SAMPE Journal - March/April 2023 - 47

Figure 2. Today, market segments look toward the expansion of various upcoming applications identified across traditional key
segments (in yellow).
Before looking at where we are today in the above market areas, we must note where tooling is physically
located in these columns. I often see tooling technology found under the Industrial banner. One should
look at tooling in a broader sense because of its critical function. Tools provide the final geometric shape
of the ultimate part that will find its way into any of the category markets noted above. Consequently, it is
crucial to think of " tooling " as supportive of all 3 of the market segments!
As a result, I have added tooling to each of the three traditional market segments, as noted in Figure 2.
It is still important to remember that tooling can take on many forms, be made from various materials, and
be used across wide temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels to form and ultimately shape the intended
final part to desired configurations.
Note also that Figure 2 has been further modified to address what I have seen more recently, market
expansion (or predicted expansions) across all three major areas. As one reviews market reports, reads
numerous publications across industries, or follows Patent filings - growth in technologies is expanding in
all three areas above. That is not saying they are mature - meaning higher TRL's above the traditional TRL
1-3 range or even the " Valley of Death " range (TRL 4-6), but there is a considerable effort going on now
across materials and process engineering technologies.
The recent SAMPE 2nd
Materials Innovation & Advanced Technology Leadership Forum (January 25-26,
2023) actually addresses a number of these expansion markets, indicating the strong interest in numerous
areas. Many of these market expansion areas are forecasting the potential use of materials that appear
to be somewhat limited in being able to expand " rapidly. " As a result, perhaps combinations of materials
might be necessary to achieve some production goals. However, the materials and process engineering
community as a whole has always risen to the challenge and developed solutions.
As an example, several presentations and audience questions discussed the situation in which carbon
fiber, a high strength, high stiffness dominant material for many of the expansion areas, may not be capable
of such growth. The presentation by Frazer Barnes (Gen 2 Carbon Ltd) addressed the critical technology
needed to further develop recycling carbon fiber materials for reuse as well as resolving environmental
issues. His presentation offered an excellent example of solving the future demands for such fibers if only
more attention is paid to the expansion of carbon fiber recycling based upon demonstrated technologies
today.
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