CANADIAN COMPOSITES SECTOR

TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION,
INVESTMENT AND TRADE
OPPORTUNITIES

Purpose: to describe Canadas diverse composites industry in

terms of applications, technology thrusts and collaboration
opportunities to stimulate interest in investment and trade
Sectors:

Aerospace
Automotive

Ground Transportation
Cross Sector Technologies

INTRODUCTION

Aerospace

Inversa
Systems
Convergent
Manufacturing
Technologies

Avcorp
Industries
Magellan
Aerospace

Boeing Canada
Winnipeg
Pratt & Whitney
Canada
EMTEQ

Cormer
Aerospace

CRN
Viking Air

Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs)
Composite Fabricators

EADS
Composites
Atlantic

CCMRD

CIC
Comtek Advanced
Structures

NRCAMTC

PCM
Moulds
Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada

Avior
Delastek

Apex Composites

NRC AERO

Bombardier
Aerospace

Consultancy, Service
Providers
TECHNOLOGY
CENTRES

COMPOSITE CAPABILITIES

Aerospace

Bell 407 Helicopter

Viking Twin Otter

Bombardier C-Series and Learjet 85

Pratt & Whitney

Canada

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

Aerospace

Comtek Advanced Structures

Composites Atlantic
EADS Sogerma

Misc Ducts
747, 767, 777, 787

Main Landing Gear

Doors 777, 787

787 Vertical
Fin Fairing
Nose Gear Door
737, 767
Engine Strut Fwd
Fairing 737, 777
787 APS/APU
Doors

EMTEQ

Wing to Body Fairing

737, 747, 787

Boeing Canada Winnipeg

Engine Strut Aft

Fairing 737, 747,
767, 777, 787

COMPOSITE FABRICATORS

Aerospace

Technology thrusts driven from national and regional

road mapping exercises
Focus areas are:

Out of autoclave processing

Liquid composite moulding
High temperature composites ceramics, BMI, PI
Automation: lamination
Drilling and assembly
Integrated structures including bonding and co-curing
3-D fibre preforms
Thermoplastics
Tooling
Design for manufacturing
Simulation and modelling

* Manitoba priorities

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Aerospace

Recent efforts focused on

combining interests /
developments into an
integrated system of programs
minimizing duplication
Technology Readiness Levels
(TRL) used to discriminate
between each program type
Programs are defined with a
cohesive private / public
funding strategy
Linkages established to ensure
that the appropriate industry,
research organizations and
academia are effectively
connected and working at
suitable TRLs

COLLABORATION

Aerospace
TRL

Product Development,
Manufacturing, InService, End of Life

8
7

CCMRD
GARDN
TDP
SDTC
NRC

6
5
4

CIRAC
CRN

3
2

Fundamental
Research
NSERC
CRIAQ

-10

CIC
SADI

Program Launch

-5

COLLABORATION

Entry into
Service

+5

Aerospace

National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of

Canada (NSERC) TRL 1-3:

Several programs that provide funding to university faculty/

students for research projects many with an industry focus

Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in

Quebec (CRIAQ) TRL 1-3:

A non-profit consortium, established in 2003, to promote and

perform collaborative pre-competitive industry research
projects (TRL 1-3) primarily at Quebec universities
Objectives - to increase competitiveness of the aerospace
industry, and enhance the collective knowledge base
through improved education and training of students

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

The Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in

Canada (CIRAC) TRL 4-5

Newly formed national entity: provides 50% project funding ($4

million per annum) for technology demonstration projects
Projects require at least 2 companies and 2 research centres /
academia
CRIAQ integrated within CIRAC
To be the focal for the Canadian Networking Aeronautics
Project for Europe (CANNAPE)

Formal arrangement between Europe (Horizon 2020) and Industry

Canada
Open to industry and universities
Coordinated call for projects opens in July 2014
Project commencement and funding for April 2015

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Coordinated by the
University of British
Columbia TRL 4-7

ENGINEERING Activity
Integrating knowledge of the
fundamental issues with the
needs of industry
Capturing the process in
KNOWLEDGE in PRACTICES
DOCUMENTS - KPD

RESEARCH Activity
Developing understanding
of the fundamental issues
Creating the science
necessary to underpin the
development of KPDs

INDUSTRY KPD Applications

Product development
Product improvements
Training
Defining Best Practices
Decision Making

COLLABORATION

Aerospace
Canadian Composites Manufacturing Research and
Development Inc. TRL 3-7
CCMRD commenced in 2010 to conduct pre-competitive
collaborative projects to develop and enable commercialization
of composite materials and manufacturing technologies
Produce a strong, integrated research and development
network and industrial supply chain
Develop robust linkages between Canadian and
international partners, attracting global opportunities
Projects jointly funded by industry and government
Current projects include: Co-Processing, Out Of Autoclave PrePreg, High Temperature Materials, Next Generation
Composites Factory Sensors, Dimensional Control

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Members

Partners

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Green Aviation Research and Development Network

