1.4 million to CTA for aerospace revival

CTA receives $1.4 million from Canada Economic Development to help dozens of SMEs revitalize the aerospace industry.

The financial support of $1,436,968, announced on April 1st by the Government of Canada, was obtained under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program targets entrepreneurs who rely on innovation to grow their businesses and make them more competitive, as well as regional economic players who contribute to creating an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, in all regions.

The Government of Canada encourages innovative SMEs and recognizes the need to act according to the strengths and assets of each region," says the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, MP for Honoré-Mercier, Quebec Lieutenant and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. CED's support for the Centre technologique en aérospatiale to better support innovation and the adoption of new technologies within aerospace SMEs will enable the Greater Montreal region to position itself advantageously to participate in the coming recovery."

A new lease of life for SMEs thanks to CTA's expertise

The CTA will take advantage of the financial support obtained to enhance its service offering in support of innovation and the adoption of new technologies within Quebec SMEs in the aeronautics sector through the acquisition of new equipment - a project valued at $1.8 million.

The Aerospace Technology Center (CTA) is very grateful for this major support for the continuation of its research activities," says CTA General Manager Francis Archambault. For over 25 years, we have been working with aerospace companies, large and small, to foster their growth and development, while stimulating innovation. Thanks to our areas of expertise and the support of Canada Economic Development, we're proud to be a key player in the revival of the aerospace industry by helping SMEs make the digital shift to 4.0."

With the financial support announced today, the CTA will help SMEs bridge the gaps in automation and composite manufacturing processes. These are essential transformations that will benefit the entire industry in the coming upturn.

Innovation can make a significant contribution to improving the lives of people in Canada and around the world, who must constantly deal with global trends marked by disruption and change - even more so in the current context," shared Élisabeth Brière, MP for Sherbrooke and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec). Our government is committed to supporting innovative Canadian companies, and the Aerospace Technology Centre, a key partner for aerospace SMEs, is an excellent example. Its contribution to the industry is undeniable, and its project will meet the needs of a sector particularly affected by the pandemic."

New state-of-the-art equipment to serve companies

Thanks to this grant, the CTA has acquired state-of-the-art equipment, including a three-dimensional measuring machine and a robotic cell to carry out activities involving inspection and robotics 4.0, as well as the manufacture of new composite materials. Two of these pieces of equipment are manufactured by world-leading Quebec SMEs, Mecademic and Kinova - another way of encouraging home-grown innovation.

These acquisitions will enable CTA to support innovative SMEs in the development of mobile robotic technologies such as in-service aircraft inspection and repair," says Denis Lacroix, CTA's Director of Science, Technology and Innovation. In the field of composite materials, which are ubiquitous in the aerospace industry, these acquisitions will promote the introduction of new, more efficient products and processes. This support from the Government of Canada is a real breath of fresh air for dozens of SMEs, thanks to CTA's expertise.

Inspection 4.0

The coordinate measuring machine (CMM) acquired by the CTA will become a technical demonstration platform and will include the four main measurement software packages used in Quebec. The CTA will thus be able to support SMEs in the selection, integration and effective use of CMMs, and in the development of new inspection methods.

Robotics 4.0

The CTA has acquired a robotic cell consisting of 4 mobile robots connected by conveyors, enabling a production line to be simulated.Comprising 3 table-top robots and a collaborative robot, this cell will enable SMEs to evaluate and test automated processes, and train their employees in the use of these new technologies, including interaction between several robots.

Few SMEs automate the assembly of parts that require human dexterity and precision.With DEC's help, the CTA has acquired the most precise robot in its category, the Mecademic MECA500, and the Kinova GEN3 robot, which is extremely compact and mobile. This acquisition will enable the CTA to help innovative SMEs develop mobile robotic technologies such as in-service aircraft inspection and repair.

Manufacture of new composite materials

With this new equipment, the CTA will be able to measure the mechanical and rheological properties of new materials, at high temperature and humidity, to support SMEs in the development of new, more efficient products and processes.

A key player in Quebec's aeronautics ecosystem, the CTA has demonstrated over the years its ability to support the sector's many SMEs in their research and development activities. Its links with ÉNA ensure that this not-for-profit organization keeps abreast of the latest technological advances, opportunities for improvement and emerging needs of SMEs.