Greetings from the Midwest.

First Stop Introductions
#1

Just wanted to pop in and thank this community for existing as a resource for the tinkerer or professional; I look forward to contributing in both capacities and have benefited in the past from the quality posts of others. My career in this field wouldn’t be without garage pioneers.

I currently design and engineer for hire as well as fabricate composites with a focus on high volume processes and bladder prepreg molding. Ancillary expertise include injection molding, mold making, and Ceramic Matrix Composites(sioc), and cycling.

JGW

#2

Hello. Where at in Illinois are you located? I’m near Peoria and believe that I may be the only one around besides a few nearby boat marinas that have had the luxury of enjoying the fumes and itching of composites. As far as I know, Caterpillar is still making tractors out of iron.

#3

Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, Mchenry County area. I imagine they won’t be looking to lightweight tractors anytime soon, shame. I like to avoid the itch if I can, prepreg.

#4

Hello, What is Ceramic Matrix Composites?

#5

Carbon SiOC laminate or bulk molded. Then some post processing to net shape. Something like this http://tinyurl.com/zoy2edf

Some pictures can be seen here http://tinyurl.com/jq5nw95

#6

Hi, I’m Inessa, I’ve just joined this forum. Nice to see you here. I think you’ll find all information you need and share some your ideas with us :slight_smile: