Vectorply carbon fiber utilized in historic new mid-engine Corvette

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Phenix City, AL – In July 2019, General Motors Co. made waves in the automotive industry with the release of the highly anticipated 2020 mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. A dream more than 60 years in the making, the mid-engine Corvette features innovative components that maximize performance and blaze new trails for parts and processes within the automotive market.

One such part that GM highlighted during the July 18th debut is the automotive world’s first curved pultruded carbon fiber bumper beam. Produced by Shape Corp. with Vectorply Corporation carbon non-crimp fabrics, the multi-hollow bumper beam garnered national attention of its own within the composites industry. To date, the carbon bumper beam was nominated for the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Process, Assembly and Enabling Technologies Award and been featured in numerous composite and automotive publications.

The first production model Corvettes will be available early 2020, but development for the crucially important carbon bumper beam began many years ago. In 2014, Vectorply joined forces with Shape Corp. to begin developing specialized carbon fabrics and laminate schedules for this vital part. Initially, Vectorply’s sales and engineering teams assisted Shape Plastic and Composites Engineering Manager Toby Jacobson with dialing in the ideal fabrics for the revolutionary curved pultrusion process. For this distinctive task, Jacobson, Shape’s team members and Vectorply’s staff turned to VectorLam, Vectorply’s proprietary laminate analysis software.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray features an industry-first curved, pultruded carbon fiber bumper beam produced by Shape Corp. with Vectorply carbon fabrics.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray features an industry-first curved, pultruded carbon fiber bumper beam produced by Shape Corp. with Vectorply carbon fabrics. Photo Credit: General Motors

VectorLam provides a cloud-based, multi-platform compatible approach to classical laminate theory and helps customers achieve goals of stiffness, strength, weight and cost by allowing users to design the perfect laminate for their application. Despite the wide range of applications VectorLam excels in, Shape’s industry-first part provided a unique challenge for Vectorply’s engineering team and software.

With adjustments to VectorLam required, Vectorply Senior Composite Engineer Molly Ditzler, P.E. accepted the challenge of tailoring the software to provide the perfect recommendations and data for Shape.

“We took the profile of their bumper beam and modified VectorLam to analyze their section so they could narrow in on the optimum laminate,” Ditzler said. “This was in the initial stages and Shape took it much further, including an FEA to verify the results.”

The hollow, curved bumper beam offered a unique challenge due to the complex structure dependent on multiple shear wall supports.

As the relationship between Shape and Vectorply grew, several different versions of advanced carbon fabrics were produced for testing and validation. According to Jacobson and Vectorply Northeast Region Sales Manager Seth Holman, this process helped both companies strengthen their expertise, processes, and quality.

“The support that Vectorply has provided has been unbelievable. I don’t think we’d be where we are now without them,” Jacobson said. “We asked Vectorply to do a lot of things that has been critical to producing the final design.”

Holman added that Shape’s requests helped Vectorply push their capabilities and production offerings to a new level.

“Through the entire development process, they have helped us think outside the box and be a better material supplier,” he said. “We’ve developed and maintained tighter tolerances in several key aspects that yield favorable processing and create efficiencies in Shape’s process. As time went on, they actually made us a better supplier and allowed us to prove our value in the process with our Production and Technical Services Team.”

In a high-end application such as the Corvette Stingray where each pound is key to performance, Vectorply’s wide range of carbon fabric production capabilities and technical assistance proved valuable to the success of the history-making bumper beam. As new markets and applications continue to push the boundaries of what is possible through composite production, Vectorply will play an integral role in the development and production of advanced composite fabrics to meet growing demands and expectations.

“Our goal at Vectorply is to help customers build the best products through the use of highly engineered composite reinforcement fabrics and optimized laminates, especially in new and emerging markets” said Vectorply President and Interim CEO Trevor Humphrey. “Shape Corp. and GM’s curved, pultruded bumper beam is a monumental accomplishment in the automotive and composite industries, and we are proud of the role that we played in the development and supply of specialty carbon fabrics for this groundbreaking application.”

Photo Credit: General Motors

Vectorply launches new, user-friendly product search database

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Phenix City, AL – Finding the perfect composite reinforcement fabric for your laminate has never been easier! On Friday Vectorply released an updated version of the product search database section of www.vectorply.com. The new search feature offers a seamless transition to a more user-friendly platform that allows visitors to locate their ideal product’s technical data sheet quicker and more efficiently.