(GARDN) TRL 3-7

Funds industry led aerospace technology projects for the

protection of the environment reduce aircraft noise and
emissions and greenhouse gases

Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) TRL 6 max

Recently introduced program that supports large

aerospace technology demonstration programs - $55
million allocated annually 50% project contribution
Focus is to move new technologies out of the laboratory to
test them in real-world settings
Encourages supply chain development across Canada
Can include international partners who bring unique
capabilities to a project

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI)

TRL 1-9:

Objectives:

Encourages strategic R&D resulting in innovation in new /

improved products, services and processes
Enhances the competitiveness of Canadian aerospace, space,
defence and security (A&D) companies
Fosters collaboration between research institutes, universities,
colleges and the private sector

Provides repayable contributions to support research and

development projects in the A & D sectors
Allocates funding to TDP and CIRAC

Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs) Program:

leverages international companies defence
procurement obligations requiring investment in
Canadian industry and R&D activities

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

National Research Council Canada: Aerospace TRL 3-7

Recently reorganized into several program areas

Participate in industry led projects providing technical services

Has project sponsored by EADS

Has large scale composites manufacturing facilities and materials

and structures inspection and testing capabilities

RTM Rib for

Helicopter Wing
Box

Radial Adhesive
Joining of Barrel
Sections

Advanced Fibre Placement:

Forward Fuselage

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Composites Innovation Centre (CIC) TRL 1-9:

Winnipeg has a diverse manufacturing industry due to its

unique blend of Original Equipment Manufacturers, Tier 1
suppliers and secondary suppliers
Composites has become a key economic driver:

Boeing Winnipeg largest aerospace manufacturer of composites

in Canada 1600 employees
Magellan Aerospace 130,000 sq.ft. recent addition to meet F-35
production requirements (BAE Systems)

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Composites Innovation Centre (CIC) :

Mission: To drive economic growth in the composite

manufacturing industry through:

Assisting industry in developing and commercializing current and

new composite applications and technologies

Being the catalyst for attracting new industry and encouraging

start up companies

Achievements:

Over 10 years launched 361 projects with industry partners,

transferred 87 technologies to industry and established 26 new
capabilities with clients

Recognized for composite design/analysis and as an international

leader in biomaterials development and commercialization

COLLABORATION

Industry Led - Partner Supported

CIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Composites Innovation Centre

30 permanent staff, 8 students

28,000 sq.ft. of office and laboratory
Engineering Services

Design (CAD)

Finite element analysis (FEA)

Process development
Prototyping

Manufacturing problem solving

Specimen preparation and testing

Project management
Business planning
COLLABORATION

Composites Innovation Centre

National / International Partners

Composites
Innovation Centre

NRC Biocomposites
Flagship and
Aerospace Programs

European Collaboration
Biomaterials
Normandy

University of British
Columbia:
Composites
Research Network

China Projects:
Tianjin
Polytechnique,
Shanghai Light
Source

North American
Industrial
Bioproducts
Consortium

CRC-ACS
Composite Centre
Melbourne $65
million project

University of
Alabama, Student
Sponsorship
Legend:
Current Partnerships
New Opportunities

Biocomposites
International Research
Network Member

COLLABORATION

Aerospace

Composites Innovation Centre (CIC)

TRL 6-9

JSF Qualification & Continuous

Improvement Production Support

787 & Derivative Design, Prototyping

and Process Development: Main
Landing Gear Door, Shear Ties, Ducts

New Product Development and

Alternative Materials Evaluation

Establishment of Green-Field
Composite Fabrication Cells

Composite Structural Design, Analysis

and Technology Development: On-site
Support

COLLABORATION

Automotive

Canada has a very well connected supply chain with

several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier
1 Suppliers and Research and Test Centres
Main interest in reducing weight while maintaining
performance and cost: new designs; carbon, agricultural
and wood based fibres; fast cure resins

Magna International
All-Thermoplastic, Composite,
Fully Recyclable Liftgate Module
for the 2014 Nissan Rogue

Composites Innovation Centre

Natural Fibre Reinforced
Demonstration Electric Vehicle

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Automotive

R&D Infrastructure is mainly clustered in Southern Ontario

OEM R&D and Test Centres many related to cold
weather testing extreme in Manitoba!
AUTO21:

National network of centre of excellence for automotive R&D

that partners 200 researchers from 46 universities with private
companies
Some university partners:

MacAUTO McMaster Institute for Automotive Research and

Technology
WarCar University of Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research
UOIT-ACE Automotive Centre of Excellence / University of
Ontario Institute of Technology
University of Windsor

COLLABORATION

Automotive

Recently established 2 composites centres focused on

next generation of medium to high volume production
processes, shorter cycle times, increased automation
and improved quality control
Fraunhofer Project Centre @ Western

Centre houses advanced manufacturing equipment for

producing industrial scale lightweight composite parts

Compression
Moulding

Direct Sheet Moulding Long-fibre Reinforced High Pressure Resin

Compound (SMC) Line Thermoplastics (LFT- Transfer Moulding
(RTM)
D-ILC)

