Cambrian R&D uses safe, easy-to-adopt, powder-free metal 3D printing with student operators for applied research and development projects

Cambrian R&D, the applied research division of Cambrian College, partners with regional businesses to serve as an engineering house and demystify new technologies through strategic partnerships that provide access to specialized equipment. Despite having a comprehensive range of polymer additive manufacturing systems, the team identified a critical capability gap, especially when serving the region’s robust mining sector. The center adopted the Studio System to produce complex stainless steel shapes without lasers or loose powder, providing the strength of metal parts with on-demand turnarounds. With student's serving as machine operators, the safety of the metal 3D printing platform – powder-free operation and no chemical debinding – was an essential criterion for purchase, and the machine has quickly been integrated for successful projects, including to create wheel hubs for the drivetrain assembly of an all-terrain rover.