Applied Research Results in Vocational Education & Training

Make a Start Together

2023-10-03T07:38:22+00:00

VET centres: from a traditional to a transformational role for students, enterprises and society

2023-05-06T05:56:55+00:00

Vocational Education and Training (VET) has the potential to move from a traditional function to a transformational ones by extending their activities beyond teaching provision. The transformational role of VET is focused on non-traditional functions like applied research and technical services provision to enterprises supporting SMEs innovation and local and regional development. However, these non-traditional functions belong to a complex process and depend both on internal and external factors to the centres being driven by the need for innovation and problem-solving of those enterprises outside the scope of the traditional institutions. Therefore, applied research in the VET field can be defined as solving real problems in industry that posits VET as a key agent in the Regional Innovation Systems. The approach to non-traditional functions, in general, and to applied research activities are considered some of the key characteristics of excellence in the VET field.

Digital Twins: building your own virtual lab for enhanced vocational education training

2023-05-19T12:36:58+00:00

The emergence, in the context of Industry 4.0, of tools for developing Digital Twins of automated industrial systems brings about a paradigm shift in the development of control systems. Their virtual commissioning allows for shortening delivery times of automated solutions, among other benefits, but also highlights the need for competent technicians in these technologies. The academic classroom is a breeding ground for future professionals. This article presents an initiative carried out by the Technological Innovation and Intelligent Systems area at Tknika to exploit and transfer results of projects and services developed with these tools to vocational training teachers.

Design and optimization of cooling channels in hot stamping dies applying additive manufacturing design concept

2023-09-28T11:26:41+00:00

The stamping process is a process that represents a key manufacturing process in the automotive industry. With the implementation of the stamping process, mechanical elements obtain mechanical resistance, in addition to a very low ratio in quantity/cost.

Within the design premises that govern the automotive industry, it is worth highlighting the requirement for mechanical resistance, passenger safety, and the lightness of materials.

All of this contributes to the current use of alloyed materials with high mechanical resistance. These materials in addition to keeping the mechanical requirements of the different components subjected to load, must satisfy the geometric requirements established by the designers. In the last few years, the use of the Ultra High Strength steels has grown in the automotive industry. This type of alloyed steel contributes to car safety and clean mobility.

Given the mechanical nature of these ultra-high-strength alloys, they require the use of hot stamping. This makes the deformability of the different steels easier and allows that, using a conventional stamping method, would not be able to deform according to the geometric requirements of the different mechanical components.

Manufacturing of a demonstrator using WAAM technology on the Addilan V0.1 machine.

2023-05-15T10:57:31+00:00

Manufacture of a medium-sized demonstrator of the aerospace industry based on WAAM, identifying the key aspects to be considered in the manufacture of this type of parts.

One of the project lines of TKNIKA's area of specialization in Additive Metal Manufacturing is related to the WAAM (''Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing'') technology. This process is classified into the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) family process and as his description says is based on the deposition of a wire melted under the action of an electric arc . The main objective is the generation of knowledge through practice and experimentation in a network between different VET teachers and schools.

A medium-sized part has been selected, with a simple geometry, which would normally be manufactured from a metal block or a forged preform. In this case, an arc-wire manufacturing process can be a very interesting alternative. The main objective of this practice is to produce a quality preform, identifying the key aspects that allow it to be manufactured, in a controlled manner, on the Addilan WAAM V0.1 manufacturing machine.

The solution has been consisted on manufacturing three-piece series based on previous experiences.