COLLABORATION

Automotive

Magna NRC Composites Centre of Excellence

Composites manufacturing and light-weight structures and

technologies, including renewable resources and advanced
materials
Funding programs through NRC-IRAP (Industrial Research
Assistance Program) and collaborative industry projects

Dieffenbacher Long Fibre Thermoplastic Line

Industrial Scale

COLLABORATION

Ground Transportation

Canada has numerous ground vehicle manufacturers

that have significant composites content:

Motor Coach Industries, Prevost

Over the Road Coaches

Westward Industries
3 Wheel Vehicle

Buhler Tractors

New Flyer Industries

Transit Buses

Triple E
Recreational Vehicles

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

Ground Transportation

Technology focus related to reduced vehicle weight and

cost, increased durability, improved performance and, in
part, recycling/ renewables

Design approach focused on reducing part count

Lower cost carbon fibre forms
Renewable materials natural fibres/resins
Process automation; laminating, trimming
Liquid resin moulding
Compression / vacuum moulded panels new substrates
Lower cost tooling

Natural Fibre Reinforced Tractor Parts

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Ground Transportation

Several technology centres provide direct support to

industry:

Composites Innovation Centre (CIC)

Regional Industrial Technology Centres Alberta Innovates,
Industrial Technology Centre Manitoba
Development Centre of Quebec Composites (CDCQ)
National Research Council Industrial Biomaterials Flagship
Program (NRC)
Composites Research Network (CRN)

University support is generally regional resources

dependent upon local industry interests

COLLABORATION

Cross Sector Technologies

Composite technologies of interest:

Biocomposites
Green building materials
Carbon fibre applications in other sectors outside of
aerospace:

Sources of low cost carbon fibre

Composites recycling
2

Functional Lignin Based

Carbon Nanofibres

Hemp Reinforced
Concrete Blocks

Mechanical Recycling
1 ECO-WOLF Inc.
2 University of British Columbia

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Cross Sector Technologies

Biomaterials
Objective: To develop the rural economy through sustainable
commercialization of available biomass
Producers

Decorticators

Test
Facilities

Composite
Material
Part
Distributors Fabricators

Mat
Producers

Strategic Plan:

Resin
Developers/
Suppliers

Product Demonstrators
Technology Development
Supply Chain Gaps

COLLABORATION

OEMs

Genetics
Working with
breeders to
design and
deliver the
optimal fibre
resource.

Optimal
GxExT
combination
Systems
biology

Fibre Supply
Supporting
Farmers and
Decorticators
to produce the
highest value
products

Fibre testing
Managing
variability
Regular
feedback from
higher value
chain
participants

Standardizing
Leading
industry and
academic
efforts to
standardize
quality
assessments

Material
Production
Working with
component
industries to
improve their
supply and their
end product

Intl Standards
Organizations
Drafting new
standards
Standard
Operating
Procedures

Product testing
Fibre input
testing
Regular
feedback from
higher value
chain
participants

FIBRE CITY

Fabricating
Assisting
industries
new to
biofibres to
achieve
desirable
results

Design
guidelines
Technology
transfer
Prototyping

End Markets
Championing
the use of
biofibre
products in
the market

Promoting
whole industry
Identifying new
markets

GOVERNMENT

COLLABORATION

Cross Sector Technologies

Biomaterials:

Commercialization of biomaterials has regional and

national networks
National support through Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada several programs
Regional support Manitoba Bioproducts Strategy
International activities pre-competitive collaborative
research
Active pursuit of international investment in
technologies and production capabilities to build the
supply chain
1

1 SWM International

COLLABORATION

Cross Sector Technologies

Low cost carbon fibres:

University of British Columbia has developed lignin based

carbon nanofibres using residuals from Canadas forestry
industry
Initial commercialization focus leveraging superior
electrical and thermal conductivity properties:

Surfacing films for EMI shielding of aerospace panels

Automotive gaskets for EMI isolation and protection of
electronic devices
Electrodes for fuel cells and batteries for enhanced electrical
conductivity
Coatings for construction applications to provide a radiated
heat source and EMI shielding

Efforts to attract investment in Canadian based pilot/

commercial scale nanofibre production line

COLLABORATION

Cross Sector Technologies

Composites recycling:

Focus on utilizing mechanical processing to produce

recyclate for concrete reinforcement to minimize matrix
cracking
Supply chain development based on consumer pull and
involvement of existing waste management infrastructure

Fibreglass Recyclate Used in Concrete Slab

Interest in pyrolysis recycling through international

partnerships: ITRB Consulting

COLLABORATION

Canada has a significant composites industry feeding

regional, national and international markets

Sectors generally have a well defined technology focus

Companies, funding agencies and research organizations

eagerly engage to advance technologies and supply
chains

International collaboration and investment is recognized

as a key enabler in building and advancing the industry

Many opportunities exist for international partnerships for

mutual commercial and technological benefit

SUMMARY

CONTACT INFORMATION
Sean McKay
President and CEO
www.compositesinnovation.ca
smckay@compositesinnovation.ca
204-262-3400 ext. 202