PROGRAM SCOPE: The Cleveland Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to attend a 1-day technical conference & exhibition showcasing innovative developments in materials, processing and equipment for the additive manufacturing industry.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This conference is specifically designed to inform, update and educate plastic processors about implementing new additive manufacturing technologies.  Learn how these technologies can help improve performance and productivity, while reducing cost.

PRESENTATIONS: Hear technical presentations on the newest advances in additive manufacturing related to: design, materials development, processing equipment and enabling technologies, new applications and more.

EXHIBITS: See exhibits from engineering plastic suppliers, compounders, molders, design and engineering firms and machinery suppliers. Experts will show you how to apply the latest technologies to your next project or program.

Keynote Speaker: Eve Vitale - SPE Foundation Chief Executive

Conference includes a full day of technical presentations, plenary and keynote presentations on business trends; breakfast, lunch and breaks; exhibits of advanced technologies and an evening networking reception.

Please submit your reservation by October 12. Click here to RSVP and pay.

Our host is Erick Sharp, President & CEO

Gathering at 5:00 p.m. Tour in groups of 7 to 12. Catered dinner following.

Pricing for all - $15

Please submit your reservation by Sept.20. Click here to RSVP and pay

Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Please join us for the last meeting of the season as we present various awards and scholarships.

All Guests are $35 - Honoree or Scholarship Winner plus one guest are no charge

Gathering 5:00 p.m. - Dinner 6:00 p.m. - Program 7:00 p.m.

Click here to reserve and pay by May 17.

Speaker for the Evening - Brian Anderson, Vice President, Polymer Industry Cluster at the Greater Akron Chamber

A Transformational Economy through Polymer Industry Innovation

Abstract: This talk delves into the inception and impact of the Polymer Industry Cluster initiative, aimed at harnessing the robust assets and capabilities within the northeast Ohio’s polymer industry to propel innovation and steer the economy towards unprecedented growth. Through a collaborative effort spanning industry, higher education, government, and non-profit sectors, a series of development projects have been designed to ignite substantial and enduring economic expansion. The discussion explores how strategic partnerships, thoughtful planning, and collaboration have led to the designation of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the United States.  The Polymer Industry Cluster is working to leverage funding opportunities such as the Ohio Innovation Hub and EDA Tech Hubs programs, potentially injecting over $100 million into the economy to fuel transformative growth. Attendees will gain insights into the blueprint for catalyzing innovation, driving growth, and positioning the region at the forefront of the polymer industry's evolution.

ACESS Joint Societies Meeting – cosponsored by ACS and SPE

Emmanuel Pitia, PhD
Lead, Staff Research Scientist at Parker Lord

As electric vehicles (EVs) advance in technology, the spotlight is on battery pack technologies. EV manufacturers are fervently optimizing designs for lighter, more compact solutions, aiming to boost energy density and reduce costs. Within the intricate assembly of battery pack systems, two critical requisites emerge: electrical insulation and thermal management. The former involves the strategic application of dielectric materials to ensure safety, while the latter relies on integrating high thermally conductive materials—potting material, adhesives, gap fillers, or gels—to enhance performance and safety. Parker Lord takes a pivotal role, developing cutting-edge thermal management materials and dielectric coatings. This presentation unveils key challenges in the EV industry, spotlighting innovative solutions within dielectric coatings and thermal management adhesives.

5:30 pm Social-Networking; 6:15 pm Dinner; 6:45 pm Presentation

Light Buffet, Cash Bar
$20 Employed Members, Guests and General Public
$10 Students, Retirees or Unemployed

Click here to register

Mr. Domenic DeCaria, Vice President – Regulatory and Technical Affairs, The Vinyl Institute

Joining the Vinyl Institute in 2019 and a chemical engineer by education, Domenic is currently helping the Vinyl Institute to navigate the EPA TSCA process, as well as the United Nations negotiations to establish an international treaty to end plastic waste. He also serves on various committees developing   board member of a Cleveland-based water stewardship organization, “Drink Local - Drink Tap”.

Dinner Choices (choose one): Stuffed Cabbage, Corned Beef Boxty, Fish and Chips, or Shepherd’s Pie. Dinner includes entrée, salad and bread, non- alcoholic beverages and dessert

$35 per person, cash bar - click here to register

“Grey is the New Green: Nuances at the Nexus of Plastics and Sustainability”

Plastics and sustainability: is this a contradiction in terms? Plastics are either the devil incarnate, the source of humanity's woes, an environmental scourge... or they are miracle materials, life-saving materials, inert, GHG-saving materials. We will explore this debate and attempt to find some common ground across competing narratives, impersonal algorithms, impending legislation and material science.

