Chem-Trend Contributions Help Engineering Students in Composite Project Development
Howell, Mich., August 11, 2008 - Chem-Trend, a global manufacturer of release agents and other process chemical specialties for composites and other manufacturing industries, reaffirmed its continuing commitment to university-level engineering programs that include the use of composites at major universities around the country. Chem-Trend provides support by donating its Chemlease® products and technical knowledge for use in student projects. The announcement was made by John Lundin, Chem-Trend's North America business manager for the composites industry.
"These students are using composites in ways that hint at the future use of these materials," said Lundin. "Chem-Trend is honored to play a small role in the education of these students, and the successful advancement of technology."
Chemlease® products are used in advanced composites manufacturing for providing high-quality surface finishes and product integrity. Chemlease® provides better surface quality right out of the mold, requiring less finish time, and increasing productivity. The product's reputation in the marketplace is ultimately what led to the request for donations, according to Lundin.
Most recently, Chem-Trend donated its Chemlease® products to Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. for the development of its solar vehicle competition car, 'NEnrgy. The 'NErgy team used Chemlease® products in the construction of the composite panels that make up the body of the vehicle.
"In the case of Northwestern," said Lundin, "project leaders had contacted a distributor in the area, and that distributor recommended our product. I doubt they would have recommended Chemlease® to such a prestigious university, and for such a high technology competition, if they did not have confidence in the product's performance."
Patrick Markan, a mechanical engineering student at Northwestern University, and the Captain of the NU Solar Car Team that produced the 'NErgy vehicle, was pleased with the outcome of the composite panels, saying that there was no finish work required; the team simply had to trim the panels.
Chemlease® products were also used by Winona State University, located in Winona, Minn. Students at Winona used Chemlease® Mold Cleaner, Chemlease® 15 Mold Sealer and Chemlease® 75 Mold Release agent in the production of a canoe constructed of composite materials. Winona State University has been a long-time proponent of Chemlease® products.
Chem-Trend has also donated its Chemlease® products to Carnegie-Mellon University for competitive composites engineering projects.
About Chem-Trend: Chem-Trend is a global organization with sales offices in 17 countries and distributors in more than 50 countries that are supported by their headquarters in Michigan and manufacturing sites on five continents. Chem-Trend has a singular focus of formulating and manufacturing innovative chemical specialties for use in the die casting, rotational molding, general rubber, polyurethane, tire, thermoplastics and composites industries. By working with its customers directly and on a personal level, Chem-Trend develops tailored products that help its customers make better parts - and more of them. At the core of its business are industry-standard mold release agents, die lubricants and purging compounds engineered to maximize productivity while delivering high-quality finished parts.
