Posted on Nov. 19: Engineering dean claims national innovation award

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Elbestawi.Mo-1.jpg” caption=”Mo Elbestawi”]Research that advances the science of intelligent machining has garnered a national Synergy Award for Innovation for engineering dean Mo Elbestawi.

Elbestawi teamed up with eight industrial partners, including Siemens Westinghouse Canada, General Motors, Cobra Machine Tool Co. and Pratt & Whitney Canada at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute to refine and improve intelligent precision machining.

The national innovation award recognizes outstanding achievements in university-industry collaboration. It is co-sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Conference Board of Canada. The university receives a $25,000 NSERC research grant and the industry partner receives a sculpture.

Intelligent machining is machining controlled by a computer. Although it is not new technology, researchers are constantly trying to refine the technology to improve productivity and quality.

“The machines are usually computerized and unmanned,” said Elbestawi. “Just imagine the computer can now make decisions on the fly, so if there is something happening in the cutting process and it needs to speed up or slow down, for example. The idea is that the machine is capable of making the right decision without human intervention.”

Elbestawi and MMRI researchers have used their knowledge of the characteristics of the materials being machined, developed sensing and analyzing software and created models the computers use to take action. The researchers are able to test and verify their findings in the MMRI's research setting and then share the industry-ready technology with industrial partners.

Elbestawi said one of the great benefits of collaborating with industry is that it develops skilled people.

“The results of research should translate into educational programs,” he said. “Relevance is key. The applications are extremely important, so working with industry is essential. We want to make sure our graduates have the right knowledge and skills to move into industry.”
Elbestawi, who is an NSERC Industrial Chair in Precision Engineering, recognizes that moving research from the university setting into an industrial setting takes time.

“There are a lot of fundamental issues that are a part of this research that may not have immediate commercial applications,” he said. “But they will certainly advance the state of knowledge in this field and that is critical for the future.”