3D Laser Scanning – Innovating for the Times

In tough economic times, design and engineering budgets are tight. And, for small- to medium-sized enterprises, the budget may be non-existent. Still, for companies to remain competitive and stay in business there is a certain amount of this activity that must continue to take place. So, it is not surprising that manufacturers are turning to 3D laser scanning to create or redesign products and get them to market “better, cheaper, and faster.”

Even during this recession, the 3D laser scanning technology market has continued to grow. Why? The hardware and software is becoming more affordable to more companies, possibly your competition, who is buying it because they want to survive and thrive and stay ahead of you!

Three-dimensional laser scanning is a shape capture technology -- a nondestructive optical technique that quickly and accurately captures organic shapes or highly non-prismatic shapes. Laser scanning is not a particularly new technology. Lasers have been used in measurement for 20 or 30 years. What has changed in recent years is the capacity for collecting and manipulating large amounts of data, faster, in a way that is more familiar, and using some of the resources we already have.

• For reverse engineering to provide accurate manufacturing design data
• For part & tool inspection
• For product redesign and analysis
• For rapid prototyping
• For packaging design
• For virtual models for marketing and consumer testing
• In cultural preservation or re-creation of historical monuments or relics
• In science and medicine for orthotics and prosthetics
• In entertainment to create 3D animation or video game avatars
• In transportation for aftermarket parts
• In architecture and construction for design and renovation of buildings

… to mention just a few.

Better, cheaper, faster? You might add “greener.” Here is yet another reason to use 3D laser scanning. With the ever-increasing awareness of environmental and ecological issues, consumers are demanding more eco-friendly products. As this interest in green products continues to grow, there is also an increased demand for companies to respond by redesigning existing products to incorporate more environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. If you can do this – get your product out the door better, faster, cheaper AND greener -- the more globally competitive you will be.

Job Opening

The Industrial Technology Centre has a technical position open within the Engineering & Technical Services group.  We are looking for a Calibration / Mechanical Test Technician who would be responsible for the performance of standard calibrations and standard tests on client projects. 

Post-secondary training in a mechanical calibration or engineering technology related program is required.  For further information on the position, or to apply, please send contact information along with a resume to tech@itc.mb.ca.

Made in Canada

As of July 1st, 2010 new regulations and labeling requirements now prohibit Canadian companies from using the Made in Canada label as we know it today.

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters wants you to come up with a better idea. They believe that Canadian manufacturers have enough challenges ahead and new labeling regulations are not what we need right now.

CME has come up with new label designs and new messages that they feel represent Canadian products sold domestically and they want you to help choose which one YOU feel stands out and would use on your products.

By giving your oppinion, your company will be entered into the "Made in Canada" Ultimate Marketing Package contest with a chance to win a marketing Campagin valued at $30,000.00.

Enter and View contest details Here.

20/20 article: Endangered Made in Canada brand destined for extinction here at home

Technology Upgrade Plan

Manitoba manufacturing and advanced technology sectors have been successful to date in adapting to a changing business environment. Nevertheless, they are facing significant challenges.

These challenges include a changing world economy with increasing global competition, particularly from emerging economies such as China and India, the rapid and substantial rise in the Canadian dollar, increasing commodity prices, an aging infrastructure, shortages of skills, climate change, and creating sustainable development.

This changing environment threatens the ability of existing industry to compete globally and may result in lost opportunity for growth in new industry sectors.

The Industrial Technology Centre helps Manitoba manufacturing and advanced technology sectors meet some of these challenges.

ITC’s primary role in supporting these companies is in delivering engineering and technical services and helping them apply advanced technologies, so that they can improve processes and increase productivity.

In April 2010, the Manitoba Government announced an investment of more then $1 million to support ITC’s work to provide innovative engineering and technical services that helps Manitoba companies grow.

In order to continue to provide a satisfactory level of support to Manitoba industry, over the next 5 years ITC will invest in the renewal of infrastructure to maintain its current service range and to provide for new technologies and service introductions.

ITC is positioned to become the “go-to” technology resource for Manitoba industry by  leveraging our existing relationships with clients and other stakeholders, knowledge of the technology landscape, and partnering with technology providers.