Auburn Engineers team up with Vectorply for HERC Challenge

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Every year engineering students worldwide compete in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) to design and engineer human-powered rovers. Teams endure a series of challenges from obstacle courses and missions to judges scoring based on design and functionality. The goal of this project is to further interest in scientific exploration and for students to better understand the task requirements of roving vehicles on the moon.

For the past semester, several senior students from Auburn University’s engineering school visited Vectorply to work on their rover’s wheels. With speed and weight key deciding factors in the race, Auburn HERC team members were tasked with creating new non-pneumatic wheels for their rover. Throughout this process, they partnered with our engineering team to learn the value of mold-prep and fabricated laminates via open molding and infusion.

Composites Engineer Xavier Rachel, an Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Graduate (Class of 2020) led the team throughout this project. Over the course of four months, Xavier demonstrated and oversaw various processes of vacuum infusion and open molding, answering their questions and meeting with them after hours to ensure that everything ran smoothly. “Working with students from my alma mater was an exciting experience and this project was a fun challenge,” Xavier said. “Getting to share the benefits and versatility of our materials to the next generation of graduates was very special.”

The wheels were designed with layers of our C-LT 1800 carbon fabric and filled with polyurethane foam, while the hubs were attached using J-B Weld. Team member Ashley Eng noted, “Our wheels were the most reliable part of the rover and had no issues at all. They held up extremely well for both our runs on the obstacle course and are still in great condition.”

The competition took place April 19th-20th in Huntsville, Alabama where out of the 62 teams participating, Auburn’s HERC placed 13th in the college sector.

To learn more about the HERC project and its origin, click here: About Human Exploration Rover Challenge – NASA

 

 

 

 

 

Vectorply Wins EACC Business of the Year Award

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Vectorply Corporation was honored to attend the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held on March 21st at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. The evening was filled with insightful speakers, networking, and an opportunity to reflect on all the growth and developments unfolding within the Chattahoochee Valley. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, serving as the keynote speaker, gave an insightful speech as she highlighted exciting things coming to Alabama and her plan to continue moving our rankings forward.

Following her address was the awards ceremony, which honored various businesses and individuals for their dedication to leading change and expansion throughout the community.  As finalists for the “Economic Development Business of the Year” award, Vectorply was recognized for continued expansion and job creation throughout challenging economic conditions. Noting their commitment to economic development in the region and local community support, chamber members chose Vectorply as the 2023 award winner.

“On behalf of our nearly 200 employees, we are so thankful to our local chamber members for selecting Vectorply as the 2023 Economic Development Business of the Year,” said Marketing Manager Scott Phillips. “Our team works hard every day to ensure our more than 1,000 customers worldwide receive the highest quality reinforcements in the industry, and it’s because of them we are able to keep expanding and investing in our region.”

Vectorply promotes Nick Haas to South Central Region Sales Manager

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Vectorply Corporation is excited to announce the promotion of Nick Haas to our South Central Region Sales Manager. Nick will oversee the management of the following states: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This area was previously directed by Doug Lachapelle, who has fully transitioned to northeast region sales manager.

Haas began with Vectorply in September of 2019 after earning his B.A. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Alabama Birmingham. Joining as a composites test engineer, he managed the composite lab and worked directly with customers and sales staff, running physical tests, process simulation, product trials, hosting plant tours, and more.

In January 2023, Nick was promoted to field engineer where he primarily traveled in the south central region, serving as a technical resource for customers and Vectorply’s sales team. During his time as a field engineer, he gained extensive experience working throughout the region and using his engineering background to better understand and assist customers’ needs.

With his experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry, Vectorply is very excited for Nick Haas to take on the role of south central region sales manager.