SAMPE Journal - July/August 2016 - 24

industry news
The 11th Annual Wasatch Front Materials Expo (WFME) Sets New Record
With 61 tabletop exhibitors from around the world the 11th Annual
Wasatch Front Materials Expo drew a total of 475 attendees. The
March 23 event set new records, becoming one of the largest events
of its type in the United States.
"The response we have had to this locally-sponsored event has been
overwhelming," said Steve Rodgers, WFME Chairman. "In the past
we have had exhibitors fly in from all over the country to participate,
but this year I also saw non-exhibiting attendees fly in to network as
our guests. I was very pleased."
Of course, with great success comes greater challenges. "We are at
a point where we need to make a tough decision," said SAMPE Utah
Chairman Jerome Berg. "The event has outgrown the venue and it
is always risky to move from a popular location. However, we will
need to decide quickly whether we will artificially limit the number
of exhibitors next year or change location and allow the event to
continue to grow."
"We tried something new this year," said David Riddle, WFME Vice Chairman. "We replaced the buffet-served food
with butler-passed finger foods, which meant that nobody had to leave their networking to get refreshments."
Ginger Chinn, who oversaw event marketing and operations observed that, "The buzz in the room was nonstop for
four solid hours. Everybody I talked to said that it is one of the highlights of their year."
The planning has already begun for next year. Once the venue has been determined publicity will be sent out. To
receive information as soon as it becomes available, send your request to Steven.R@EmergenTek.com
Airtech Advanced Materials Group
introduces the NEW AirsweepR2.
AirsweepR2 is a composite
laminating tool for placement of
prepregsand fabrics onto molds.
AirsweepR2 has been ergonomically
designed to fit the hand more
comfortably, so even pressure can
be applied into sharp corners easily
with reduced operator fatigue.
AirsweepR2 is manufactured
from abrasion resistant noncontaminating UHMW PE.
Benefits:
*Apply even pressure accurately
to tight corners to eliminate fabric
bridging and avoid part rework.
*Handle design applies palm
pressure, reducing finger fatigue.
*Non-contaminating material avoids
FOD in layups.
airtech@airtechintl.com

Over 150 students, academics, technicians and business owners from
23 states now have a better understanding of the latest developments
in advanced materials and
processes, thanks to attending
a two-day school presented by
Composites One in partnership
with the Institute for Advanced
Composites Manufacturing Innovation
(IACMI), one of eight organizations
comprising the National Network of
Manufacturing Innovation.
"When we developed this new
partnership, it was with the goal of
helping prepare the next generation
of composites professionals, as
well as ensuring that our industry's existing workforce is up to speed on
the latest technologies," said Composites One Marketing Communications
Director Marcy Offner. "Judging by the comments that we heard from
attendees, we're on our way to achieving that goal.
IACMI -The Composites Institute CEO Craig Blue agreed, adding, "This
collaboration reinforces our mission to accelerate the development and
adoption of cutting-edge technologies for low-cost, energy-efficient
manufacturing of advanced composites, positively impacting innovation
and workforce development."
The Composites Institute headquarters in Knoxville, TN, the Solutions in
Process and Advanced Materials for Today's Composites Manufacturer
school featured over a dozen sessions led by subject matter experts from
Composites One, the Closed Mold Alliance, IACMI - The Composites
Institute, the University of Tennessee, and Magnum Venus Products
(MVP). They included live demos of reusable bag molding, light resin
transfer molding, prepreg and high temperature compression molding, and
presentations on vacuum infusion, and designing with carbon fiber.
www.compositesone.com
SAMPE Journal, Volume 52, No. 4, July/August 2016

http://www.compositesone.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SAMPE Journal - July/August 2016