Development of an international collaborative research project on precision engineering - (re)manufacturing of glass for micro-positioning applications.

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The principle objective of this Alliance International Catalyst Grant is to initiate a novel scientific collaboration with a joint research project at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), Canada, and the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, UK, in the field of high-precision manufacturing and metrology, particularly for novel micro-positioning systems made of glass. This international research collaboration aims to establish a long-term international research collaboration between ÉTS and Cardiff University, which fits within the recently launched declaration on intensifying the relationship between Québec, Canada, and Wales, UK. The proposed international collaboration aims to create and maintain a synergy of the specific strengths of both participating institutions (ÉTS - advanced manufacturing of hard-to-machine materials and remanufacturing, Cardiff University - nano/micro-system fabrication and precision measurements) to: 1) Design and manufacture novel micro-positioning devices for high-precision glass applications in extreme environments; 2) Explore novel lean precision actuation mechanisms to drive these stages; 3) Explore and develop new "circular manufacturing" strategies using waste glass for high-precision applications. A pilot project will allow to study the use of high-quality waste glass for remanufacturing of the designed positioning stage. A multi-disciplinary research training on high-precision engineering will be offered by this collaboration, which will strengthen the quality of Canadian HQP in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines and address the current lack of engineering HQP specialized in high-precision manufacturing for the Canadian job market. As well, the proposed collaboration on the lean production of micro-positioning devices made of a highly recyclable waste material (glass) contributes to address the "2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals" adopted by Canada and contributes also to increase value-added manufacturing and exports by creating novel expertise on high-precision glass manufacturing and its applications in the micro-nano engineering field in Canada and transfer this knowledge to Canadian industrial partners, strengthening its economy and competitiveness.