MVP’s RAM is capable of printing reactive polymer materials on a large scale.

Connecting the world’s extensive composites communities, the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) consistently attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of industry professionals offering unique opportunities and experiences to discover cutting edge technology, key trends, and new emerging ideas. As a premier equipment manufacturer, Magnum Venus Products (MVP) stood out again this year with its wide range of products, R&D capabilities, and real-world application demonstrations.

From research to demonstration to reality, MVP showcased its newest product, the Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) machine, across the exhibit hall and in multiple conference sessions. With prints displayed in booths of research partners Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), IACMI – The Composites Institute, and material suppliers including Dixie Chemical and Polynt, the RAM was a show highlight garnering interest as a superior alternative to standard thermoplastic 3D printing.

Last year, the thermoset technology won the coveted ACE Award, presented to the composites product that demonstrates the potential to significantly increase the use of composites or generate the greatest impact in new or existing markets. Since then, the RAM hosted an official ribbon cutting, celebrated the developments of new materials, and held a launch event for the commercially available system in collaboration with Polynt.

Mike Kastura, MVP Sr. Product and Marketing Manager, presents on the impact RAM is expected to make in the market during a distinguished panel at CAMX on large scale additive manufacturing.

The innovation doesn’t stop there. This year, Christopher Hershey, a postdoctoral research associate at ORNL, won an Outstanding Technical Paper Award for his work with RAM on large-scale reactive extrusion deposition of sparse infill structures with solid perimeters. This new design solution aims to decrease weight and increase efficiency in additive manufactured parts. Large-scale additive manufacturing continues to be a key theme at CAMX, with multiple sessions on the topic including a featured panel session with MVP, ORNL, Additive Engineering Solutions (AES), Ingersoll, University of Texas El Paso, and University of Maine focused on current challenges and opportunities.

 

The Demo Zone is the conference watering hole with more than 15 live demonstrations of vacuum infusion, light resin transfer molding, and advanced processing with demos walking attendees through each process step to create real-life parts. MVP led multiple demos utilizing its premium pumping equipment and previewed its robotic gel coater, a simple system with fluid movements equivalent to manual spraying without the need of costly programming. Attendees were also able to see fabrication of a carbon fiber kayak paddle pulled from a mold printed on MVP’s RAM.

Andrew Hedger, Joe Hedger, and Peter Hedger Jr. proudly accepted the ACMA Pioneer Award on behalf of James Hedger Sr. presented posthumously.

To top off the successful week, James Hedger Sr. was an honored recipient of the ACMA Pioneer Award, celebrating his dedication and innovation to the composites industry which molded MVP to become a top manufacturing of composites application equipment. The award was presented posthumously and accepted by his son, Joe Hedger with support from grandsons Peter Hedger Jr. and Andrew Hedger. MVP is thankful for his commitment to excellence and is proud to celebrate his lasting legacy.