Fort Wayne, IN - October 2021 - Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is pleased to announce that Technology Engineer, David Hauber, is a 2021 recipient of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Pioneer Award. Created in 2019 by ACMA, the award recognizes individuals who have developed, enhanced, or created processes and/or materials that have advanced the composites industry. Hauber received his award at a special ceremony during the CAMX show in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 18. Hauber was one of the first inventors of an additive manufacturing technology, which he called ballistic particle manufacturing, now referred to as direct jetting and directed energy.
When advanced thermoplastic composites became available in the 1980s, Hauber and a team of experts combined Automated Fiber Placement with thermoplastic composite materials, developing in-situ consolidation (ISC); a process used daily to manufacture Trelleborg’s world class thermoplastic composites. Hauber, said: “My dream was to print high performance composite structures, not just models. ISC is additive manufacturing of advanced composite structures and the manifestation of my original vision. I am delighted many others are now pursuing this concept to promote further innovation.” The ACMA is the world’s largest composites industry trade group.
By delivering invaluable education, events, and access to market intelligence; and by working with regulators and legislators, ACMA serves as the center of expertise and competence and an essential driver of industry growth and prosperity. ACMA represents small and large companies—manufacturers, suppliers and distributors and affiliates—from every market segment in all 50 US states and globally.