SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Cutting-edge manufacturing equipment benefits applied research partners, industry and students

At Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC), the Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) facility, led by Leon Lipoth, is introducing students to careers in manufacturing while supporting industry through applied research projects. With the addition of cutting-edge tools like the metal laser cutter and press brake, partially funded by PrairiesCan and Innovation Saskatchewan, the facility is equipped to push the boundaries of precision and efficiency in metal cutting and forming.

"The metal laser cutter uses a focused beam of light to achieve high-precision cuts through metal," says Lipoth. "Meanwhile, the press brake bends sheet metal into specific shapes by applying force to create precise bends. Both pieces of equipment are essential for ensuring precision and efficiency in developing new products. These tools are now integral to the fabrication of prototypes in our research."

Sask Polytech's new laser cutter can achieve extremely accurate cuts, allowing for intricate designs and tight tolerances. The process is fast and reduces material waste, making it cost-effective for both teaching purposes and applied research. The press brake ensures consistent quality, making it invaluable for developing new products and improving production methods.

Linden Herperger is a graduate of the Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (DMET) program and currently works in the RAMP facility as a lab technologist. He demonstrates how the equipment works by sharing his process for creating a metal airplane model. "I was preparing a hands-on demonstration for high school students. To gather ideas, I searched Google and Instagram, then began sketching the airplane in our CAD software. After creating a 3D model, I converted it into a flat pattern for the laser cutter."

The CAD software produces the pattern for the metal laser cutter to cut out the airplane design on a piece of aluminum. After the flat pattern was cut Herperger experimented on the press brake with the sequencing to bend the aluminum into the final shape of the airplane. Ultimately, it required 14 bends using five different tool setups on the press brake to achieve the final product.

"It took a week to create the airplane model and figure out the correct cuts and bends" says Herperger. "You make mistakes and fail. Figuring out where the mistakes were and how to avoid making them again takes some experimentation, making adjustments and refinements along the way. Now we can cut and bend the airplane model in about five to 10 minutes."

Ann Quimado, also a DMET alumni, works alongside Herperger in the RAMP facility as a research associate. She assists with applied research projects focused on product design and development, prototyping and automation. Quimado's expertise is focused on the metal laser cutter, "I use the laser cutter often and it is now an essential tool for most of my projects. The airplane project does a great job of demonstrating how the laser cutter works and how clients could use it."

Quimado goes on to share that in her role she is focused on building specific parts and little machines for applied research partners, handling everything from design and cutting to manufacturing and assembly.

"Manufacturing a prototype takes a lot of patience, persistence and willingness to learn from failures," says Lipoth. "It's an iterative process; you won't get it right on the first try."

He adds, "Linden and Ann received relevant training through the DMET program and their expertise continues to evolve and is relied upon in our projects. Their comprehensive understanding of design and manufacturing processes is improved by operating the equipment. They can use operational experience to make informed design decisions that significantly enhance the manufacturability of the final product."

"I encourage industry to contact Sask Polytech to partner on applied research to access equipment in our RAMP facility," says Dr. Robin Smith, Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) director. "At Sask Polytech manufacturers can access the latest tools, equipment and expertise to improve production methods and test new ideas. Prototyping and emergency part creation are also possible through our facilities."

Sask Polytech previously received $1 million from PrairiesCan through the Regional Innovation Ecosystem Program. In support of the application, Sask Polytech and Innovation Saskatchewan matched the contribution with $800,000 and $200,000, respectively. This one-time funding was designated for the RAMP facility in Saskatoon. Sask Polytech's RAMP facility provides manufacturers with advanced tools and expertise in additive manufacturing, design, rapid prototyping and commercialization. Partnering with Sask Polytech on applied research projects gives industry access to faculty expertise as well as opportunities for funding through federal agencies and all intellectual property belongs to the industry partner. 

Learn more about Sask Polytech's RAMP facility at saskpolytech.ca/research.

Many full-time programs still have available seats for fall 2025. Find a program and apply today.