The University of Tennessee’s Fibers & Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF) hosted an educational Composites Coalition seminar on Tuesday, Jan. 8, offering participants practical experience with advanced manufacturing techniques.
Andrew Pokelwaldt of the American Composites Manufacturing Association (ACMA) led the session, which began with essential safety protocols and facility orientation. Attendees then received comprehensive training in two key processes:
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Light resin transfer molding
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Vacuum infusion processing
The seminar featured in-depth discussions comparing these methods with traditional open molding, analyzing their respective advantages and disadvantages. Participants gained hands-on experience with:
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Material selection and resin systems
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Vacuum pressure applications
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Process setup and execution
“Using the Certified Composites Technician program from ACMA helps promote local industry knowledge,” Pokelwaldt noted, highlighting the seminar’s role in preparing manufacturers for professional certification.
The event culminated with attendees creating their own sample parts through guided vacuum infusion projects. These practical exercises led to productive discussions about production challenges and opportunities in composite manufacturing.