The first half of 2019 was very busy for the Latin American Composite Materials Association (ALMACO).
Chaired since January by an independent executive, the journalist Erika Bernardino Aprá, ALMACO has been developing a series of actions to strengthen the segment and prepare it for the long-awaited Brazilian economic recovery.
The dissemination of knowledge about the material is the basis of ALMACO’s new management strategy. To this end, the association promoted ten courses in the first six months of the year, all supported by the laboratory structure of the Composite Technology Centre (CETECOM), an organisation that ALMACO maintains in partnership with the Institute for Technological Research (IPT).
“These are trainings for beginners in our industry, who want to know the simplest processes, as well as for experienced professionals who are looking for contact with the latest technologies,” explained the President of ALMACO.
In parallel, the organisation held two editions of the Regional Meetings in the cities of São José dos Campos (SP) and Caxias do Sul (RS). “We do not limit the actions of the association to São Paulo and allow more people to access the content we provide.”
It was also outside São Paulo that ALMACO – more precisely, its Piping Committee – organised an event that had great repercussions. Titled ‘FRP Pipes: New Applications and Trends’, the meeting held at the headquarters of the Petrobras Engineering Department, in Rio de Janeiro, was marked by strong interaction with an extremely technical profile audience.
“It was very worth it, as we were able to clear some doubts from Petrobras engineers and discuss possible business opportunities for our associates.”
Another important approach was with the Brazilian Association of Non-Destructive Testing (ABENDI). At CETECOM and under the guidance of ALMACO technicians, ABENDI produced specimens of wind blades and simulated, on a laboratory scale, failures in the laminates produced. The work kicked off the wind blade repair course that ALMACO will launch in the coming months.
Committees, Pultrusion Guide and Top of Mind
For the second semester, in addition to the release of another survey on the composites market, research prepared by Maxiquim, ALMACO will focus part of its efforts on the activities of two new committees of roof tiles and poles. “In both, we will be dedicated to developing technical standards and communication plans to popularise these applications.”
The courses, in turn, will go with everything. At CETECOM, ten more trainings are scheduled by the end of the year and, in partnership with the Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN/USP), ALMACO will promote two practical classes on composites processing. The scope will be the same in the training of engineering students at FEI University Centre, scheduled for the end of September.
“In 2020, we will have the first postgraduate course in composites and polymers in the state of São Paulo,” said Erika. Another result of the partnership between ALMACO and IPT, the course will be directed to professionals in the areas of engineering, architecture, design and administration, as well as people interested in deepening their knowledge in the area.
In terms of publications, the highlight will be the launch in mid-October of the Guide for Purchasing and Inspection of Pultruded Profiles. Digital and available for free download, the material will bring together key recommendations for users of pultrusion profiles.
“We will also have in December the tenth edition of the Top of Mind Composite Industry, the industry’s top award.” This year 26 categories will be awarded, including raw material suppliers, distributors and manufacturing processes.