Members $10; non-members $20 —- Click here to register and pay

Conor Carlin is the Managing Director of ILLIG North America LP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ILLIG Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG., a Germany-based designer and manufacturer of thermoforming, tooling, and packaging systems. Carlin has 20 years of international experience in packaging machinery, tooling, and advanced materials.

Carlin also serves as President of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and is a contributing member of the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IOPP). In 2020 he was elected as the first VP of Sustainability for SPE and edits publications for their Thermoforming and Recycling Divisions.

Carlin has delivered papers and contributed articles on plastics and sustainability for international industry press in the US, Europe, and Asia. He is the co-author of “Plastics & Sustainability: Grey is the New Green” published by Scrivener/Wiley. Carlin holds a BA from Boston University (Boston, MA) and an MBA from the FW Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College (Wellesley, MA). He lives in the Greater Boston area with his wife and three children.

Jing Lyon, Entrepreneur Programs Director, BRITE Energy Innovators

In our pursuit of a sustainable and electrified future, the significance of batteries is undeniable. This presentation explores pivotal aspects of the battery landscape. Commencing with an examination of battery types driving energy storage innovation, we traverse from traditional lithium-ion to emerging technologies, delving into their unique characteristics and applications. Specifically, we dissect the two major applications of EV vs Stationary to understand these distinct markets. A broad landscape overview follows, offering a macroscopic view of the battery market, and shedding light on challenges and opportunities within the space. The discussion extends to the impact of federal funding and incentives, concluding with an insightful overview of what is happening in our region.

Member and/or guest $20; Retired, Student, Unemployed, $10

Social-networking 5:15 p.m.; Dinner 6:30 p.m. Pizza buffet, cash bar; Program 7:15 p.m.

Click here to RSVP and/or prepay

Cleveland’s Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) recently opened its new headquarters in the renovated Margaret Ireland Elementary School in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood.  The 53,000-square-foot facility connects people to training and jobs while increasing manufacturing innovation and providing Northeast Ohio factories with advanced technologies.

MAGNET’s industry-specific engineering, strategic growth, and go-to-market expertise help manufacturers achieve excellence in products and processes. From market research and product introductions to lean operations and sales management, their Growth Advisors work hand-in-hand with organizations to achieve growth goals.

5:30-6:00PM CASH BAR, 6:00-7:00PM DINNER, 7:00-8:00pm PROGRAM

$30 PER PERSON

PLEASE PLACE RESERVATIONS BY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023

TO REGISTER, Click Here

Global Economic Factors Now Favor U.S. Plastic Product Manufacturing over China-Based Operations

Long term fundamental shifts changed the playing field.  What it means to Ohio processors.

Greg Kozera is the Director of Marketing for Shale Crescent USA, a non-profit economic development, marketing and research organization based in Marietta, Ohio. He is a professional engineer and an environmentalist with more than 40 years of experience in the natural gas and oil industry.

Member and/or guest $30, Retired $25, Student  $10

Gathering 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m., Program 7:00 p.m.

Reservations by Sept. 8. Click here to RSVP and/or pre-pay.

Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Please join us for the last meeting of the season as we present various awards and scholarships.

Dr. James M. Eagan, Assistant Professor, The University of Akron School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering - Keynote Address: From Thin Air: The Synthesis of Lightweight Composites from Carbon Dioxide

Medal of Honor for Lifetime Service Awards will be presented to Tony Dean, Lloyd Goettler and Jerry Whitnable. Our Hall of Honor inductee is Tom Murdough, and the William C. Zekan Memorial Service Award will be presented to Sherri Makar Hart.

Gathering 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m., Program 7:00 p.m.

Pricing: Member and/or guest $30, Retired $25, Student $10, Honoree or Scholarship Winner plus one guest - no charge

Reservations requested by May 12 - click here to purchase tickets.

Alternatively, reserve by calling Bob Weiler at 330-283-9024 or emailing akronspe1@gmail.com

Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Developed and presented by UAkron’s Polymer Student Organization.

Excellent networking opportunity! Akron SPE members are looking to hire UA grads.

Buffet dinner - $25 member/guest/retired, $10 student, $5 poster presenter.

