Category Archive: Events
From high-speed race cars to cutting-edge aircraft, epoxy resin and carbon fiber are the secret ingredients powering innovation across industries. In applications where every ounce counts and resilience is non-negotiable, carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy resin is the go-to choice.
Let’s explore how this perfect match redefines what’s possible in strength and durability.
Epoxy Resins for Carbon Fiber
Composites are specialty materials made from a combination of fibers and resins. Epoxy resin is a thermoset polymer material that is heated and cured to chemically alter the material’s composition to create a permanently hardened substance. Epoxy resins can have glass transition temperatures above 400F˚, allowing them to retain their physical properties in high-temperature ranges. Once the liquid polymers in an epoxy resin solidify, the hardened piece becomes strong, resistant to chemical and thermal damage, and can withstand physical wear or impact.
Epoxy resin is advantageous due to its properties in its cured state. The material has the unique ability to fuse with carbon fibers to create an even stronger microstructure that showcases the advantages of both the epoxy and the fibers.
Carbon fibers are strong, lightweight, and fatigue-resistant fibers used to build composite materials. By combining carbon fibers with epoxies, manufacturers can create incredibly hard, durable materials that outperform both individual material types. Composites are a relatively new production material compared to materials like aluminum, iron, and steel, but there are many benefits to working with carbon fiber-strengthened composites that span a range of industries.
Carbon fibers resist fatigue, have low thermal expansion, and absorb or dampen vibrations. They are supplied in two forms that are suitable for creating composites. Carbon fiber tows are bundles of thousands of untwisted, continuous fibers that can be used directly in epoxies or converted into woven reinforcement materials like fabrics or tape.
Benefits of Epoxy Resins for Carbon Fiber
Epoxy resin and carbon fiber composites are uniquely strong and offer excellent performance in commercial and industrial applications. Some of the benefits of this material include:
- Strength: Carbon fibers have high tensile strength but are prone to damage. Epoxy resins have low tensile strength, but their toughness and malleable properties protect the fibers from damage, creating an even stronger material.
- Lightweight: The composite material has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, surpassing even aluminum and titanium. As a result, manufacturers can produce lightweight parts that can be used in more energy-efficient vehicles and assemblies.
- Flexibility: Despite its strength and durability, the composite is simultaneously very flexible. This means the material can withstand strong impact forces by absorbing the force. It also won’t develop spider cracks under impact or when the material is bent.
- No shrinkage: Epoxy resins won’t shrink after curing. This extends the lifespan of composite parts and components used in harsh environments.
- UV resistance: The composite material can withstand exposure to sunlight. It’s 100% UV resistant, so it can be used in long-term outdoor applications without the risk of wear or degradation.
- Aesthetics: Epoxy resin and carbon fiber composites are transparent, which makes them an excellent choice for visible components and consumer-facing products.
Applications of Epoxy Resins with Carbon Fiber
The versatility of epoxy resin and carbon fiber composites makes them useful in a wide variety of applications and industries. At Copps Industries, we formulate epoxy resins for composite materials used across the following applications:
- Aerospace
- Aircraft and avionics
- Automotive component construction and assembly
- Boats and marine applications
- Consumer goods
- Construction
- Corrosion-resistant parts for industrial and manufacturing equipment
- Military and defense—DoT-approved epoxy resin systems
- Oil and gas processing
- Sporting goods and recreational products
- Transportation
Choose Epoxy Resins with Carbon Fiber From Copps Industries
Since 1979, Copps Industries has been a leading provider of high-performance epoxy resins for use in civil engineering, adhesives, manufacturing, and more. Our company is ISO 9011:2015-certified as part of our commitment to excellent product quality. We produce resins for use in a wide variety of composite materials.
If you’re ready to elevate your projects with the strength and resilience of carbon fiber and epoxy resins, contact us today to request a quote and start your order.
