SAMPE President Alex Stiles explains to members how carbon fiber will be used in the vacuum infusion process.
February 2019
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE-UTK) hosted its second meeting of the semester at the UT-IACMI Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF). The seminar was led by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Director of Certifications, Andrew Pokelwaldt, as he shared insight into composites manufacturing with SAMPE-UTK members. The meeting allowed students to learn about composites manufacturing along with gaining hands-on experience with the vacuum infusion process.
Pokelwaldt gave student SAMPE members opportunities to ask questions and consider real-world applications throughout the seminar. Following a presentation, students utilized the available FCMF lab space and equipment to gain first-hand knowledge of how to conduct vacuum infusion. Students used infusion epoxy resin with carbon fiber to vacuum infuse and create the classic University of Tennessee ‘T’.Approximately 20 students, including IACMI interns, attended the meeting.
“It’s really important for students to have access to composites materials and processes because that’s what we’ll actually be doing in the advanced materials workforce after we graduate, “ said IACMI intern, Trenton Bullman.
Another IACMI intern and SAMPE-UTK Officer, Hannah Maeser, also helped direct members, many of which were new to the vacuum infusion process. “We’re grateful to have access to composites materials, lab space, and experts to share their time and industry insight,” she said.
IACMI is proud to support collaboration between composites industry, academic, and state partners to continue to provide opportunities for workforce growth to develop future composites leaders.