UBC excels in developing advanced manufacturing technologies and high-performance materials specifically designed for Arctic operations, combining expertise in additive manufacturing, composite materials, and precision machining to create solutions for extreme environment applications.

Researchers at UBC are advancing manufacturing technologies that enable on-site production and repair capabilities in remote Arctic locations, including portable manufacturing systems, cold-resistant composite materials, and automated fabrication processes. These innovations support Arctic sovereignty by enabling local production capabilities, reducing supply chain dependencies, and ensuring equipment reliability in harsh northern conditions.

UBC's Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise from multiple engineering disciplines to address the complex challenges of Arctic manufacturing and materials performance. 

Research Excellence Clusters

Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI)

MMRI is UBC's multidisciplinary research hub connecting academia and industry to advance materials and manufacturing technologies. The institute focuses on developing lighter, stronger, and more durable materials while minimizing environmental impact and production costs.

Composites Research Network (CRN)

CRN is a $9.8-million pan-western initiative supporting composites industry development through advanced research and industry collaboration. The network specializes in composite materials processing, damage characterization, and manufacturing optimization, with particular focus on harsh environment applications.

Advanced Manufacturing Processes Laboratory (AMP)

AMP focuses on precision manufacturing for high-integrity applications, including hybrid additive manufacturing processes, advanced machining of composite materials, and surface engineering technologies. The laboratory develops manufacturing solutions for aerospace, defense, and extreme environment applications.

Major Partners

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Logos of major partners

Research Expertise

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Adam Clare portrait

Adam Clare

Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair

Advanced manufacturing technologies for sustainable production, additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense applications, electrical discharge machining, on-site repair and maintenance technologies for remote operations

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Xiaoliang Jin portrait

Xiaoliang Jin

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Precision machining and advanced manufacturing processes, hybrid additive manufacturing systems, machining of composite materials, vibration-assisted manufacturing for improved surface quality

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Anoush Poursartip portrait

Anoush Poursartip

Professor, Materials Engineering

Composite materials processing and manufacturing, thermoset and thermoplastic composite systems, process modeling and optimization, advanced composite structures for harsh environments

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Mohammad Arjmand

Mohammad Arjmand

Associate Professor, School of Engineering

Nanocomposite materials development, electrically conductive composites, electromagnetic interference shielding materials, sustainable composite materials from waste streams 

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Abbas Milani portrait

Abbas Milani

Professor, School of Engineering

Bio-composite materials, natural fiber reinforced composites, sustainable manufacturing processes, mechanical characterization of advanced materials

 

Research News

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UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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