CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory (CANMET-MTL)

Operating within the Minerals and Metals Sector of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory (CANMET-MTL) is the largest research centre in Canada dedicated to metals and materials fabrication, processing and evaluation. A technical staff of almost 100 scientists and technicians, working in 23 000 square metres of well-equipped laboratories, is engaged in a series of research and development programs designed to provide technology solutions for Canadian industry, including materials for automotive applications, next-generation nuclear reactor, oil and gas pipeline infrastructures, and other emerging materials.

CANMET-MTL is also home for the Certification Program for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Personnel, as well as the Engineering and Technical Services Division that provides the support needed for NRCan laboratories to carry out their projects. CANMET-MTL will be relocating from Ottawa to new facilities in the McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, by mid-2010.

Eligibility Criteria

CANMET-MTL specializes in the processing and performance evaluation of metals and advanced materials, such as metal-matrix composites for high-technology applications. CANMET-MTL's clients, collaborators and stakeholders are companies that produce and fabricate materials (principally companies in the transportation, construction and energy sectors), as well as governmental, university and other research organizations.

Summary

The CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory (CANMET-MTL) is unique in Canada in having a start-to-finish capability covering the complete materials cycle from materials selection, fabrication, service performance and characterization to prototype/product development.

CANMET-MTL develops and deploys technologies to improve all aspects of producing and using value-added products from metals and other materials. CANMET-MTL is responsible for providing sound technical input to standards and regulations to ensure public safety. Sustainable development, as it applies to reduced demand for materials and energy, is key to all CANMET-MTL's research and development programs. CANMET-MTL, recognizing that job creation and economic growth will occur through the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strives to ensure the competitiveness of these industries by advising them on how to improve their products and processes.

Contact Person
Alexander Davidson
CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory
Telephone: (613) 995-8814
Fax: (613) 992-8735
E-mail: aledavid@nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET-MTL's principal research areas are described below.

Automotive Materials
In collaboration with industry and academic stakeholders, CANMET-MTL has developed the Automotive Structural Materials - Next-Generation Vehicle (ASM-NGV) Program (a series of focused projects) as the initial research thrust within the Automotive Materials Program.

The overall program objectives are to develop and deploy innovative materials, and material processing and forming technologies for applications on advanced vehicle components and subsystems to:

• improve the energy efficiency of all types of vehicles;
• facilitate market entry of next-generation vehicles by improving their performance and range, and enabling safety compliance;
• ensure Canadian companies and researchers develop greater competency and knowledge.

Contact Person
Bill MacDonald
Telephone: (613) 992-0741
E-mail: ksadayap@NRCan.gc.ca

Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor Materials
In collaboration with industry and academic stakeholders, CANMET-MTL has developed the Generation IV Super-Critical Water Reactor Materials Program (a series of focused projects) as the initial research thrust within the new Nuclear Reactor Materials Program.

The overall program objectives are to:

• develop innovative solutions to the materials challenges in designing next-generation nuclear reactors;
• support Canada's leading-edge nuclear technology in an increasingly competitive global nuclear market;
• contribute to the effort of the federal government and universities in training highly qualified nuclear material researchers and engineers. 

Contact Person
Wenyue Zheng
Telephone: (613) 992-7904
E-mail: wenyue@NRCan.gc.ca

Oil and Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Materials
In collaboration with industry and academic stakeholders, CANMET-MTL continues with this program as a series of structured projects, focused on near-term (immediate) priorities as defined by the stakeholder community.

The overall program objectives are to:

• supply innovative approaches in materials performance for the construction, regulation and maintenance of pipelines, in particular to control fracture and corrosion, and to enhance pipeline safety and reliability;
• enhance competitiveness in the supply of materials and joining technologies for the pipeline industry.

Contact Person
Winston Revie
Telephone: (613) 992-1703
E-mail: wrevie@NRCan.gc.ca

Emerging Materials
CANMET-MTL's scientific and technical staff involved with the Emerging Materials Program conduct research into new materials and processes. Innovative materials and processes can make a critical difference to the competitiveness of Canada's industry and are needed to respond to new environmental requirements and concerns. The program provides research and consulting services to industry in a wide variety of applications, for example:

• selection and development of advanced materials;
• relationship between processing and microstructural properties;
• material/processing behaviour simulation;
• prototype development for industrial clients.

Contact Person
Jason Lo
Telephone: (613) 992-2669
E-mail: jlo@nrcan.gc.ca

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Certification
The CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory is the certifying agency for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Personnel in Canada. It certifies individuals in accordance with the standards developed and approved by the Canadian General Standards Board, based on the ISO 9712 standard.

Certification is available in five areas:

• ultrasonic testing;
• eddy current testing;
• liquid penetrant testing;
• magnetic particle testing; and
• radiographic testing.

Contact Person
Rick Murphy
Telephone: (613) 943-0583
Fax: (613) 992-8735
E-mail: rmurphy@nrcan.gc.ca

New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Mr. Alexander Davidson
Business Manager
CANMET-MTL Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
568 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0G1
Telephone: 613-995-8814
Fax: 613-992-8735
TTY (hearing impaired): 613-996-4397
E-mail: Alexander.Davidson@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/canmet-mtb/mtl/default_e.htm