Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced $5 million in support to the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre (OIC) to develop a $20 million strategic Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub (ADMH) over the next 5 years to commercialize new applications in the medical and aerospace markets using additive manufacturing technologies.
Additive manufacturing is a set of technologies that build 3D objects by adding layers of various materials, such as plastics and metals to create solid three-dimensional objects. These technologies have many new and emerging commercial applications that represent growth opportunities for both existing and new start-up Canadian companies.
The medical and aerospace sectors represent the markets of highest potential to adopt and profit from additive manufacturing. Medical Devices and specialized aerospace components have many similarities in terms of significant investment into R&D, rigorous quality controls, high standards, materials, liability and long service life.
WD’s investment will support the purchase of metal additive and digital subtractive manufacturing equipment by OIC, who, through it’s new division, Precision ADM, will work with a variety of stakeholders to invest in the Hub to accelerate Canada’s adoption and commercialization of additively manufactured products.
This funding will stimulate additional private investment into the Hub. Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, a world-renowned additive manufacturing company, will establish its first Canadian manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Magellan Aerospace, an aerospace contract manufacturing company, has committed significant R&D investment in the Hub to develop core capabilities in aerospace metal additive manufacturing.
Watch a highlight video of the event here.
Quick Facts
- OIC is a spin-out, non-profit corporation organization, from the Concordia Joint Replacement Group located at the Concordia Hip and Knee Institute.
- With previous WD support OIC focuses on evaluation and commercialization of medical devices through internal biomedical engineering and strategic collaboration with post-secondary institutions and industry.
- Precision ADM is a division of OIC focused on advanced digital manufacturing for medical and aerospace applications, through additive and automated subtractive processes.
- OIC Precision Labs (a division of OIC) acts as a non-medical service provider for advanced accuracy measurement services to meet the requirements of manufacturers, researchers and industry professionals across multiple sectors.
- It is estimated that the global additive manufacturing industry is expected to surpass $21 billion by 2021.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to ensuring Western Canadians have access to innovative technology and skills training opportunities. The Orthopaedic Innovation Centre will establish a unique Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub, benefiting the medical device, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors.”
– The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification
“Additive manufacturing allows engineers and surgeons at OIC to design medical devices that will also allow for patient specific solutions in ways that were not possible with conventional manufacturing methods. The Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub is a unique opportunity for OIC and its strategic partners to create a factory of the future. Partners including Stratasys, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, Magellan Aerospace, EOS of North America, Western Economic Diversification, and the Province of Manitoba will accelerate the path of commercializing additively manufactured end products made from specialized metal powders and polymer materials for both the medical and aerospace industries in Manitoba and the rest of Canada.”
– Martin Petrak, President & CEO, Orthopaedic Innovation Centre, Inc.
“Setting up strategic partnerships globally to advance the adoption of Additive Manufacturing technologies is something we have done successfully for over ten years. Creating partnerships in Canada with organizations like the OIC will help expand our business, and will help fuel economic growth in the region.”
– Jeff Hanson, Director of the Global Manufacturing Network at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, Inc.
“Stratasys Direct Manufacturing aims to expand access to 3D printing in and across Canada. By establishing local presence in Winnipeg and leveraging strategic partnerships with organizations like the Orthopedic Innovation Center, we look forward to driving the innovation and commercialization of new applications in the medical and aerospace markets using additive technologies.”
– Jim Bartel, Senior Vice President, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, Inc.
“As Magellan Aerospace positions itself for the future, increasing our additive manufacturing capabilities is seen as a priority for growth. Magellan is exploring a potential partnership with the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre and, in investigating areas of mutual interest in these technologies, will help lead Canada in additive manufacturing innovation.”
– Don Boitson, Vice President and General Manager, Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg
“Partnering with the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre allows us to bring industrial 3D printing to a team of renowned surgeons, scientists, engineers, and technologists to offer innovative research and products for both medical and aerospace applications. These types of relationships are scalable across all of Canada and provide opportunities that will enhance our world.”
– Andrew Snow, Senior Vice President, EOS of North America, Inc.
“The Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub is an absolute game changer for how western Canadian manufacturers will create 21st century products and increase their global competitiveness. CME has been privileged to play a small role in seeing this facility come to fruition. ”
– Ron Koslowsky, Regional Vice President, CME Manitoba
“Winnipeg has established itself as a centre for advanced manufacturing and the development of the Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub in Winnipeg will significantly augment our manufacturing capabilities. The Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub will lead the growth of our manufacturing capabilities in the rapidly emerging demands for high value 3D manufactured parts and the cross sectoral application of this technology from medical implants to aerospace. This Hub elevates Winnipeg’s position as the Canadian leader in R&D and applied digital manufacturing technology.”
– Greg Dandewich, Senior Vice President, Economic Development Winnipeg, Inc.
Additional Links
Contacts
Dale Kellington
VP Business Development
Orthopaedic Innovation Centre Inc.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: 204-926-1297
Email: dkellington@orthoinno.com
