Jim Martin:
SAMPE2017 at the Seattle Convention Center was well attended and exhibitors commented that the quality of attendees was very high, evidenced by detailed aerospace program discussions and need for composite materials, process and manufacturing expertise. The 2 ½ hour “Advanced Manufacturing for Rapid Production” panel in which Jim Martin participated and presented was attended by roughly 80 people who contributed to lively dialog. Panel topics included topics included:
- High-rate, non-autoclave curing methods
- Process and chemistry innovations for higher throughput
- Intelligent, sophisticated modeling to help reduce testing and quality assurance burdens in fiber + resin composite production
Globe initiatives directed at high rate, high volume formatting and conversion of thermoplastic prepreg tape were well received.