Sustainable Scale-up in Metal Additive Manufacturing
The Consortium for Sustainable Scale-up in Additive Manufacturing (CSS-MAM) is a pioneering initiative in metal additive manufacturing (AM) R&D in Canada, as it allows for direct industry access to advanced facilities and talent at the University of Waterloo to achieve timely, agile, and cost-effective solutions that promote business growth and job creation in various sectors including aerospace, automotive, and nuclear energy.
Objectives
The CSS-MAM was established under the leadership of Waterloo’s Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing lab (MSAM) to leverage its status as a global AM powerhouse and foster impactful industry and community partnerships. The CSS-MAM mandate is to address the critical needs of Ontario’s manufacturing sector, including:
- Clean economic growth (reduced waste/CO2, sustainable materials, improved performance)
- Industrial transition to scale-up (digital manufacturing, tech adoption, de-risk product R&D, commercialization)
- Domestic sustainable supply-chain clusters (localized manufacturing, de-risk supply chains, sustainable practices)
- Entrepreneurial growth (support for start-ups & SMEs)
- Re-skilling and training workforce (industry training, engage rural/indigenous communities)
Key Stakeholders and Impact
The primary audiences are Ontario’s manufacturing sectors that seek to partner in the Consortium to de-risk R&D and explore:
- high-value digital manufacturing technology adoption for business growth,
- clean manufacturing technologies and sustainable domestic supply chains,
- industrial transition to electrification (automotive, aviation) and nuclear,
- corporate growth and job creation by maturing concept-prototype-product iteration,
- engage, train/re-skill, and diversify the manufacturing workforce,
- empower entrepreneurship, outreach to rural and other under-served communities.
Metal Additive Manufacturing Voucher Program
A key objective of the CSS-MAM is to foster a more equitable and innovative business landscape by offering equal opportunities and support to Ontario SMEs, particularly those from underserved and rural communities. To achieve this, the CSS-MAM funds a voucher program that helps eligible organizations gain their first exposure to metal AM by providing access to advanced AM services. Each business can apply for one voucher per year (valued up to $7,500), which can be used for a variety of services, including:
Diverse AM Solutions
- Directed energy deposition
- Powder bed fusion
- Binder jetting
- Fused filament fabrication
Diverse Alloy Families
- Ferrous alloys
- Titanium alloys
- Aluminum alloys
- Copper alloys
- Superalloys (Ni, Co-Cr)
Design Assistance
- Design optimization
- Topology optimization
- Lattice structures
Characterization
- Metallography
- 3D scanning
- SEM and microCT scanning
- Tensile and hardness testing
Training
- Customized workshops
- Hands-on training
Consultation
- Printing technology relevant to application(s)
- Material selection strategies
- Planning for R&D cycles
Team
The R&D will be led by Dr. Ehsan Toyserkani and Dr. Mihaela Vlasea, supported by research assistants dedicated to metal AM research, alongside over 65 post-doctoral fellows, research associates, graduate students, interns, and support staff. MSAM also collaborates with more than 20 faculty members from the University of Waterloo, bringing interdisciplinary expertise. The CSS-MAM team will focus on four core objectives:
- collaborative industry R&D and outreach,
- development, support, and delivery of education and training programs,
- empowering domestic IP development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship, and
- public outreach and community support.
