We are grateful for the support from DoD IBAS ACE (America’s Cutting Edge) program and #IACMI-The Composites Institute for unique advanced manufacturing. machining and machine tools experience for our next generation work force.
Proud of our team for a very engaging ACE Composites boot camp held July 25-29, 2022 at the Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF) at University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
38 participants included students at all levels (4-year college undergraduate & graduate, and community colleges) and school and community college teachers (Train the Trainers) actively engaged in advanced composites technologies.
The teams built ‘Composite Drones’ customized to their own designs. The 4.5 days activities covered- (a) Learn how a drone functions; (b) Introduction to CAD and Conceptual Design; (c) Introduction to Fibers, Resins, Composites; (d) Hands-on manufacturing of composite plates (using glass and/or carbon fibers) with 3 different processes; (5) Introduction to Composites Machining; (6) 3D printing of covers to protect the electronics; (7) Assembly of the drone from constituent parts; (8) Validate and fly in a competition mode; (9) Deep dive technical talks on various emerging materials, manufacturing and machining practices and (10) a very engaging panel discussion from the teachers.
Senior students served actively as mentors and its amazing how bright our young generation is – we are so proud of their achievements.
Each participant received a ‘Certificates of Completion’. This boot camp is being replicated across the high school and community college network for a 2-day (possibly weekend) format.
