January Chapter Meeting

Date:  Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Time:  6:00 P.M. Dinner; Speaker at 7:00 P.M.
Location:  AERO Institute
38256 Sierra Hwy
Palmdale, CA 93550

Topic:  Reusable Vacuum Bag Technology by SWORL*

* SWORL:  Sprayable, Workable, Odorless, Reusable, Long-lasting

As the composites industry, becomes more competitive, and the available skilled workforce shrinks manufacturers search for technology which will maximize production and minimize cost. A growing number of resin infusion shops — and some aerospace manufacturers — are finding their solution in turning to reusable vacuum bag (RVB) technology. Proponents say that RVB membranes can replace disposable bagging films and even rigid countermolds, and that they offer molders a wealth of advantages, including improved part-to-part quality, cleanliness and reduced labor cost.  No less important, they provide a way to cut down on consumables and reduce a shop’s waste stream.   And while many companies view RVB’s as a “silver bullet” they aren’t always the right solution for every process situation.

“How the silicone chemistry is formulated for tear strength is, in my opinion, the most important criterion when selecting a bagging product — it directly correlates to bag life,” says Larry Audette, president of RVB supplier Prairie Technology Group Inc. (Hutto, Texas).

Speakers:  Richard Matthews & Rodney Burnett, SWORL
Richard Matthews Graduated Texas A&M with degree in Mechanical Engineering. Has spent many years in bonding of materials for the Oil and Gas, Automotive and Aerospace Industry. Employed by Oil States Industries first developed the ability to bond rubber materials under high heat conditions down hole. Aerospace development with Huntsman and Trelleborg focused on composite structures. Current owner of Monarch Industries, Brea CA (Adhesive Distributor) and representing SWORL.

Rodney Burnett has 23 years of experience in the adhesive and sealants field with Prairie Technology Group as a Regional Manager.  He was instrumental in the development of the SWORL Vacuum Bagging system in 2006.   Rodney has devoted much of his time in the last several years promoting the SWORL bagging system to many markets.  Rodney is also being credited for developing innovative sealing mechanisms currently being used in the aerospace industry.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited space please RSVP to Dr. Roger Fountain: Roger.Fountain@lmco.com    phone:   661-572-2832

Look-ahead:
February: Nitto Denko on Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) on 2/25/15
March:  Trillion on non-contact imaging strain/extensometry on 3/25/15
April: SAMPE HIGH DESERT 1-DAY SYMPOSIUM on 4/22/15  ---  SAVE THE DATE!