Reservations requested by April 4 and can be made to Bob Weiler at 330-283-9024 or akronspe1@gmail.com

Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Call for posters – email rjv28@uakron.edu to sign up!  A cash prize will be awarded for the highest rated poster.

MAGNET’s industry-specific engineering, strategic growth, and go-to-market expertise help manufacturers achieve excellence in products and processes. From market research and product introductions to lean operations and sales management, their Growth Advisors work hand-in-hand with organizations to achieve growth goals.

A buffet dinner follows at $25 per person.

TO REGISTER, email: speclecomm@gmail.com

Cash or credit card can be accepted at the event.

View Video: Janet Yellen, US Treasury Secretary, was present for the dedication of this facility in 2022. To view some of this amazing technical facility, see https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2022/10/27/treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-tours-new-manufacturing-hub-in-cleveland

As of 2019, Global plastics production totaled 368 million metric tons. Over the years plastics have enabled numerous industries. In the automotive industry, plastics play a critical role in safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Plastic packaging helps to protect and preserve goods, while reducing weight in transportation. The use of single-use plastics in hospitals effectively prevent a considerable number of healthcare-acquired infections every year. But with all their popularity come concerns surrounding end of life. As the desire for sustainable products grow, so does confusion on what sustainability means as well as how to successfully introduce these sustainable materials into products.

In this webinar we will:

•Define the language surrounding sustainability and plastics

•Take a look at a variety of approaches to sustainability

•Discuss the challenges with incorporating recyclateinto a successful product

Melissa Kurtz is a Managing Engineer at The Madison Group. Melissa holds an M.S. degree in Material Science and Engineering from Wayne State University. She has over 20 years of experience serving the global product development community across several industries including transportation, medical, and consumer products. She is an expert in material selection, test method development, and failure analysis. Melissa is passionate about sustainability, especially within the plastics industry, and is eager to educate others on possible solutions and their challenges.

TO REGISTER (FREE): speclecomm@gmail.com

The Akron and Cleveland Sections will host and Debbie Prenatt, Market Manager, Sustainability at M. Holland will present this virtual event.

As we welcome in 2023, a mix of policy, material bans and treaties will continue to shape the recycling landscape.  As a result, OEMs will increasingly rely upon their partners for guidance on responsible product development.  In this session, we will review trends to watch this year and discuss how a converter can prepare to assist a client who asks for help with making a plastic part 'sustainable'.

Free Event:

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The Akron Section, ACESS and ACS Akron section will co-host the evening.

The Polymer Industry Cluster initiative is a collaborative effort to leverage the Northeast Ohio region’s unique size and expertise in polymers to drive economic growth and innovation.  This work, led by the Greater Akron Chamber, brings together leaders from across the polymer industry, academia, and other stakeholder organizations to align growth goals, develop resources, and strengthen ties.  The goal is an expanded economy, new jobs, invention, and investment.  Central to this work is the University of Akron, ranked #1 in the world in polymer science and plastics engineering, and the region’s economic development infrastructure.  Join our speakers as they introduce the Polymer Industry Cluster initiative, highlight key resources in our region, and look ahead to greater innovation and growth in the industry and the region.

Speakers: Brian Anderson, VP Research, Greater Akron Chamber; Dr. Suzanne Bausch, Vice President for Research and Business Engagement and Dean of the Graduate School, The University of Akron; Alyssa Carpenter, Director of Economic Development, Greater Akron Chamber and Director of Business Development, Team NEO

Reservations must be in by noon on Friday, January 6 and can be made to akronspe1@gmail.com or David Schultz at 330-283-5721. Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Meeting Information: Member, guest, Retired $15, Student $10

Dan Gisser from Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) - Growth opportunities for innovative small businesses through federal research grants from the Department of Defense.

Reservations must be in by noon on Friday, November 18 and can be made to akronspe1@gmail.com or Bob Weiler at 330-283-9024. Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Meeting Information: Member and/or guest $30, Retired $25, Student $10

Helping Injection Molders Tune in to the Circular Economy

IN-PERSON Event sponsored by the Injection Molding Division and the SPE Cleveland Section. Learn more about new sustainable solutions technologies and how the circular economy can be of benefit to the injection molding community. Event includes:

• Technical and practical presentations by sustainability experts

• Networking reception

Registration Fees:

SPE Injection Molding Division Members: Free
SPE Members: $25
Non-Members: $99

Click to Register

Come join us as we celebrate members of our Akron Section, various essay and scholarship winners, and enjoy our keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Woloszynek - Chief Engineer, Global Material Development at Goodyear Tire and Rubber. The topic of the keynote is “Goodyear Soybean Oil Technology: Performance and Sustainability Driving Demand for Biobased Products”.