Pictured is an example of the new search database mobile interface.

The most noticeable change to the search database page is the addition of a keyword search field. Users can now search for a specific product, such as ‘C-BX 1200’, or a specific keyword such as ‘carbon’ or ‘triaxial’. General industry terms such as the trademarked name ‘Kevlar’ and ‘uni’ (for warp unidirectional fabrics) can also be entered in this field.

Other options for searching products include drop-down selection boxes for fiber type, fabric architecture, and series type. Multiple drop-downs can be selected to search simultaneously, or just a single drop-down option can be chosen. A convenient ‘show all’ button also gives users the ability to see all standard Vectorply products and compare properties in the results table.

With a search completed, locating the right product among the results has also become much easier. A rebuilt search table now allows users to sort individual columns by value, meaning searchers can arrange products from lightest to heaviest, thinnest to thickest, etc. Users can also hover over a value and see what the value represents if the header row is not visible. This added functionality means that the important data is always in plain sight regardless of the number of results in the chart.

Finally, Vectorply’s new product search database page was created in a mobile-friendly format. Customers and visitors can quickly access the search database on their Android or Apple device to find important technical information whether they are in a boat shop, in the field, or in the office.

Products listed in the search database are all standard, but custom engineered reinforcements are also available. To find out more, call 334-291-7704 or 1-800-577-4521 today!

Gundberg selected as ACMA High Performance Council Chairman

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Phenix City, AL – Vectorply Director of Composites Engineering Trevor Gundberg, P.E. has been selected as the Chairman for the American Composites Manufacturers Association’s (ACMA) High Performance Council (HPC). As Chair of the HPC, Gundberg will be instrumental in the direction and growth of the Council throughout his term, which began July 1, 2019 and ends on June 30, 2021.

The mission of the High Performance Council is to encourage the manufacturing of advanced composites and promote their use in demanding applications across multiple industries. Advanced composites, such as carbon, aramid, and high strength glass fibers, offer superior strength to alternative materials while maintaining low areal weights for lighter, stronger parts.

Gundberg’s selection as HPC Chair comes on the heels of another prestigious honor from the ACMA. At CAMX in October 2018, Gundberg was presented the ACMA’s Outstanding Volunteer Award for his help developing and growing critical markets, advocating for composites and making the industry successful through the years. According to ACMA President Tom Dobbins, CAE, these same qualities made Gundberg an exciting choice as Chairman of the HPC.

Vectorply Director of Composites Engineering Trevor Gundberg speaks at the ACMA Awards Ceremony at CAMX in 2018.

“ACMA is thrilled that Trevor Gundberg has been named Chairman of the High Performance Council. ACMA’s High Performance Council represents new innovations in composite applications and usage, such as aerospace, wind and sporting goods. Trevor is a dedicated advocate for the industry and will continue to provide strong leadership in his new role. All of us at ACMA look forward to a very productive and exciting two years working with him in this capacity,” Dobbins said.

As the leader of Vectorply’s Engineering and Technical Services Team, Gundberg plays a key role in several areas including advanced product development, in house testing and validation, and leadership of field engineering services. Vectorply’s goals of engineering products to meet customers’ needs and optimizing production through labor reduction, laminate enhancement, and on-site technical service start with the leadership of Gundberg.

As for his new role on the High Performance Council, Gundberg is excited about the opportunity to further advance composite solutions in high end applications.

“The HPC is an ideal industry forum to not only help Vectorply, but all of the ACMA members in application development in under-served, high performance markets,” he said. “It also allows for a good deal of member partnerships, which can turn into full composite solutions that are key to gaining ground in such technology driven applications such as aerospace and automotive.”

Vectorply expands customer service team, announces title changes

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Vectorply Corporation is a growing company where employees are introduced with opportunities to learn and grow within their roles. It’s an exciting and challenging environment where no two days are alike. In production, we are establishing new training programs to hone our operators’ skills and promote advancement. Sales and Engineering are collaboratively creating new products that increase customers’ efficiencies and capabilities. Customer Service is processing more orders than ever, fielding more calls and doing everything possible to support the sales staff. Everyone is pursuing the same goal of “making it easy for the customer to do business with us” and to maintain focus on that important mission, we are making some important and positive changes in this department.

