Advanced & Additive Manufacturing
Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre
The Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) turns leading edge ideas into reality by collaborating with our clients on innovative manufacturing solutions.
As a Technology Access Centre located on the Red Deer Polytechnic campus, the CIM-TAC is a key hub of the central Alberta innovation community. We focus on product and process development, improvement through innovative technical services, and applied research projects.
What We Can Do For You
Our team helps small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs to bring ideas to life, create prototypes, solve industry problems, and access funding to develop new projects and expand their business. When you work with us, you tap into a full innovation ecosystem including CIM-TAC experts, our innovation partners and funders, and the larger community of educators and students at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Our team can work with you to:
- Design and develop new products and processes
- Solve existing manufacturing problems
- Develop business management, sales, and marketing processes
- Connect with productive and profitable partners across Canada
- Identify funding partners and opportunities
Your Catalyst For Growth
SMEs often do not have the time, knowledge, or equipment to fully develop their innovative ideas and are too busy running their businesses to systematically innovate or move ideas forward. The CIM-TAC has long been a unique and affordable resource for entrepreneurs and SMEs in central Alberta who don’t have the capacity or the need to create in-house research and development facilities. We help you access funding, support, and skilled workers to facilitate the research and development required to grow your business.
Prototype & Advanced Manufacturing Equipment
Take advantage of the CIM-TAC’s advanced prototype and manufacturing equipment. The CIM-TAC houses $7.6M in prototype and advanced manufacturing equipment in 15,000 square feet of industrial accessible space – everything you need to turn your idea into an actual product. Our experts will work with you every step of the way: from design engineering, to 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling, to proof-of-concept and prototype fabrication.
Services
While we offer 3D Printing Services and Equipment Rentals, the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC) mainly works to support clients through applied research projects: testing and validation; system design; system scaling and benchmarking; process optimization; comparative analysis for new products; market analysis; product development and support; product testing; and other technical services.
From your initial idea to scale up, we can help you to:
- Design and develop new products and processes,
- Solve existing manufacturing problems,
- Develop business management, sales, and marketing processes,
- Connect with productive and profitable partners,
- Identify funding partners and opportunities.
Get Your Product To Market Faster
From ideation to scale-up ready, our private sector partners have the option of engaging in a range of services offered by the CIM-TAC and our network. This spectrum of services provides clients with the complete development cycle to ensure customer and organizational fit, as well as solutions that are cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable.
By engaging with the CIM-TAC, clients will be plugged into the regional innovation networks and accelerators to move past scale-up. When you work with us, you tap into a full innovation ecosystem including our larger community of students, educators, innovation partners and funders. Our objective is to provide you with access to equipment and expertise in order to accelerate your product market acceptance.
Our expert team and advanced manufacturing capabilities help entrepreneurs bring ideas to life, create prototypes, and solve industry problems.
Our Record of Success
Collaborating on innovative ideas with our clients and our community is deeply rewarding. Not only do we get to see your ideas come to life, but each of them helps to advance the manufacturing community and industry as a whole.