May 06, 2025 by SME Communications At SME, we are always looking to break down barriers to awareness of advanced manufacturing technologies. We recently had the unique opportunity to tour the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Lab at the University of Waterloo, a world-class research facility, and are proud to share this inside look at how MSAM pushes the boundaries of additive manufacturing (AM). What is MSAM? The Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Lab is Canada’s leading academic research and development hub for metal AM. Part of the Mechanical and Mechatronics department at the University of Waterloo’s renowned faculty of Engineering, MSAM focuses on overcoming current limitations in AM technology and integrating AM into industrial applications. MSAM’s work spans the entire AM development cycle, from material development, characterization, and process innovation to quality assurance and post-processing techniques. Their research is built on core themes, including: Materials for AM Modeling and Simulation Process Monitoring and Control Innovative Processes and Products Post-Processing and Hybrid Manufacturing By leveraging advanced modeling, simulation, and quality assurance technologies, MSAM is developing high-performance, customized solutions for its industrial partners, training the next generation of workforce, and accelerating the future of AM through innovative discoveries. The Power of Collaboration This video is more than a tour. It is a testament to how academia, industry and government must work together to push manufacturing forward. Seeing students, researchers, and professionals collaborating on cutting-edge AM projects proves that the best innovations come from strong partnerships. At SME, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of technology and always seeking new ways to support and advance the manufacturing industry. This tour of MSAM reinforces our commitment to driving progress and innovation in AM. If you are passionate about engineering, advanced manufacturing, or 3D printing, this is a must-watch. The MSAM Lab is not only deploying new AM processes and developing innovative platforms but also addressing key challenges such as part-process repeatability, reliability, and materials characterization. It is shaping the future of manufacturing. Watch the exclusive tour now and hear from Mihaela Vlasea, associate professor at the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory at the University of Waterloo and past chair of SME’s AM Technical Community Advisors, as she and her colleagues share insights and showcase AM innovation in action.