First, a new position titled Sales Support Specialist has been added to the Customer Service Team. Vectorply welcomed Danielle Anderson to our team on June 18, 2019 to begin training in this role. She comes to Vectorply with extensive experience in a variety of administrative duties, data management and communications. Danielle will support the sales team which encompasses customer service by managing data and fulfilling vital operations. The administrative duties absorbed by this new position have previously been dispersed throughout the Customer Service Team managed by very capable individuals “wearing multiple hats”. Passing some of these proverbial hats on will allow our Customer Service Representatives to focus more fully on customer needs.

This brings us to the next big change, which is the title “Customer Service Representative”. Yes, these individuals are the initial point of contact for our customers, but they also have a remarkable understanding of our production capabilities and knowledge of our industry so they can best help those wanting to purchase our materials. They work hard to capture the specifics of a customer’s needs to ensure the products, documentation and delivery requested and desired is fulfilled. With that said, our new title for CSR is Customer Account Specialist. These individuals back up our Sales Managers across the country and ensure that our valued customers know that our goal is to fulfill the specific needs and requirements of their account with us. It’s more than just a title change, it’s a realignment of our focus on the customer.

These great changes are vital to our growth and exciting for our future. Today and every day, we at Vectorply want to make it easy for our customers to imagine, innovate and build with the most advanced composite materials engineered today.

Vectorply receives IBBI Supplier of the Year, John Sisson Innovation Awards

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St. Charles, MO. – On Tuesday, March 5th Vectorply Corporation received a pair of prestigious awards at the Independent Boat Builders, Inc. (IBBI) Conference in St. Charles, MO. The composite reinforcement supplier was awarded the John “Walkabout” Sisson Memorial Innovation Award, followed by a selection as an IBBI Supplier of the Year.

The John “Walkabout” Sisson Innovation Award is an honor chosen by the 19 members of the IBBI for a creative or unconventional new product to the marine industry. The namesake for the award, John Sisson, spent 20 years at Malibu Boats where he developed close friendships with several members of Vectorply’s team, including Vice President of Sales Tamir Levy.

“I am ecstatic for the entire Vectorply family to receive the 2019 John “Walkabout” Sisson Memorial Innovation Award from the IBBI,” said Levy. “The IBBI members are some of the most innovative boat builders in the industry and for them to bestow this award on Vectorply means so much. John “Walkabout” Sisson was a dear friend of mine who holds a very special place in my heart.  Vectorply is honored to receive this award in his memory.”

Members of Vectorply’s sales, engineering and marketing team receive the John “Walkabout” Sisson Memorial Innovation Award and Supplier of the Year Award from IBBI President Tom Broy.

Tom Broy, President of the IBBI said that Sisson was continuously innovating and was a key decision maker in the IBBI’s decision to move to Vectorply as the group’s primary knit supplier.

“IBBI feels like our fifteen-year relationship with Vectorply is the model for a successful partnership.  John Sisson was a founding member of the IBBI Technical Committee during his time at Malibu Boats. He did a lot of testing for the group and was very influential in our group’s decision to partner with Vectorply based on product performance,” Broy said.

“This would have meant a lot to John to see Vectorply win this Innovation Award.  We are glad to honor his memory by awarding Vectorply as the 2019 John “Walkabout” Sisson Memorial Innovation Award winner.”

Vectorply’s award-winning submission highlighted a new line of consumable solutions known as VectorFusion Consumables. The VectorFusion Consumable line currently consists of three labor and cost-saving products: VectorVac PS58-6, VectorFeed PS58, and VectorFeed PE4. These vacuum and feed lines are each unique, but all have the common goal of making a simpler, easily repeatable process to increase infusion efficiency. The incorporation of VectorFusion Consumable products allows companies to enjoy all the benefits of vacuum infusion processing while reducing known challenges.

“Our motto at Vectorply when it comes to innovation is to not create a product in hopes that someone will buy it, but rather, engineer a product based on a need,” according to Levy. “Whether the goal is stiffness, strength, weight or cost, working cohesively with our customers is what breads innovation.”

In addition to the innovation award, Vectorply was also selected as an IBBI Supplier of the Year. Winners of the Supplier of the Year were selected based on survey results highlighting several key categories including product quality, on-time delivery, and technical service.