As a professional society dedicated to providing information and resources, the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) is a valuable network for scientists, engineers, and researchers. The SAMPE Annual Conference and Exhibition brings together professionals from around the world to explore the latest advancements in materials and processing technology.
Copps Industries is excited to have participated in the SAMPE Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024, held in Long Beach, California, May 20-23. Featuring a variety of speakers, technical papers, educational sessions, and an expansive expo, the event is a place where groundbreaking ideas are exchanged. Here, we’re sharing some of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s conference.
Keynote Address: Empowering the Materials and Process Community
An inspirational session at the conference was the keynote address, “Empowering the Materials and Process Community for Tomorrow’s Innovations,” by Stephen Heinz from the Composite Materials Division at Syensqo. Heinz discussed how industries reliant on composite materials have faced rapid disruption with the evolution of advanced air mobility and advances in technologies. He emphasized the need for materials and process professionals to innovate at the same pace to continue to advance the industry.
Themes of Advancement and Sustainability
The conference featured several sessions and panels reflecting key themes of advancement and sustainability. Some of those sessions included:
- Advancing Composite Materials Technology, which emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation in composite materials and prepare the next generation of engineers to continue this progress.
- Sustainability and Circularity in the Advanced Materials Industry, which explored strategies for sustainability in the production and use of advanced materials and shared insights to help businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations and product life cycles.
- Sustainability and Applications of Advanced Materials, which looked at the various applications that contribute to sustainability, from lightweight composites that reduce fuel consumption to materials designed for renewable energy systems.
Another standout session was “Doing Business in Mexico,” where Dr. Yadira Gochi-Ponce highlighted Mexico’s leadership in advancing multifunctional materials and the country’s significant aerospace manufacturing contributions.
USDOE & SAMPE Co-Sponsored Workshop
One of the key conference highlights was a workshop on Advanced Materials for Hydrogen Infrastructure Technologies, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and SAMPE. The workshop examined state-of-the-art advanced materials like fiber-reinforced composites. Participants left with a better understanding of current challenges and opportunities and potential strategies to reduce costs and improve performance.
Exhibit and Customer Engagement
The exhibition floor bustled with manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their latest products and innovations, offering organizations the opportunity to engage face-to-face with potential customers and partners. For participating companies like ours, the exhibit hall offered valuable opportunities to connect with customers and gain insights into market demands and emerging trends.
Connecting to Copps Industries Values
Copps Industries emphasizes many of the same themes highlighted at the SAMPE 2024 Annual Conference as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. This includes our dedication to advancing materials technology and exploring sustainable solutions for our customers and the community.
The SAMPE conference provided a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and foster connections. From an inspiring keynote to engaging sessions on sustainability and advanced materials, the event showcased how the engineering community is addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges. At Copps Industries, our commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers in the materials industry.
The AGG1 Academy & Expo is the aggregates industry’s leading exposition and education resource. With industry-focused educational programming, comprehensive exhibits, and an expansive expo, the event showcases innovation in aggregate equipment, products, and services.
Hosted by the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), AGG1 brings together professionals from across the country to explore the latest technology, enhance their teams’ skills, and network with peers. Copps Industries is excited to have participated in AGG1 2024, held in Nashville, Tennessee, March 25-27. Here, we’re sharing some of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s show.
Themes of Safety and Sustainability
Safety and sustainability emerged as central themes in both educational programming and show exhibits. Attendees had the opportunity to advance their knowledge on health and safety measures, improving environmental stewardship, and adopting sustainable practices. These themes reflect a shared commitment to both people and the planet, values also held by Copps Industries.
Advancing Policies and Infrastructure
NSSGA advocates for a favorable policy and regulatory environment that helps foster industry growth. Their efforts focus on areas like infrastructure renewal, energy production, and manufacturing support. Sessions at the conference explored the political and public policy outlook for 2024, helping participants anticipate the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead.
