Connecting and advancing all aspects of the world’s composites and advanced materials communities, the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) held in Dallas October 16-18, hosted over 8,000 attendees and 800 exhibitors. A unique opportunity for attendees to see the latest in the strengths and innovations of the composites industry, CAMX is the one-stop experience for connection to products, solutions, networking, and advanced industry research. Magnum Venus Products (MVP) was on hand in Booth #AA29 showcasing numerous products and an array of different processes in which they are involved, including adhesive, resin infusion, gel coat, and fiberglass chopping equipment.

However, it was the 3D printer that MVP developed as a research project, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), that garnered the most attention.

The display, showcasing videos and printed samples among other related items, presented to the industry the potential for a large-scale 3D printing system for additive manufacturing of composite structures using thermoset polymer materials, making unprecedented strides in increasing the range of applications for 3D printed composite structures. Offering all the benefits of the conventional additive manufacturing process, the 3D printer’s build volume is large enough to accommodate mid-scale applications at a deposition rate of 10 lbs./hr. with a resolution of 3mm or less, significantly raising its performance level above other systems.

If this praise from peers wasn’t enough, the printer also earned a finalist place for the CAMX award, and beat out other hopeful contenders when it received the coveted ACE (Award for Composites Excellence), an award presented to the composites product that demonstrates the potential to significantly increase the use of composites in existing markets or generate the greatest impact to open new and emerging markets for composites.

Congratulations MVP and ORNL!