Sudbury’s Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) is adding an automatic injection molding machine to its inventory of technical toys.
The $100,000 machine came from the $305,000 in funding delivered by FedNor to the research and innovation centre for use by area manufacturers.
The funding is earmarked for NORCAT’s Innovation Acceleration Program, designed to help high-tech businesses improve productivity and competitiveness with innovative technologies, processes, or practices. Eligible companies can receive up to $10,000 in non-repayable funding for services or direct costs for innovation-related product development such as software and application development, product testing and certification.
The injection molder is capable of processing a range of materials such as thermoplastic, thermoset, elastomer, liquid silicone rubber and rigid PVC. It should keep local firms at home from searching outside Sudbury for mold making and part production.
The machine also provides an opportunity for local engineers to learn about mold making and injection molding.
“As Northern Ontario's largest innovation centre, we are thrilled to extend our Innovation Acceleration Program and excited to have an automatic injection molding machine within the Fortin Discovery Lab to support the commercialization of new components used in industrial, medical, and consumer products,’ said NORCAT CEO Don Duval in a March 23 news release.
“This strategic investment will provide a significant boost to local businesses by helping them to embrace innovation and produce custom products and materials right here in the region,” said Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre.
"Today’s announcement supports our government’s Innovation and Skills Plan by providing the resources and cutting-edge equipment local businesses need to adopt innovation and improve productivity,” added Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré.
