KNOXVILLE—One of the critical elements for the success of the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI, announced by President Barack Obama in January, is collaborating with some of the leading institutes, research centers and companies around the world.
Led by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the group has built a number of relationships and recently welcomed one such partner, the American Composites Manufacturers Association, or ACMA, to campus.
ACMA leadership learned firsthand about advanced manufacturing taking place at UT and ORNL. They also visited with one of their former leaders.
John D. Tickle—a longtime supporter of UT and a member of the College of Engineering’s board of advisors—is past president of ACMA, and was on hand to meet IACMI and ACMA members.
ACMA recently honored Tickle for his 50 years of service to advanced composites manufacturing, in addition to previously having awarded him the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2009 Chairman Award.
In addition to his connection to ACMA and UT, Tickle’s presence was a reminder about the promise that IACMI holds. The bridge leading to the building that bears his name was produced by pultrusion, an advanced manufacturing technique involving the use of reinforced fibers coated in resin.
Strongwell, the company Tickle bought in 1972 when it was known as the Morrison Molded Fiber Glass Company, is a resource member of the IACMI consortium.
According to Cliff Eberle, ORNL expert in carbon fiber and composites, Strongwell’s pultrusion expertise and equipment are part of the support they are providing IACMI.
Tickle’s visit gave IACMI and ACMA both a chance to thank him for his service.
“It was special to recognize John Tickle and Strongwell Corporation this way,” said Taylor Eighmy, UT’s vice chancellor for research and engagement. “John is a national leader in the composites industry and has served ACMA.
“It was great to meet with ACMA, introduce them further to IACMI, and have a chance for all of us to recognize John’s contributions and celebrate Strongwell’s leadership in pultrusion. They will be a key partner for us in IACMI.”
For more on the College of Engineering, visit http://engr.utk.edu.
For more on ORNL, visit http://ornl.gov.
For more on ACMA, visit http://acmanet.org.
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C O N T A C T :
David Goddard (865-974-0683, david.goddard@utk.edu)