Northern College, in collaboration with the Materials Joining Innovation Centre (MaJIC) and Millson Forestry Service, has completed an applied research project to design an automated machine that packs bags of split firewood.
Northern contributed to the project through the Northern Office of Applied Research and Innovation (NOARI), the college’s applied research arm.
“Our work with Millson Forestry Service demonstrates the power of college-industry partnerships,” said Fred Gibbons, president of Northern College, in a news release. “By combining NOARI’s resources with those of MaJIC and Millson Forestry Service, we have been able to develop an all-new piece of equipment that leverages our combined expertise, and helps local industry remain innovative and competitive.”
Several students from Northern’s Welding Engineering Technology and Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technician programs were given the opportunity to work on the project, providing them with practical work experience in their fields.
Representatives from the college and MaJIC presented a 3D-printed model of the concept machine to Millson Forestry Service at their offices on Dalton Road. Millson plans to build and test the machine later this spring.
“We had an excellent experience working with NOARI and MaJIC,” said Monique Koski at Millson Forestry Service. “Their in-depth knowledge and expertise, as well as their collaborative spirit, has been essential in the development of this innovative piece of technology. We’re very excited to move forward with these designs and create a functional prototype.”
Funding for the research project was provided by the Voucher for Innovation and Productivity program through the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Applied Research and Development Program, and Millson Forestry Service.
