With support from the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), KA Imaging is applying X-ray imaging to improve quality assurance in battery component manufacturing.
Waterloo, Ontario, July 8, 2025 – X-ray manufacturer KA Imaging is developing a cutting-edge X-ray phase contrast system to enhance quality control in EV manufacturing in collaboration with Dana Canada Corporation, a subsidiary of Dana Incorporated, and with the support of the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). The project is backed by an investment of close to $3 million, including $1 million from Ontario through the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund, and nearly $2 million from KA Imaging and Dana.
“By investing in homegrown innovation and helping local companies compete in global markets, Ontario is protecting the future of our automotive sector and ensuring the cars of the future are made in Ontario, by Ontario workers,” said Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, our government is strengthening our domestic supply chain, driving competitiveness and resilience, and creating good-paying jobs that will withstand this storm of tariffs and economic uncertainty.”
The project aims to tackle a critical challenge in EV manufacturing, balancing high-speed production with uncompromised quality. By introducing an inline X-ray detection system, this project will proactively catch micro-defects introduced at faster production speeds, reducing scrap rates, improving safety, and ultimately helping drive down EV costs.
As EV adoption grows, there is increasing pressure to reduce vehicle prices to reach mass-market appeal. As manufacturers push for faster production speeds, micro-defects become more frequent, driving up costs and limiting safety. KA Imaging will develop a cutting-edge, high-precision X-ray imaging system to enable real-time defect detection at production speeds.
QUOTES
“Dana is excited to participate in this project and contribute to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes,”
–Michael Bardeleben, Senior Engineering Manager at Dana Canada
“This inline X-ray phase contrast system has the potential to transform laser welding inspection in EV manufacturing by improving safety, reducing waste, and cutting costs. By detecting defects early in the process, manufacturers can enhance product quality and efficiency. This innovation could also extend beyond EVs, with potential applications in food processing and aerospace,”
–Karim S. Karim, CTO KA Imaging
“Ontario is in the driver’s seat of the global automotive and mobility sector, unleashing its boundless potential to foster innovation and catalyze lasting economic growth. This critical investment by the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network reflects Ontario’s strong commitment to fostering partnerships with global industry leaders, accelerating the growth of Ontario-made technologies, and harnessing the power of homegrown Ontario companies to create jobs and drive prosperity. Together, we ensuring that Ontario will continue to be a global automotive and mobility leader for decades to come,”
– Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN (OVI)
“This investment highlights the critical role our homegrown companies play in shaping the future of mobility. Through OVIN, we are proud to support ambitious, made-in-Ontario technologies that are advancing electrification, smart infrastructure, and connected vehicle solutions – accelerating commercialization and keeping Ontario at the forefront of the mobility revolution,”
– Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
About KA Imaging
A spin-off from the University of Waterloo, KA Imaging specializes in developing innovative X-ray imaging technologies and systems, providing solutions to the medical, veterinary, and non-destructive test industrial markets. For more information, please visit www.kaimaging.com.
About Dana Incorporated
Dana is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions that power vehicles and machines in all mobility markets across the globe. The company is shaping sustainable progress through its conventional and clean-energy solutions that support nearly every vehicle manufacturer with drive and motion systems; electrodynamic technologies, including software and controls; and thermal, sealing, and digital solutions. Learn more at dana.com.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies. For more information: https://www.ovinhub.ca
Media Contact:
Fernanda Fraga
Marketing and Communications Manager, KA Imaging
me***@*******ng.com
226-215-9897