We are honored to share the fifth and final progress report of the NSERC Network for Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing (HI-AM). This report provides an overview of the activities undertaken between January 2022 and June 2024, along with a summary of all research outcomes achieved over the lifespan of the Network.
As we approach the culmination of the NSERC HI-AM Network, it’s a moment for reflection and celebration. For seven years, we’ve been dedicated to fulfilling the Network’s core objectives. These include training skilled experts in additive manufacturing (AM), conducting innovative multidisciplinary research across the entire metal AM workflow, and building strong bonds between academic and industry partners. As we near the end, we can reflect on our accomplishments with pride, knowing they will continue to benefit AM in Canada and elsewhere.
The initial proposal for HI-AM Network outlined a plan to train 78 highly qualified personnel (HQP) at different stages, from undergraduate co-ops to postdoctoral fellows. However, the outcome exceeded these projections, resulting in the training of over 140 individuals, including HQP supported through grants external to HI-AM. Each HQP played a pivotal role in realizing the Network’s achievements. Additionally, a substantial majority of HQP have integrated into the Canadian workforce or are currently in the process of doing so, thereby imparting their expertise in AM to the industry – a vital contribution that fosters innovation and sustains growth.
As a result of this program, we have achieved significant research milestones across 39 projects. Notably, these included the development of process-property models for over twenty novel alloys, the advancement of two cost-effective powder atomization techniques, the patenting of metrology technologies tailored for various AM platforms, and the application of advanced machine learning and modeling techniques to enhance the quality of AM systems. These accomplishments represent just a glimpse into the impact of our research and training efforts. For a comprehensive view of the Network’s outcomes, we invite you to read the present report.
Collaboratively, the HI-AM researchers and HQP have contributed over 470 articles, presentations, posters, and technical reports for various journals and conferences. Additionally, we are proud to highlight other achievements such as the filing of eight invention disclosures and four patents, the establishment of three startup companies, and the submission of two ASTM/ISO standard and best practice drafts, with one already in press.
Our growth and success have been greatly bolstered by the invaluable partnerships we have forged with both industrial and government entities. These collaborations have not only enriched our research endeavors but have also laid the foundation for a robust and enduring ecosystem of cooperation within the field of AM in Canada. It’s with immense pride that we announce the continuation of this collaborative spirit through our new initiative, HI-AM 2.0. Building upon our past achievements, this new project aims to further advance AM research, innovation, and industry integration across the nation. Stay tuned for more information about the HI-AM 2.0 initiative in the coming months.
We express our sincere appreciation to the faculty members, researchers, and students from the University of Waterloo, Dalhousie University, McGill University, the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, Université Lavel, and the University of Toronto, who led our research programs. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to their dedicated administrative staff who supported the smooth functioning of the Network. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of distinguished business leaders and scholars who served on the various governance committees of the Network.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this report, and we hope you find it useful. If you need any further information, please contact our Network Manager, Farzad Liravi, at fliravi@uwaterloo.ca.
Ralph Resnick, Chair of the Board of Directors
Ehsan Toyserkani, Network Director