Development of a Prototype System for Suspending Ferromagnetic Particles in the Bio-Based FlowCast during Thick Pours - EcoPoxy Inc.

开发用于在厚浇注期间在生物基 FlowCast 中悬浮铁磁颗粒的原型系统 - EcoPoxy Inc.

• 批准号: 566951-2021
• 负责人: Potter, Simon
• 金额: $ 1.82万
• 依托单位: Red River College Polytechnic
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=724008
• 关键词: Development; Prototype; System; Suspending; Ferromagnetic

EcoPoxy Inc. is a Manitoba-based company and the producer of the FlowCast bio-based epoxy resin made from renewable resources and used for a wide range of applications as a preferred alternative to the epoxy resins from fossil fuels. EcoPoxy also produces other resins including the SnowWhite, UVPoxy, GelCoat. EcoTrowel and BioPoxy 36. The FlowCast is a clear liquid glass-looking epoxy resin used specifically to build furniture but has also found applications in encapsulating objects, wall arts, sporting equipment and other casting projects. As part of the company's effort to significantly widen the areas of application of FlowCast through thoughtful designs, EcoPoxy is in the process of developing a system for suspending metallic particles in the resin during casting. The suspended metallic particles would form various patterns for an improved aesthetic appeal, thereby significantly widening the applications of the resin, especially in furniture manufacturing. EcoPoxy has taken initial steps in identifying some ferromagnetic particles that may be used. However, there is currently no manufacturing process or system for dispersing the particles for specific patterns and suspending the particles in the resin during the 20+ hours required for curing. In addition, there is a significant knowledge gap in how this may be done. Therefore, EcoPoxy requested to collaborate with the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) at Red River College to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of potential technologies and develop a prototype system for suspending ferromagnetic particles in FlowCast (and other epoxies) while it cures, leaving behind a visible pattern. The approach to deliver this work would include the study of magnetic systems and arrays that can effectively disperse the metallic particles for specified patterns, and the design and construction of a prototype instrumented system for carrying out the actual work on representative castings. This project would culminate in the development of a prototype that can be further developed and scaled by EcoPoxy for production purposes. TACAM team will capitalize on the College's existing capabilities and expertise in design, 3D modeling, mechanical analysis, fabrication techniques, electromechanical systems and systems integration to deliver this project. Ecopoxy is an established innovative SME in Manitoba with a significant amount of commercial activities across Canada and throughout the world. The company has the capacity to implement and further advance the results of this project through commercialization. The College's TACAM team is looking forward to applying their advanced manufacturing expertise beyond the general manufacturing space, into the biomaterials industry. The team seeks to expand existing knowledge in design and advanced manufacturing with opportunities for new industries. The knowledge gained will benefit students/interns, research personnel and faculty and will be useful in future research engagements.

EcoPoxy Inc. 是一家总部位于马尼托巴省的公司，生产由可再生资源制成的 FlowCast 生物基环氧树脂，作为化石燃料环氧树脂的首选替代品，具有广泛的应用。 EcoPoxy 还生产其他树脂，包括 SnowWhite、UVPoxy、GelCoat。 EcoTrowel 和 BioPoxy 36。FlowCast 是一种透明液体玻璃状环氧树脂，专门用于制造家具，但也应用于封装物体、墙壁艺术、运动器材和其他铸造项目。作为公司通过深思熟虑的设计显着拓宽 FlowCast 应用领域的努力的一部分，EcoPoxy 正在开发一种在铸造过程中将金属颗粒悬浮在树脂中的系统。悬浮的金属颗粒会形成各种图案，以提高美观度，从而显着拓宽树脂的应用，特别是在家具制造中。 EcoPoxy 已采取初步措施来识别一些可以使用的铁磁颗粒。然而，目前还没有制造工艺或系统可以将颗粒分散成特定图案并在固化所需的20多个小时内将颗粒悬浮在树脂中。此外，在如何实现这一点方面存在着巨大的知识差距。因此，EcoPoxy 要求与红河学院航空航天与制造技术访问中心 (TACAM) 合作，对潜在技术进行全面评估，并开发一种原型系统，用于在 FlowCast（和其他环氧树脂）固化时将铁磁颗粒悬浮在 FlowCast 中，留下可见的图案。完成这项工作的方法包括研究能够有效地分散指定图案的金属颗粒的磁性系统和阵列，以及设计和构建原型仪表系统，以对代表性铸件进行实际工作。该项目最终将开发出一个原型，EcoPoxy 可以进一步开发和扩展该原型以用于生产目的。 TACAM 团队将利用学院在设计、3D 建模、机械分析、制造技术、机电系统和系统集成方面的现有能力和专业知识来交付该项目。 Ecopoxy 是马尼托巴省一家成熟的创新型中小企业，在加拿大和世界各地开展了大量的商业活动。公司有能力通过商业化实施并进一步推进该项目成果。该学院的 TACAM 团队期待将其先进的制造专业知识应用于一般制造领域之外的生物材料行业。该团队致力于扩展设计和先进制造方面的现有知识，为新行业提供机会。获得的知识将使学生/实习生、研究人员和教师受益，并将有助于未来的研究活动。