National Manufacturing Day is an annual event that occurs on the first Friday in October. The inaugural National Manufacturing Day was held in 2012. This year, National Manufacturing Day will be held on October 7th, 2022.
While there are many great ways to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 1st National Manufacturing Day, one of the best ways to do so involves exploring the history of composites and the integral role they play in modern manufacturing.
What Are Composites? A Brief History
Put simply; composites are materials that are produced by combining two or more other materials. Composites have been used by civilizations for thousands of years. In fact, ancient societies created composite materials to make everything from shelter to pottery.
Today, composites are used by organizations operating in a wide range of industries, including the following:
The industries mentioned above are just a few examples of the sectors that rely on composite materials to manufacture essential equipment.
However, the composites used for these applications are far more advanced than the materials created by early civilizations. Many composites used today are created by combining polymers and fibers.
What Is Composite Engineering and Why Is It Important?
Composite engineering is a vital subfield within the engineering industry. Modern composite engineers are involved in the planning and development of products that use composite materials.
Active composite engineering professionals work in fields such as aeronautics, defense, automotive, construction, industrial manufacturing, and many others.
Composite engineering candidates typically possess a degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM field. Professional composite engineers must also have experience with production techniques and composite formulation in order to effectively fulfill their work responsibilities.
Specifically, they should be well-versed in the composite materials commonly used within the field where they want to work. For instance, a composite engineer interested in working for an aeronautics company should be familiar with aircraft-grade materials.
Take a Deep Dive Into Composites with STEM Kits
Composite engineering professionals often have the opportunity to work with composites on a daily basis and incorporate these materials into important designs. However, you do not have to be a composite engineer to take a deep dive into composites.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) kits allow everyday people to experience hands-on learning opportunities. While the exact contents of STEM kits vary, there are a great many of these kits that focus on composite engineering.
Learning more about the history of composites and pairing this knowledge with unique resources like STEM kits is a great way to commemorate National Manufacturing Day
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