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Article originally featured in Chronicle Herald

There’s a reason it’s called disruptive technology.

3D metal printing is turning mechanical design and manufacturing upside down, says Abid Ahmad.

“It is a game changer,” said Ahmad, the academic chair of mechanical and industrial technologies at Nova Scotia Community College’s Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth.

“We have to retrain our brains to think of engineering design in a very different way.”

The college, which already had a ceramic and plastic 3D printer, got a 3D metal printer in January. It uses metal powders, advanced software and laser technology to create functional metal parts that can be used by the aerospace, shipbuilding and biomedical industries.

“We are the first college in Canada to have this technology,” Ahmad said.

He was among experts speaking Wednesday at an advanced manufacturing conference at the college. Called Build it Smart, Design it Smarter, it was hosted by the college’s applied research division.

Students and faculty are working with partners in industry, business and other academic institutions to use the printer to solve real-life problems. They are starting work with a company that produces engine turbochargers to create a metal blade component.

They are also working with the Canadian navy to find a way to create a valve seat used in naval frigates.

“The applications are endless,” said Ahmad.

“One hundred per cent of our projects are industry based. In fact, we can’t keep up with the interest.”

The printer’s price tag was just over $1 million, but the college acquired it for about $750,000 with an educational discount, he said.

Metals such as steel, aluminum and titanium — all in powder form — are used in the device.

Ahmad showed off a metal bracket fresh from the printer. It was created using one-third the material that would be normally required in traditional manufacturing.

“There is no wastage. It is also a very green technology,” he said.

Creativity and innovation employing these new technologies are critical for Canada to stay competitive, Ahmad said.

“You have to have people who are willing to learn, and you have to have people who are willing to teach.”

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