Abstract: Over the past decade, Goodyear has been investigating soybean oil as a replacement for petroleum-based oils in its tire products. Our development efforts have resulted in multiple novel polymer and compound technologies in which petroleum-based oils have been replaced with soybean oil to provide performance benefits. Since 2017, Goodyear has launched four consumer tire products containing soybean oil, and recent developments have focused on expanding the technology to heavy tire applications. Goodyear has made a long-term goal of fully replacing petroleum-based oils in its products by 2040 as part of its sustainability initiatives. Recently, Goodyear also announced a demonstration tire containing 70% sustainable materials by weight, demonstrating progress toward reaching its stated “bold goal” of developing a tire made with 100% sustainable materials by 2030.

Following the keynote will be dinner and then presentations for: 1) SPE Medal of Honor for Lifetime Service Award, 2) SPE William C. Zekan Awards, 3) Essay Awards, Special Merit and Named Scholarships

Reservations must be in by noon on Friday, May 6 and can be made to akronspe1@gmail.com or Bob Weiler at 330-283-9024. Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Meeting Information: Professional $30, Retired $25, Student $10

Though many in the plastics industry are familiar with the overwhelming benefits that polymeric materials provide, the public has become highly skeptical. And rightly so – when you see clogged rivers and dead fish, what are people supposed to think? Let's rethink plastics among ourselves for a moment, at least in terms of how the public views it. By acknowledging the paradoxical nature of plastics' efficiency, we can perhaps take a more holistic approach to design that utilizes the full value of a material's properties while considering end-of-life implications. The nuances and complexities of modern plastics ensure that there are no easy answers. And though we have to make difficult choices, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

Conor Carlin is the first VP of Sustainability for SPE, elected to the Executive board in 2017 and again in 2020. A member of SPE since 2000, he serves as editor for SPE Thermoforming and Recycling Division publications. Carlin has contributed articles on plastics and sustainability for international industry press in the US, Europe, and Asia. He is the co-author and editor of the 2nd edition of “Plastics & Sustainability: Grey is the New Green” published by Scrivener/Wiley.

Carlin is also Managing Director of ILLIG North America, subsidiary of ILLIG Maschinenbau GmbH & Co., a Germany-based designer and manufacturer of thermoforming, tooling, and packaging systems.

Carlin has degrees from Boston University (BA, International Relations / French) and the FW Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College (MBA).

VIRTUAL MEETING - ATTENDANCE IS FREE

To Register and Receive a meeting link, Send your contact information to : SPECleComm@gmail.com

The University of Akron (UA) Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center (BRIC) is an internationally recognized leader in the rapidly growing field of biomimicry. BRIC is dedicated to connecting artists, businesspeople, designers, engineers and scientists to catalyze biomimicry-based innovation. Interdisciplinary research projects draw inspiration from organisms as diverse as ants, bacteria, birds, cacti, fish, flies, geckos, mussels, snakes and spiders to inform the development of permanent/reversible adhesives, building construction techniques, color-producing additives/structures, robotic actuators/control systems, thermal management systems, water harvesting/repellent materials and more. Beyond research, BRIC activities include training next generation innovators by developing and implementing undergraduate- and graduate-level curricula, promoting awareness of biomimicry through public seminars, and accelerating innovation through co-delivery of professional services with Great Lakes Biomimicry. BRIC’s vision is for biomimicry to become a driver for sustainable economic development in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

Please submit your reservation by noon on Friday, April 1 to akronspe1@gmail.com or call Kathy Perevosnik at 717-693-2286. Be sure to include the company affiliation of each attendee including dietary restrictions.

Meeting Information: Professional $30, Retired $25, Student $10, New Member - first meeting Free.

Gather at 5:30 pm, tour from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and buffet dinner immediately following.

We recommend the following parking areas:

Lot 27, immediately east of the hall on East Buchtel Avenue (map)

Lot 34 near the Computer Center and McDowell Law Center (map)

Join the Akron and Cleveland Sections of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Monday March 14 at 5:30 pm for a presentation by Todd E. Riley, CISM, Goodyear. This presentation, Cyber Security for Home, Work, & Travel, contains an overview of a few notorious business incidents and the impacts experienced, an overview on the challenges we face today, and reviews of some basic security considerations.

