OSPE - The Voice - Winter 2019 - 21

INSIGHTS FROM OSPE TASK FORCE MEMBERS

1. The use of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in
manufacturing floors
2. The additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies for
high value production
Recent developments of IIoT systems have made it possible to
revamp traditional manufacturing floors with smart devices
and improve overall efficiency. The IIoT is a network-based
integration of sensors and other smart devices directly with the
manufacturing production lines and personnel. These sensors
and smart devices would allow the tracking of valuable data
such as sound frequencies, certain vibrations, and general
temperature of various machines to report any anomalies
that they observe. With the large amount of data collected
from the targeted manufacturing process, predictive analytics
using machine learning and AI can be created to eliminate
bottlenecks, report service requests, predict potential machine
breakdowns, and therefore dramatically increase production
efficiency.
Through additive manufacturing, the need for costly molds
and dyes would be eliminated, which would lead to significant
cost savings. Also, rapid prototyping was made possible using
3D printing technologies, making computer rendered designs
and 3D structures easy to manufacture. In terms of additive
manufacturing integrated with high-value production in
advanced manufacturing, aerospace industries demonstrated
clear examples of how the technologies can be adopted to
produce high-value critical aerospace components. In 2013,
NASA was able to use selective laser melting technology
(SLM) to print a rocket injector that generates the adequate
amount of thrust for flight. In 2015, the US Federal Aviation
Association allowed 3D printed components to be utilized
on a commercial jet engine, and since then, many critical
components on commercial passenger jets were produced
via this technology. This type of rapid prototyping allows
companies to not only create prototypes quickly, but also can
lead to fast production of customized high-value components
in several industries.

KEY ISSUES & CONCERNS

Job cuts due to improved efficiencies
Development of AM technologies are proceeding at a rapid
pace and with it, there may be a paradigm shift that potentially
can lead to replacement of skilled workers in manufacturing
with robotics and automated production lines. Automation,
robotics, control systems, machine learning, and AI may not
be some of the key words that one might think of when it
comes to manufacturing, but the reality is that the Canadian
manufacturing industry is transforming into a blend of
advanced technology with the traditional manufacturing floor
to create the Factory 4.0.

Lack of availability of skilled labour for AM
A highly skilled, well-trained, and capable workforce is
exceptionally important in working with the AM processes.
Without this adequate workforce, AM would not deliver the
potential benefits as expected. Large firms have expressed their
concerns about the potential lack of skilled labour targeted
for advanced manufacturing in Canada, and this stems from
the low availability of appropriate resources for training and
education in this field.
High upfront capital investments
There is a large upfront cost to businesses if AM technologies
are being implemented. To realize its full potential, AM
technologies need to be adopted in a fitting production
environment that can bring significant cost-savings in the
long term. Companies should think about AM adoption not
only based on its short term cost savings potential, but also the
long term impact with the potential shifts in the supply chain
needed to further justify benefits.

OPPORTUNITIES

Provide better training programs in the field of AM
A skilled workforce is one of Canada's global competitive
advantages. However, the development of AM technologies
will create a demand for new engineers to be more involved
with manufacturing in order to gain hands-on experience
with the technological advances in the manufacturing sector.
Additionally, the manufacturing stream curriculum for
universities and colleges will have to be readily updated to
reflect the rapid changes in the manufacturing industry. Better
training and education programs surrounding the rapidly
evolving manufacturing industry would allow young people
with engineering and technological mindsets to explore the
manufacturing option, and would better equip them with the
skills they need to succeed in an AM setting.
Retraining for the traditional manufacturing workforce
Retraining programs will ensure current employees retain their
valuable manufacturing experience while acquiring new skills
and knowledge for the rapidly transforming AM technologies,
empowering them to better utilize of the AM technologies on
the manufacturing floor.
Government subsidies to offset high initial investment
Both the federal and provincial governments have tax programs
in place to encourage the adoption of AM technologies for
Ontario businesses, and as more companies demonstrate the
potential benefits that can be realized through the utilization
of AM technologies, the government should provide additional
AM-focused programs with potential tax rebates and upfront
grants to enhance their competitiveness both domestically and
internationally.
Winter 2020

THE VOICE

21
OSPE - The Voice - Winter 2019

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