Education and Team Development
The AGG1 Academy featured more than 120 educational sessions led by industry experts, focusing on safety, health, the environment, and sustainability. With topics ranging from harnessing solar power to workforce development to business management, the programming offered insights and strategies to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Exploring the Latest Technology
The aggregates industry plays a vital role in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Given this, it’s crucial for professionals to keep pace with the technology that will propel the industry’s future. More than 400 exhibitors showcased the latest equipment and solutions. Exhibits provided valuable opportunities for attendees to collaborate and exchange ideas while they explored the latest innovations.
Customer Engagement and Business Opportunities
The conference offered valuable opportunities for participating companies like Copps Industries to connect with customers and gain insights into emerging trends and sought-after solutions. Our discussions focused on various aspects of plant operations, production, and equipment, helping us stay up to date on the latest technologies, processes, and products that aggregate producers are using in creative ways.
Connecting to Copps Industries Values
Copps Industries emphasizes many of the same themes seen at the AGG1 Academy & Expo 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to our customers. This includes our dedication to continually seeking better solutions while doing the right thing for customers, employees, and the community.
The AGG1 Academy & Expo 2024 provided a forum for aggregate professionals to collaborate, learn, and innovate. With an emphasis on safety, sustainability, and technology, the event showcased how the industry is addressing some of its most pressing challenges. At Copps Industries, our similar commitments will help us partner with customers to drive positive change in the aggregates industry and beyond. Contact us or request a quote today.
The MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo brings together professionals from around the world who are involved in all aspects of mining engineering. With a variety of technical sessions, keynote speakers, an expansive expo, and hands-on opportunities for collaboration, the event features cutting-edge research and explores the most innovative solutions in the mining industry.
Copps Industries is excited to have participated in MINEXCHANGE 2024, held in Phoenix, Arizona, February 25-28. Here, we’re sharing some of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s show.
Keynote Address: Energy is Everything
One of the standout moments of the conference was the keynote address, “Energy is Everything,” by energy expert Alex Epstein. Epstein discussed the crucial role of affordable and reliable energy in global human flourishing, particularly in developing nations. He emphasized the continued importance of coal and other fossil fuels to provide energy access worldwide, citing their significant reserves and potential to support improved energy delivery systems. This session and others sparked conversations at the conference around the future of energy grids and the challenges of achieving “net zero by 2050.”
Themes of Innovation and Responsibility
Throughout the conference, the themes of innovation and responsible mining worked their way into discussions and presentations. Attendees had a chance to advance their knowledge on reducing emissions, promoting sustainability, and enhancing safety practices in the mining industry. These themes underscore a collective commitment to meeting society’s needs while prioritizing environmental stewardship and ethical practices—values that align closely with Copps Industries’ commitment to customers.
Customer Engagement and Business Opportunities
For participating companies like ours, the conference offered valuable opportunities to connect with customers. Meeting with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and potential clients provided insights into market demands and emerging trends. Many of our discussions centered around the importance of product quality and timely delivery, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability and responsibility among many in the industry.
Exploring Sustainable Solutions
Like many other companies, Copps Industries actively explores sustainable solutions to meet evolving industry needs and standards. Our commitment to 100% solid, nolow volatile organic compound (VOC) products matches the industry’s efforts to mitigate emissions and enhance safety standards. Discussions at the conference also revealed opportunities to track future innovations like bulk delivery systems, which offer the potential to reduce packaging and environmental impact.
Connecting to Copps Industries Values
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and customer service, Copps Industries emphasizes many of the same themes seen at MINEXCHANGE 2024. This includes our cutting-edge development of private labeling offerings and our dedication to seeking better solutions while doing the right thing for customers, employees, and the community.
The MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo 2024 provided a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and create connections. From a thought-provoking keynote to engaging discussions on sustainability and responsible mining, the event showcased the collective efforts of the mining community to address some of today’s most pressing challenges. At Copps Industries, our commitment to sustainability and innovation will help us keep pace with evolving needs and partner with customers to shape the future of the mining industry.
Put the power and innovation of Copps Industries to work for you today, contact us or request a quote.
