Manufacturing
Sustainable manufacturing is gaining ground within industry, and SLICE is helping lead the way with research, testing and prototyping for areas such as additive manufacturing, low-cost automation and biomaterial polymer development. Through facilities such as the Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC) Sask Polytech partners can access the latest tools, equipment and expertise to improve production methods and test new ideas.
Centres and facilities
Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Innovative Manufacturing Centre is home to two state-of-the art facilities: Biomaterials Testing and Prototyping (B-TAP) in Regina, and Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) in Saskatoon. We have the skills and facilities to develop and test new materials from bioplastics to carbon black alternatives, and to put the latest tools for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and low-cost automation to work for industry.
Meet the team
Biomaterials Testing and Prototyping (B-TAP)
Satya Panigrahi, PhD, P.Eng., FEC
Research Chair
Expertise: biomaterials, biocarbon, bioproduct, bioenergy, biofiber, bio packaging,
polymer processing and characterization and secondary agriculture, green building
materials, recycling, lean manufacturing, life cycle analysis, sustainability development,
wastewater treatment, intellectual properties, technology development and commercialization
Bhabani Panigrahy, M.Sc., P.Eng. (India)
Research Associate
Expertise: twin screw extruder compounding, injection molding, compression molding,
food and co-extrusion technology, bio composite materials, bioplastic master batch
pallet extrusion compounding
Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP)
Leon Lipoth, M.Eng, P.Eng, FCP
Research Chair
Expertise: engineering design and project management, embedded hardware and software
systems, communications systems, additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing),
CAD, CAM, CNC, and Internet of things (IoT)
Joseph Lorer, Dip. (CAD/CAM)
Research Associate
Expertise: 3D modeling and design, manufacturing, production management, mechanical
design, mechatronics
Mary Ann Quimado, P.Eng (Philippines)
Research Associate
Expertise: product design and development, prototyping, and automation
Alexander Heilmann, Dip. (CAD/CAM)
Research Associate
Expertise: CAD modelling and design, work process automation
SLICE affiliates
Tim Muench, M.Sc., P.Eng.
Program Head, Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Expertise: additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing), robotics, integrated engineering
design, CNC and CAM, manufacturing computer networking, industrial internet of things
(IIoT), mechatronics
Phil Ursulescu, RSE (Machinist)
Program Head, Innovative Manufacturing and Machinist programs
Expertise: Machining, manufacturing, component design, 3D printing, Metrology
Graeme Drysdale, PhD., PEng
Instructor, Innovative Manufacturing
Expertise: Engineering mechanics, acoustics, data science, simulation modeling