Composite experts from all over the world converge at Patuxent River Naval Air Station
On June 4-6, 125 government and industry representatives involved in the composite industry or composite projects gathered to share best practices, technology innovations, and challenges.
The Joint Composite & Advanced Material Sustainment (JCAMS) group hosted their annual event for government and military officials, industry leaders, manufacturers, engineers, and other technical experts focusing on the manufacturing, tooling, deployment, and repair of advanced composite materials in a defense setting. This year, representatives from the U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force, along with an Air Force representative from New Zealand as well as original equipment manufacturers such as Boeing, attended the event.
Over the three days, industries offered insight into topics that ranged from composite inspection technology to repair procedures. Participants heard updates on design for supportability, additive manufacturing as a tooling alternative, overcoming the unique challenges and the future of composite maintenance and repair. Government attendees appreciated the opportunity to visit tabletop displays highlighting innovative composite technologies.
Composite material is now being used on many weapons systems due to advantages on weight, durability, and costs. The future seems to indicate that that pattern won’t decrease but rather increase. Events like JCAMS are important efforts to share information that can benefit the warfighter and enhance readiness.