Access CKN’s Knowledge in Practice Centre – a trusted and extensive source for composites manufacturing knowledge
The Knowledge in Practice Centre (KPC) is a wiki-based online resource for empowering businesses with the composites knowledge they need to succeed, with a repository of composites knowledge developed to save you time and money by providing science-based content tied to industrial practice.
There is no cost to joining the KPC. Simply fill out the Request Form and we’ll provide you with access. Once there, you can view past webinars and associated resources, explore case studies, gain technical know-how and access practical advice. Once logged-in, get a quick overview by watching our KPC introductory video.
CKN sponsors CANCOM 2022 – July 12 – 15 in Moncton and Fredericton
The Canadian Association for Composite Structures and Materials (CACSMA) is holding its biennial international conference this July in scenic Atlantic Canada. This is industry-focussed event is Canada’s largest technical forum facilitating the exchange of technological know-how, state-of-the-art research, and innovation challenges related to composite materials, and CKN will be there. We are sponsoring and will have an exhibitor booth, so please be sure to register and pay us a visit in person.
• Dates: July 12 – 15
• Cost: From $170 for Industry Day to $850 for the full conference
Did you miss it? Watch the recording of our May AIM Event
Introduction to the processing of thermoplastic composites
Presenter: Dr. Pascal Hubert, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University
Thermoplastic composites offer several advantages over the more conventional thermoset matrix composites such as better toughness and impact resistance, unlimited shelf life, good solvent resistance, potential for low processing time and recyclability. However, thermoplastic composites also present a number of challenges like higher processing costs caused by their processing conditions.
This webinar serves as an introduction to the processing of thermoplastic composites. The different classes of thermoplastic polymers will be reviewed followed by a presentation of the various approaches used to add reinforcements. Key thermoplastic properties related to their processing will be discussed. A review of the main processing methods to make thermoplastic composites will be presented. Finally, general processing guidelines will be provided.
Watch the May AIM event video >
June AIM Event: Introduction to welding of thermoplastic composites
Presenter: Dr. Martine Dube, École de technologie supérieure
When fabricating a composite structure, subcomponents need to be assembled. For conventional thermoset composites, this is done using adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening. In the case of thermoplastic composites, welding, also called fusion bonding, can be used as a joining method.
Welding offers several advantages over the other joining methods as it is a fast process that does not require drilling holes in the parts. It consists of bringing together two thermoplastic composite parts and heating their interface above the polymer glass transition or melting temperature. The joining interface is then cooled down under pressure, resulting in a welded joint.
This talk will introduce the fundamental mechanisms responsible for adhesion in any welding process. A review of various welding processes will then be presented with special focus on resistance, induction and ultrasonic welding. Finally, joints quality characterization methods will be discussed, and general welding guidelines will be provided.
- Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2022
- Time: 9am Pacific | 12pm Eastern
- Registration: No cost. Registration required.
Hosted by Composites Knowledge Network and SAMPE Canada.
Register now for the June AIM event >
July AIM Event: Case Study: Optimizing a Press Moulding Process
Presenter: Dr. Casey Keulen of University of British Columbia
Many of our previous webinars have introduced knowledge, theories, and background information on composite materials. How do we put these into practice and use them to make engineering decisions to obtain our desired outcome?
In this webinar we will take a thorough look at a case study on the optimization of a thermoset prepreg press moulding process that was optimized to cut the processing time in half by simply adjusting processing parameters. We will explain the theory and practice behind engineering tools used and decisions made throughout the study. The focus will be on material characterization, process simulation, microscopy, mechanical testing, and process verification.
- Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2022
- Time: 9am Pacific | 12pm Eastern
- Registration: No cost. Registration required.
Hosted by Composites Knowledge Network and SAMPE Canada.
Register now for the July AIM event >
Catch up on the recordings from past AIM Events
You can watch all the recordings from past AIM events through the Knowledge in Practice Centre (KPC). Check in the Perspectives section.
Coffee Breaks on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) underway
In the fall, we announced a new series of virtual coffee breaks to discuss a variety of subjects related to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). Thus far, we’ve featured Courtney Mandock (Boeing Canada), Anoush Poursartip (UBC), and Janic Lauzon (CDCQ), with more to come. Members from the composites community, including from industry, academia, and government have tuned in to the discussion – thanks to all those who have attended and to our speakers for making these sessions a success.
In February, Prof. Anoush Poursartip shared his experience through 35-year career and featured an impromptu panel led by Prof. Pascal Hubert, Dr. Isabelle Paris, and Dr. Ali Yousefpour with great discussions on subjects such as bias, empathy, and their perspectives on supervising students and staff.
In her bilingual presentation in April, Janic Lauzon shared how, throughout her career in a male-dominated industry, she faced challenges getting hired, being respected, getting included. Now she is focussed on making EDI an objective in her organization, where diversity is valued and visible.
This series has been jointly organized by Composites Knowledge Network (CKN), the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering (SAMPE) Canada Chapter, the Canadian Association for Composite Structures and Materials (CACSMA), and the Centre de recherche sur les systèmes polymères et composites à haute performance (CREPEC).
Typically held on Fridays at 9am Pacific | 12pm Eastern, they’re a perfect opportunity to grab a coffee or your lunch and tune into an interesting conversation about D&I, mentorship, allyship, unconscious bias, and more. They’re free to join, and everyone is welcome. Watch for details on the next session, coming to your inbox soon.