IBEX 2015 to feature new and emerging technologies

IBEX, The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference, Sept. 15–17 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville, KY, US), will see several new feature areas including the 3D Digital Workshop, Future Materials, the Connected Boat, IBEX Fleet, the MakerMobile Trailer, Innovation Way and more.

“IBEX is the premiere showcase for emerging trends and advancements in technology and this year we are partnering with outside groups to offer dynamic new exhibits to showcase a variety of innovations across the manufacturing spectrum that might impact boats of the future,” says Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “One of the highlighted areas is the Future Materials Display, a new hands-on exhibit at the center of the Composites Pavilion, curated by editors from Professional BoatBuilder and CompositesWorld magazines.”

This collection of new materials, processes, and technologies will be gathered from a wide variety of sources including marine, aerospace and automotive industries, plus some applied academic research and development. The Future Materials Display will offer new developments including quasi-isotropic laminates via one reinforcement layer, epoxies that can transition to recyclable thermoplastics and thermoplastic resins that offer the processing and properties of epoxies, nanomaterials for improved performance, biomaterials offering greener composite options, rapid molding and other processing innovations, and new materials offering high-temperature resistance, electrical conductivity and even self-healing capabilities.

“Our intention is for IBEX attendees to see and have access to unusual composite materials that are being used in other industries and are now being made available to boatbuilders,” says Ginger Gardiner, senior editor, CompositesWorld magazine. “We are looking to create an imagination zone where people in boatbuilding can envision what might be possible 10-20 years from now as well as learn about what is available today. We are looking to offer both near-term solutions and stimulus for boatbuilders’ innovations of tomorrow.”

Other interactive displays at IBEX will include:

• 3D Digital Workshop - For anyone interested in learning more about the advances in 3D printing, IBEX is offering several opportunities to learn from experts. The IBEX 3D Digital Workshop located in the Composites Pavilion will be staffed with experts and include a Cube Pro and the Mark One 3D Printer.
• Connected Boat - The Connected Boat returns to IBEX 2015 and will feature up to 20 marine products in a dynamic, interactive display demonstrating how various vessel subsystems can be interconnected using existing network technologies. The Connected Boat display demonstrates how systems like analog sensors, CAN bus, RS232, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wireless 802.1 b/g/n/, WiFi, cellular, satellite, and global Internet work together providing operators access on board and from shore.
• IBEX Fleet - Experience the latest in design and technology available on some of the finest boats in the industry. And see the THEN & NOW display showcasing 25 years of product development in celebration of 25 IBEX shows.
• MAKERMOBILE Trailer is a collaboration between Velocity Indiana and San Francisco-based TechShop. On board this 32-ft trailer is a variety of maker tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, a vinyl cutter, a CNC machine, laptop workstations and electronics kits.

Click here to learn more about IBEX.