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Chamber Junior Leadership Tour visits Vectorply

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Phenix City, AL – On Thursday, January 24th a group of students from local high schools visited Vectorply Corporation as part of the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. Students were able to tour Vectorply’s facilities, see examples of customers’ end-use products, and engage in a leadership discussion with Director of Manufacturing Darwin Sears.

The East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program is comprised of a select group of students from Central High School, Russell County High School and Glenwood School that were selected among their peers to complete a 10-month leadership program. The course aims to inform the high school juniors of many aspects of the local community and region while instilling leadership principals that will guide them into the future. They are able to experience the local business community, government operations, non-profit responsibilities and much more as they learn about themselves in ways that help them navigate future decisions and help to drive future leadership roles, according to Economic Development Manager Shaun Culligan.

Prior to the tour, students were able to participate in an interactive discussion with Sears about the traits of successful leaders. Sears’ message focused on three main attributes: 1.) attendance 2.) attitude and 3.) effort. As one of the top composite reinforcement fabric suppliers in the U.S. and abroad, Vectorply’s focus on these attributes has been crucial to the success and growth of the company.

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Vectorply to participate in Goodwill hiring event

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Phenix City, AL. – Goodwill Southern Rivers will host a hiring event for Vectorply Corporation on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Goodwill Career Center located at 3605 US Highway 431N in Phenix City, AL.

Vectorply is manufacturer of high-performance composite non-crimp fabrics for a variety of markets including aerospace, marine, transportation, infrastructure and sports and recreation. Interested applicants will be able to learn more about Vectorply, discover what positions are available, apply for open positions, and ask questions at the hiring event.

For more information, please call 334-664-9716.

Vectorply receives ISO 9001:2015 certification

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Phenix City, AL – Vectorply Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced composite reinforcements, received ISO 9001:2015 certification on Monday, December 10. The 18-month process concluded as accrediting organization ASCB Accreditation Services Worldwide certified Vectorply’s Quality Management System for the manufacture of reinforced fabrics, textiles and fibers.

The ISO 9000 family addresses various aspects of quality management and contains some of ISO’s best-known standards. The standards provide guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer’s requirements, and that quality is continually improved. Specifically, ISO 9001:2015 is based on several quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement.

Vectorply’s strong focus on engineering and technical services drives the company to be one of the most innovative producers of composite reinforcement fabrics in the market. Products are designed to meet customers’ strenuous goals for strength, stiffness, weight and cost using E-glass, carbon, aramid and other fibers. Achieving ISO certification while still being able to produce highly specified products was a difficult but necessary task, according to Quality Assurance Manager Jay Woodrow.

“This accreditation allows Vectorply to meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 certification while maintaining the flexibility to change quickly, allowing us to continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Woodrow said. “This is the first step in the journey. We must maintain discipline each day through process execution, monitoring, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.”

Vectorply’s strategic objective to supply the highly regulated aerospace, transportation, and industrial markets has been evolving as the company grows and expands. In July 2017, Vectorply officially opened the doors of their 53,000 sq. ft. Advanced Composite Reinforcement Center. The new facility features a 38,000 sq.ft. manufacturing plant dedicated to producing the company’s VectorUltra™ line of advanced carbon reinforcements, along with a 6,000 sq. ft. facility for Vectorply’s Technical Services and Engineering Team that includes a fully-equipped test lab. With this objective and investment, ISO certification was vital to validate the production processes and quality assurance of advanced fabrics.

“This ISO certification brings discipline and a quality culture, involves employees and improves morale,” Woodrow added. “When you get your hands around your processes, you increase customer satisfaction as a result.”

Gundberg wins ACMA Outstanding Volunteer Award

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Vectorply Corporation Director of Composites Engineering Trevor Gundberg, P.E. was recently awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award by the

American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). The Outstanding Volunteer Award was one of four awards announced that honor the work of individuals that have helped to develop and grow critical markets, advocate for composites and make the industry successful through the years according to the ACMA website.

Gundberg played an integral part in the creation of four new Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program updates, as well as the development of a new Advanced Composites program for CCT. The ACMA will celebrate and recognize Gundberg and other award winners at the Membership Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Monday, October 15, 2018 during CAMX in Dallas, Texas.