Great Lakes Composites Institute provides extensive research and development using our advanced material solutions and the patented DRIFT process.
Our customers are active partners. The Institute continues to expand the development of DRIFT applications and new patents by providing customers testing, research and development services. The Institute provides a unique and valuable forum for engineers, scientists, designers, businessmen and academicians to study material characteristics and product development.
We offer customers the facilities and expertise to experiment with a wide range of challenges and customized solutions. Under the direction of Joel A. Dyksterhouse, Technical Director, our trained technicians work with customers to conduct testing of new materials, processes, tooling and application development necessary to successfully transfer the DRIFT patented process into products for the automotive, construction, defense, industry and transportation markets; to name a few. The Institute takes time to understand each customer’s needs and requirements and helps apply our patented technology to deliver differentiated customized solutions. We work with all types of customers, large companies and small firms, well-established businesses and new enterprises.
Customers turn to the Institute because of the facilities, equipment, renowned partners and expertise in thermoplastic composites. Before the development of the DRIFT process, high quality continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic impregnated tape, tow, and rod was not cost effective to produce. The patented DRIFT process heat fuses thermoplastic resins to continuous fibers, efficiently and thoroughly impregnating the continuous fibers with thermoplastic resins without fiber damage and with minimal or no voids. We help customers determine the optimum processing conditions, quality controls and material for their project. One of the first steps is to visit the Institute and meet with our Technical Director, the inventor of the DRIFT patent. We provide a demonstration of our technology using the DRIFT process and discuss how the customer’s product can be produced using our advanced material solutions. We work closely with the customer’s product development team to create a solution that is effective and fully customized to their needs and manufacturing process. We are committed to product success.
Together we will:
Determine the best technology to incorporate the DRIFT process into the customer’s product;
continuous or discontinuous materials, optimum processing conditions, quality controls, cost
efficiency and, best material properties
- Evaluate materials; thermoplastic resins, fiber options and matrices available
- Provide pilot samples for extensive testing to ensure quality and performance
- Research theoretical and practical resolutions to develop the best solution for the application
- Develop processing techniques so the products can move to production
- Select the best equipment and tooling for production based on the customer’s needs; ultimately
leading to cost-cutting solutions
- Develop a program to train employees on the composite process, equipment, and technology.
- Continue to partner as new regulatory issues emerge, new product opportunities develop, and new
market challenges arise.
Each of these areas are explained when a customer visits the Institute and talks with our Technical Director, Joel Dyksterhouse. For small and new customers who do not have testing capabilities, we can provide assistance by working with one of our partners.
In summary, the primary goal of the research and development program is to lead the reinforced thermoplastic composites industry down the road of technological advancement in order to promote profitable growth and competitive advantages both domestically and in the international market place. We have confidence that continuous research and development will enhance today’s technology and lead us into the next century with healthier lives and a safer environment for our community, state and nation.
