Consolidating Thermoplastic Composite Aerostructures in Place
After more than 30 years of development, in-situ consolidation is nearing its promise to eliminate fasteners and the autoclave, and enable an integrated, multifunctional airframe. With next-generation commercial aircraft on the horizon, in-situ consolidation might be maturing just in time. More.
CAMX 2017 Award Winners: Where Are They Now?
During CAMX 2017, the global composites industry had the opportunity to see two unique applications that were bestowed with the industry’s high honor: the CAMX Award. The award recognizes cutting-edge innovations and companies that are shaping the future of composites and advanced materials. Find out where these winners are now.
The CAMX Combined Strength Award recognized Composite Advantage and its collaborators the US Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL), West Virginia University and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Rock Island District, who worked together to build the first composite navigational structure to be used by USACE – GFRP wicket gates at Peoria Lock & Dam on the Illinois River at Creve Coeur, Ill. The innovative GFRP composite wicket gate costs 40% less on a first-cost basis, provides an environmentally conscious alternative to old-growth hardwood, and increases a gate’s lifespan from 15 years to 50 years.
The Unsurpassed Innovation Award went to Structural Composites, whose CoCure hybrid composite technology was incorporated in Wabash National’s first all-composite semi-trailer. The refrigerated van not only includes composite walls and roof systems but also features a new hybrid metal/composite integrated floor that, when combined with the wall and roof systems, provides significant improvements in load rating, weight, thermal efficiency and longevity.
Both projects have made waves in the industry since the show, which raises the question: where they do stand now?
For starters, USACE’s Rock Island District has submitted a 2018 budget request to replace all existing timber wickets with composite wickets at two Illinois River sites. At those two sites alone, replacement with GFRP wicket gates will save $18.6 million in materials and labor over 50 years, providing a return on investment of 28.6:1 on development expenditures of $650,000. This product’s innovation paves the way for the use of GFRP composites nationwide by USACE and other governmental agencies on a multitude of additional navigation and water-control structures with even more demanding performance requirements, such as large culvert valves and radial gates.
As for Wabash, there could be many more semi-trailers in the works thanks to a recently-opened $3 million plant in Little Falls, Minn., which will serve as the primary manufacturing site for the company’s molded structural composite panels. It will also be a flexible launch facility for the final assembly of all-composite refrigerated trailers.
“We selected the Little Falls location as the launch facility for molded structural composite products because of the unique combination of an experienced and highly skilled workforce in composite manufacturing processes, along with a fully equipped and highly engineered facility capable of producing large-size parts at high rates of volume,” Dustin Smith, a Wabash vice president, said in an e-mail to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “We are excited to be a meaningful and positive contributor to the community.”
Don’t miss your opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Composite Advantage and Structural Composites! Submit your entry for the 2018 CAMX Award today. Entries will be accepted until June 15. For more information, visit https://www.thecamx.org/camx-award/.
Prime Booth Space Now Available – Book Today!
CAMX is the leading industry marketplace where business gets done! With 8,000 attendees and 550+ exhibitors from around the globe, CAMX delivers a fresh, unrivaled exhibit experience. CAMX is where business is done and connections are made with 93% of attendees making new connections in 2017. Showcase cutting-edge applications, materials, technology and industry best practices at the largest industry event in North America. View the 2018 Exhibitor Prospectus and reserve your booth space today. View the updated floor plan.
Award Submissions Now Being Accepted
The awards presented at CAMX celebrate innovators and innovations that are shaping markets, inspiring solutions, and shifting industry expectations. Companies that win these awards join an elite group of leaders and visionaries within the composites and advanced materials community. The entry deadline is June 15. View the 2017 CAMX Award winners and ACE winners. Learn more about the CAMX Award and the Awards for Composites Excellence and submit today.
Is your Alma Mater represented at CAMX?
Don’t miss the University Pavilion at CAMX 2018, or the Poster Session where students discuss their latest ideas. Make sure that your alma mater is represented at CAMX! CAMX provides complimentary exhibit space to colleges and universities with engineering and technical training programs. Furniture packages are available at an additional fee. Poster Sessions, where students present and discuss their latest research and ideas, allow students to compete for the chance to present their winning Poster in the main stage on the CAMX show floor. Additionally, CAMX provides support and opportunities for students, including contests, discounted registration, and more. Reserve booth space and enter the Poster competition today. More.
CAMX 2017 By the Numbers
CAMX attracts thousands of industry leaders, service providers, customers, and end-users. The CAMX 2017 Post-Show Report details the recent event by the numbers with statistics, ratings, and demographic information. Review the report online now.