SAMPE Carolinas 2024 Material Expo: Highlights and Insights

On October 9, professionals and innovators from across the composites industry gathered for the SAMPE Carolinas 2024 Material Expo in Charleston, South Carolina. The theme of ‘Next Generation Composites’ set the stage for insights on the latest trends and future breakthroughs in composite materials.

Our own Brian Gardner is a director of the SAMPE Carolinas Chapter, and Copps Industries is a chapter sponsor. Our support of SAMPE and leadership in the organization is one more example of Copps’ efforts to move the industry forward.

The one-day expo brought together leaders from across industries to showcase how composites are revolutionizing everything from aerospace to transportation. Here are our highlights and insights from the event:

Global Outlook for Composites in Aerospace

Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC, kicked off the presentations with an overview of the current state of composites in aerospace. He explored how new materials and technologies are driving performance improvements and sustainability. He emphasized some of the top trends we’ve seen in the industry, such as an increased demand for lighter, stronger composites.

Development of Autonomous Rail Systems

A presentation from Dr. Tim Luchini, CEO of Intramotev, discussed how composites are being integrated into the development of autonomous rail systems. His talk revealed how lightweight composites are crucial to making autonomous, energy-efficient trains a reality. He showcased the potential of composites to improve performance and reduce the carbon footprint of the rail industry.

Emerging Voices in Composites

Participants at the expo also heard from emerging talent in the field. Ashley Tracey, a project engineer at Boeing, shared her insights on how Boeing is leveraging composites in its new aircraft models to address unique engineering challenges. Trent Miller, a student at the University of South Carolina and the 2024 Scholarship Winner, gave us a glimpse of the future of composites through the lens of an undergraduate researcher.

Key themes throughout the expo focused on:

• The growing importance of sustainability in manufacturing.
• How technology is driving innovations in composite production.
• The importance of partnership to accelerate innovation and address future challenges.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Composites

As the SAMPE Carolinas 2024 Material Expo drew to a close, it was clear that composites will continue to play a crucial role in the future of industries like aerospace, rail, and beyond. The event highlighted the need for continuous innovation and collaboration as we look toward the next generation of composite materials.

At Copps Industries, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve by developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of industries that rely on composite materials. As we look forward, our team of experts is excited to push the boundaries of what composites can achieve.