Todd is responsible for establishing the manufacturing cyber strategy, along with driving the implementation of cyber initiatives across Goodyear’s 60 factories worldwide.  He liaises with global manufacturing, engineering, IT and local plant teams to increase Goodyear’s cyber defenses. Since 1988, Todd has held various positions throughout manufacturing IT.  He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from The University of Akron and lives in Green, Ohio with his wife Kerri, daughter Grace and guinea pig Tchai.  Todd enjoys golfing, billiards and bow hunting.

Please submit your reservation by noon on Friday, March 11 to akronspe1@gmail.com or call Bob Weiler at 330-283-9024. Be sure to include the company affiliation of each attendee including dietary restrictions.

Meeting Information: Professional $30, Retired $25, Student $10, New Member - first meeting Free. Social/Networking/Bar 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m. Program Following dinner

Prof. Zhenan Bao, Stanford University
Skin-Inspired Organic Electronics
Register at https://akronacs.org for an invitation.

Skin is the body’s largest organ and is responsible for the transduction of a vast amount of information. This conformable, stretchable, self-healable and biodegradable material simultaneously collects signals from external stimuli that translate into information such as pressure, pain, and temperature. The development of electronic materials, inspired by the complexity of this organ is a tremendous, unrealized materials challenge. However, the advent of organic-based electronic materials may offer a potential solution to this longstanding problem. Over the past decade, we have developed materials design concepts to add skin-like functions to organic electronic materials without compromising their electronic properties. These new materials and new devices enabled a range of new applications in medical devices, robotics and wearable electronics. In this talk, I will discuss basic material design concepts for realizing stretchable, self-healable and biodegradable conductive or semiconductive materials. I will show our methods for scalable fabrication of stretchable electronic circuit blocks. Finally, I will show a few examples of applications we are pursuing uniquely enabled by skin-like organic electronics when interfacing with biological systems, such as low-voltage electrical stimulation, high-resolution large area electrophysiology, “morphing electronics” that grows with biological system and genetically targeted chemical assembly - GTCA.

Join the Akron and Cleveland Sections of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Monday December 13 at 5:30 pm, for a webinar presented by Jim Johnson- Director, Commercial Plastics Technology ENTEC

 This presentation will provide an introduction to important concepts of polymer science and plastics engineering. Attendees can expect to gain an understanding of what polymers are, characteristics of amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, the importance of molecular weight and how molecular weight distribution affects properties and processability, important properties of polymers and how they affect chemical resistance and environmental stress cracking, and common additives and reinforcements used in polymers.

Jim is the Director of Commercial Plastics Technology for Entec Polymers, a position he has held for approximately the last 17 years. In this role he manages Entec’s Technology Group which consists of 10 degreed Plastics Engineers that provide technical support to Entec’s customers and sales reps. Jim is also responsible for Business Development in the Compounding Market where his efforts are focused on impact modification and compatibilization. Jim has 38 years-experience in Plastics Engineering, Material Science and Physical Metallurgy and has undergraduate degrees in Metallurgical Science from Macomb College and Manufacturing Engineering from Wayne State University and a graduate certificate in Plastics Engineering from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell.

 Please call (330) 208-6913 if there are problems accessing the teams meeting.

________________________________________________________________________________

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Jay Foran (Senior Vice President) and Paul Boulier (Vice President for Industry and Innovation) will present virtually. This will be a free event for all.

5:00-5:15  Introduction
5:15-5:30  Overview of Manufacturing Value Chain and Assets in NEO/Ohio and why it’s important to grow
5:30-5:45  “Current State” of Additive Manufacturing; where it currently fits with “conventional” plastics manufacturing, and relevant use cases
5:45-6:00  Overview of Additive Manufacturing Cluster; objectives, partners, capabilities as a resource-“seeker/solver” concept and some success stories
6:00-6:15  Overview our current work in developing a Polymer Cluster; participants, current thinking, areas of focus, etc.
6:15-6:30  Quick Q&A, and solicitation for future ideas/areas of interest.

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Board of Directors meeting

The May Awards Meeting will have a virtual talk by Goodyear followed by presentation of section awards, essay contest winners, and scholarships.

Everton Callum joined Goodyear in 2018 as Human Resources Director for the Global Technology organization. His presentation is entitled “What HR Managers are Looking for in Hiring Engineers and Other Positions Directly out of College”.

All attendees - No Charge
Join Zoom Meeting – click here
Meeting ID: 851 6301 9754
Passcode: 716931