On Tuesday, January 8, a free Composites Coalition seminar was hosted at the University of Tennessee Fibers & Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF).
After a safety and facility brief, attendees learned the basics of composites processing using light resin transfer molding and vacuum infusion processes. A short discussion was then had on all the advantages and disadvantages of each process, and a comparison to open molding took place.
Introductions were then made to the materials, the resin system, as well as the basics of vacuum and use of vacuum pressure in processing. Attendees set up and completed the vacuum Infusion project with instruction and were able to build small sample parts themselves. Challenges and opportunities in production methods opened the floor to additional discussion.
The session was led by Andrew Pokelwaldt of the American Composites Manufacturing Association (ACMA). Pokelwaldt noted, “I thoroughly enjoyed using the Certified Composites Technician program from ACMA to promote local industry knowledge and future certifications for manufacturers.”
