Graf Canada Ltd. is working with researchers at SAIT Polytechnic’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department to develop better performing, lighter-weight skates.
SAIT’s Sports and Wellness Engineering Technologies specialists are hoping to provide Graf with the necessary information to manufacture more of its skate components in Canada at a higher quality with shorter lead times and smaller batch orders. The project will also provide Graf with some preliminary models of a skate that incorporates new materials and manufacturing processes.
Graf approached ARIS for assistance in reviewing the manufacturing processes and materials used in the production of its ice hockey skates in 2014. The company would like to improve the quality and cost of its product while bringing more of its manufacturing to Canada. In addition, the majority of Graf’s current components and processes are not documented with proper Computer Aided Design (CAD) files and therefore cannot be shared with potential manufacturing partners. This review and documentation project is the first step towards a larger project involving the design and prototyping of a new-model ice hockey skate.
