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

EcoPoxy Inc.是一家总部位于马尼托巴省的公司，是FlowCast生物基环氧树脂的生产商，该树脂由可再生资源制成，应用广泛，是化石燃料环氧树脂的首选替代品。EcoPoxy还生产其他树脂，包括白雪公主、UVPoxy和Gelcoat。EcoTrowel和BioPoxy 36。FlowCast是一种透明的液态玻璃状环氧树脂，专门用于制造家具，但也在封装物品、墙面艺术、体育器材和其他铸造项目中找到了应用。作为该公司通过精心设计显著扩大FlowCast应用领域的努力的一部分，EcoPoxy正在开发一种在浇注过程中将金属颗粒悬浮在树脂中的系统。悬浮的金属颗粒将形成各种图案，以改善审美吸引力，从而显著扩大树脂的应用范围，特别是在家具制造中。EcoPoxy已经采取了初步步骤来识别一些可能使用的铁磁性颗粒。然而，目前还没有用于分散特定图案的颗粒并在固化所需的20多个小时内将颗粒悬浮在树脂中的制造工艺或系统。此外，在如何做到这一点上存在着重大的知识差距。因此，EcoPoxy要求与红河学院航空航天与制造技术获取中心(TACAM)合作，对潜在技术进行全面评估，并开发一个原型系统，用于在固化过程中悬浮FlowCast(和其他环氧树脂)中的铁磁粒子，留下可见的图案。开展这项工作的方法将包括研究能够有效分散特定图案的金属颗粒的磁性系统和阵列，以及设计和建造一个原型仪器系统，以便对典型铸件进行实际工作。该项目将最终开发出一种原型，该原型可以由EcoPoxy进一步开发和扩大规模，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是马尼托巴省一家老牌的创新型中小企业，在加拿大和世界各地都有大量的商业活动。该公司有能力通过商业化实施并进一步推动该项目的成果。该学院的TACAM团队期待着将他们的先进制造专业知识应用于一般制造领域之外的生物材料行业。该团队寻求扩大现有的设计和先进制造知识，为新行业创造机会。所获得的知识将使学生/实习生、研究人员和教职员工受益，并将在未来的研究活动中有用。

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.