The U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Industrial Policy (IndPol) is supporting machine tool technology development through America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), a Defense Department-led initiative funded by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program. ACE aims to strengthen the U.S. machine tool industry through innovation, technology and workforce training.
In collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, ACE is providing hands-on machining training. UT’s Fibers and Composite Manufacturing Facility (FCMF) has installed *HAAS VM-3 and KUKA robot machining centers* for composites research and workforce development.
In summer 2021, FCMF hosted its first ACE-IACMI workshop for 20 undergraduate students. The weeklong program covers:
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Fundamentals of fibers, resins and composite materials
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Composites machining basics
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CAD design and concept part development
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Machining a two-cavity tool
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Composite part production via injection/compression molding
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Post-machining inspection and nondestructive evaluation
For more information or to register, contact Vanina Ghossein at vghossei@utk.edu.