, utilizing cutting-edge technologies like atmospheric plasma treatment, IR spectroscopy, and DSC to enhance bonding characteristics and durability.

The facility boasts a variety of mechanical testing equipment for comprehensive testing to industry standards, including fatigue, impact, and creep mode testing. Utilizing predictive modeling and fracture testing, the center has developed a holistic approach to assessing the durability of structures assembled with adhesives, ensuring reliability under various environmental conditions.

In the realm of aluminium forming, the Centre focuses on processes applicable to the transportation industry such as castings, hot forming, hydroforming, and extrusion. Researchers have perfected the SEED casting process for cost-effective, high-integrity castings, ideal for automotive applications. Additionally, the center excels in aluminium hydroforming and sheet hot-forming, catering to manufacturers requiring complex shapes and lightweight parts.

The Centre's expertise extends to comprehensive characterization and analytical equipment, including SEM, optical microscopes, hardness testers, and 3D X-ray inspection systems. This suite of equipment allows for detailed examination of material properties, defects, and geometric conformity, essential for ensuring product quality and performance.

Collaborating with the NRC's Aluminium Technology Centre offers access to a diverse array of R&D facilities, specialized expertise, and opportunities for technology transfer. Through consortia, research contracts, and licensing agreements, the NRC tailors solutions to meet the specific R&D needs of clients, fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness in the aluminium transformation industry.