Injection molding with laser-micromachined molds to fabricate biomimetic flow enhancing polymer parts

With this collaborative project we plan to proof that non-stick, self-emptying containers can be produced through molding the polymer with a laser-micromachined steel mold. Imparting a Nature-inspired functional microstructure through laser-machining onto metals is a well understood method developed in Prof. Kietzig’s lab. By using a laser-structured metal mold to form plastics, we will imprint […]

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Stability of Geobag Elements for Riverbank Protection

Riverbank erosion is a major threat to millions of Bangladeshi citizens who live in the vicinity of the country’s rivers, causing loss of life, land and livelihood. Sand-filled geotextile bags (geobags) are a solution to this problem and are widely used across Bangladesh to guide river flow and redirect channels in the wide braided rivers, […]

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Magnetorheological Fluid Actuators for various industries

Exonetik designs, develops and manufactures magnetorheological (MR) actuator systems that enable novel functionalities to satisfy unmet customer needs. In collaboration with Exonetik engineers, interns will participate in the design, development and testing of customized magnetorheological actuators for three specific applications in the automotive, manufacturing and health sectors. The expected results of these subprojects will be […]

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Towards a Universal Polymer Crosslinker

A crosslink is a chemical bond that links one polymer chain to another. Adding crosslinks can enhance the strength of polymers, and can improve performance at high temperatures. In this collaboration between Epic Ventures Inc and the Wulff Research Group at the University of Victoria, we are inventing a new family of chemical crosslinkers that […]

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Scheduling for Meal-Kit Industry

The partner is experiencing difficulties in finding an efficient solution for planning and scheduling the production in meal processing plants. The challenges involve rapid degradation of fresh food ingredients, a wide variety of products and demand which cannot be predicted in advance. The partner spends a lot of time on tactical management of business activities. […]

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Development of Machining Strategies for Low Machinability Powder Metallurgy Ni-Alloys

Nickel based alloys manufactured via powder metallurgy (PM) are the next generation of materials that offer great service performance and increased efficiency of gas turbine engines. This class of material is characterized by their poor machinability. Additionally, limited information is known about the integrity of machined surfaces; thus limiting its acceptance by the industry. This […]

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Mean flow stress modeling towards development of high strength steel

Hot rolling is one of the most significant processes during modern steel production. Complex metallurgical phenomena could take place during and after the application of high pressure and temperature, which largely affect the product properties. A simulation or model that could predict these microscopic events real time is extremely beneficial in the production. Therefore, the […]

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Order picking optimization at a pickup-van storage manufacturing warehouse

Ranger Design is a manufacturer of van storage units and accessories. Since order picking activities are considered to be an integral part of its warehouse operations and perceived to be conducive to significant improvements, re-engineering and optimization of the order picking process are in order. As such, the company is looking for an opportunity to […]

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oN DuTy! – Innovative Program on NonDestructive Testing (NDT)

NonDestructive Testing (NDT) is a key discipline in major industrial sectors to ensure quality and safety. Several methods are regularly employed in areas ranging from x-ray or ultrasound testing of metallic or composite components in the automotive and aerospace industries, to the inspection of petrochemical ducts using eddy currents or acoustical emissions. The present proposal […]

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Recycling of Urea-Formaldehyde Resin-Bonded Particleboard and MDF

The large global production quantity of particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) creates equal quantity of particleboard and MDF waste after completing their service life. Given increasing demand for green products and the new government’s environmental policies, it is urgent to develop technologies to recycle these used composite panels into valuable raw materials for manufacturing […]

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Thermally Compensated Fabry-Perot MEMS Pressure Sensor

Pressure sensing during plastic injection molding is critical to the quality of manufactured consumer and commercial goods and need to be able to operate up to temperatures of 350°C and pressures up to 10,000 psi. In this case, pressure is measured using a membrane to infer displacement and depending on the conditions, the membrane may […]

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