Image 3: Result as Machined VS as WAAMed

Developing Athletic Prosthetics Via 3D Printing

2023-07-21T22:21:35+00:00

Prosthetic limbs present a highly unique research challenge, requiring intense customization for optimal use cases. These challenges are heightened for athletes, who engage with their prosthetics in highly competitive environments, placing them under tremendous stress. Thomas Normandeau, a champion Para Athlete, approached Camosun Innovates to develop such a prosthetic, able to aid him in his training regimens and reduce the risk of injury. Camosun Innovates undertook a human-centered design approach that foregrounded Normandeau’s needs and observations. Through a mixture of digital scanning and 3D-printed parts constructed using Nylon 12, a unique carbon-reinforced nylon traditionally used in the aerospace and automotive industries, the Camosun team was able to rapidly iterate a customized, properly-fitted prosthetic with unique, lightweight joint pieces precisely calibrated to Normandeau’s arm length, and without sacrificing the prosthetic’s ability to hold up under tension. The success of this prototype holds potential for other prosthetics both within and without the athletic sphere, with the potential to help users with exercise routines and common lifting and carrying tasks, from grocery shopping to household chores.

The design and manufacture of a tibia and knee protector for Ehlers Danlos patient

2023-05-19T12:32:14+00:00

A 6-year-old patient with vascular type Ehlers-Danlos disease, unique in the Basque Country (Spain), requests orthopedic help to improve quality of life. Use a CASCADE DAFO Cricket (DAFO Fast Fit) to correct flat feet valgus. After examination and clinical assessment, skin is observed to be stretched, with ecchymosis, and easily damaged. The need for the design and manufacture of a custom-made knee and tibia protector/orthosis is confirmed. The objective is to protect from possible friction, impacts, or falls that cause open wounds that need stitches. For this, a breathable and light 2mm Lattice-type protector is designed by 3D printing in HP Multi Jet Fusion 4200 in PA12, which is lined with 5mm Multiform. Currently, the coverage of health system services does not cover this need.

Hybrid Wind-Solar Energy System for Remote Locations in Northern Alberta

2023-05-06T06:06:11+00:00

Using renewable energy resources as alternatives to fossil fuel systems is encouraged globally by government and other agencies to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Solar and Wind energies are the two widely common renewable energy resources and have reached a mature technological phase for various applications in rural and urban settings. However, these energy resources are prone to intermittency with temporal and seasonal availability. In a cold climate region like northern Alberta, the winter conditions limit solar energy availability significantly. On the other hand, wind energy in the region has consistent availability most of the time. In this work, to develop a standalone all-season sustainable energy system at remote locations, such as rural areas and agricultural applications, a hybrid wind-solar system configuration is modeled, simulated, and analyzed to achieve 200 watts of uninterrupted power in Alberta weather conditions. The results show that wind energy production compliments solar energy production during the wintertime. The hybrid configuration can meet a consistent load demand that is difficult to implement in northern Alberta conditions.

Sound Absorption and Material Properties of Asphalt Rubber Concrete Specimens

2023-05-19T12:17:08+00:00

The acoustic and material properties of asphalt crumb rubber (ARC) pavement have been measured and correlated. Laboratory measurements revealed nonlinear relationships between the sound absorption coefficients and material properties of compacted specimens as a function of the percentage of crumb rubber content in conventional and modified binders.

The acoustic performance of conventional asphalt and asphalt rubber concrete specimens are compared to their material properties as a function of crumb rubber content to determine how crumb rubber content influences sound absorption. The normal incidence sound absorption coefficients, porosity, percentage of voids in mineral aggregate, and absolute gas permeability are measured for specimens containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% crumb rubber in the asphalt binder.

The random incidence sound absorption coefficient and material property data share nonlinear distributions within some frequency ranges, as a function of crumb rubber content in the conventional and modified asphalt binders.

Feasibility study of the use of a new biodegradable material as raw material in industrial processes

2023-09-30T05:19:45+00:00

The utilization of biodegradable materials in industrial procedures represents a strategic priority within the Basque Regional Specialization Strategies RIS3. This article presents the feasibility study in industrial processes of a sustainable material based on collagen, which is renewable, ecological and has a carbon footprint of practically zero. The material, called EKOMAT, patented by the company EKOLBER, has been tested at the CIFP MIguel Altuna centre in Bergara, Basque Country-Spain to check its applicability in 2 industrial processes. It is noteworthy that this project is part of the applied innovation activities carried out by teachers at the centre.