Research Overview

The overall objective of the NSERC HI-AM Network is to provide realistic and transferable solutions for the foremost challenges preventing industry from converting their conventional manufacturing methods into metal AM processes. Attaining this goal through HI-AM’s research activities will:

  • Secure Canadian leadership in the AM sector.

  • Develop, optimize, and implement new feedstock materials, AM process models and simulations, monitoring sensors and closed-loop control systems, and novel AM processes/products.

  • Forge lasting relationships between academic institutions, public and private industrial organizations, local and federal governments, and international collaborators.

HI-AM researchers and their partners are working to improve the quality of additively manufactured parts, process reliability and performance, cost efficiency, and scalability for the following standard metal AM processes:

  • Directed Energy Deposition (DED)

  • Powder-Bed Fusion (PBF)

  • Binder Jetting (BJ)

The research program proposed by HI-AM is working toward these goals within 4 themes, through 14 projects and 39 sub-projects with objectives directly relevant to the research needs of our partner organizations and the research scopes proposed by NSERC in its strategic target areas. These integrative, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research themes include:

  • Theme 1: Material Development Tailored with Optimum Process Parameters

  • Theme 2: Advanced Process Modeling and Coupled Component/Process Design

  • Theme 3: In-Line Monitoring/Metrology and Intelligent Process Control Strategies

  • Theme 4: Innovative AM Processes and AM-made Products

HI-AM uses an adaptive management approach, wherein knowledge from each theme will be incorporated within all other themes, in order to achieve the Network goals.