IBEX 2022 highlights composites-focused content at September event

This year’s International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX, Tampa, Fla., U.S.) is taking place Sept. 27-29, 2022 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida. The show offers attendees the latest marine technologies, tools and materials through an expansive list of exhibitor displays, networking opportunities, Tech Talk workshops, technical training and more.

Specific to the composites industry, IBEX organizers highlight the Composites Pavilion Exhibit Hall. Located on the third level, this 12,000-square-foot exhibit area is the largest of IBEX’s Specialty Pavilions. The Composites Pavilion includes 69 exhibiting companies — eight of which are new to the show — showcasing products from 3D printers and cutting machines to resin and epoxies. The Pavilion also hosts the Tech Talk Theater.

According to IBEX organizers, the Composites Pavilion is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to procure composites-related materials and services. In addition, there are additional composite companies located in the first-level exhibits area as well.

Pre-Conference Sessions for composites

IBEX is offering attendees the Education Conference – Composites. This includes Pre-Conference Sessions, where in-depth subject matter and hands-on training in full and half-day formats are available. Some sessions include:

Monday, Sept. 26 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m: “Building High Performance Composites with Pro-Set Epoxy”

In this seminar presented by Don Gutzmer and Jeff Wright, you will learn how to use Pro-Set Epoxy to build high performance composite parts. Topics will include:

Advantages of using Pro-Set Epoxy
Overview of the Pro-Set Epoxy product line
Understanding datasheets and handling properties
When and how to post cure
Optimizing laminates for high-performance epoxy resin
How to successfully transition from polyester and vinyl ester resin to Pro-Set Epoxy

Monday, Sept. 26 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m: “Learn the Essentials of West System Epoxy”

Learn about all of the products that make up the West System Epoxy line and how to apply them successfully. Don Gutzmer and Jeff Wright will explain each of the products and how they are used to perform a variety of repairs on fiberglass boats. This is a great seminar for those new to the West System product line or those wanting a refresher.

Construction methods and materials seminars

The Seminar Series offers fundamental skills to cutting-edge advanced training for the boatbuilding, design and repair industry. Brought to you by IBEX and working alongside the show’s education partners Professional BoatBuilder, ABYC, NMEA, ABBRA and IBEX co-owner NMMA, the IBEX Seminar Series is available in eight tracks: design and engineering; construction methods and materials; marine onboard systems; marine electrical systems; management policy; survey and repair; marina and boatyard operations; and emerging topics.

In particular, for the composites industry, IBEX highlights the Construction Methods and Materials track:

Wednesday, Sept. 28 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m: “Things You Need to Understand for Successful Composites Production,” presented by Bob Lacovara

This session will highlight a series of short topics related to everyday composites production. Production procedures need to be built around the science of how composites materials work. Each of these topics will focus on an element that impacts the larger methodology used to produce molded products. From preventing mold sticking to hazardous static discharge in the shop, understanding the underlying principles of materials and process is a prime contributor to product quality and production efficiency. Join Bob Lacovara to explore this important understanding of the everyday challenges presented in a production shop.

Topics include:

Sticky polyester resin surface — Understanding oxygen inhibition
Why molds stick
Why flat composites panels look bad
Resin shrinkage and laminate thermodynamics
Electrostatic discharge and fiberglass molds
Resin curing and temperature
Weird things about spray patterns

Tuesday, Sept. 27 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m: “Building Structural Grids Right,” presented by Jeff Wright and Nick Stinson

Boats and ships historically used common materials like wood and metal for the hull structure. Terms like “hull girder strength,” “frames,” and “stiffeners” are commonly thrown around. More recently, and in vessels under 100-feet LOA, composites dominate and have allowed builders to make more custom and pragmatic shapes. This includes internal structures, like a “grid” of laminates.

During this seminar we will discuss the pros and cons of grids versus traditional construction, grid variations, design considerations, how standards and rule sets treat grid structures and some analysis techniques. The design side and build side will both be covered.

Dive into current and future sustainability initiatives. Topics for this session include:

Composites recycling
Components at end of life
Excess industrial waste material
Incorporation of green composites into the industry
The Marine Sustainability Initiative

Tuesday, Sept. 27 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m: “Waste Reduction and Recycling for Boatbuilders,” presented by Holly Caldwell

More updates to come on this seminar.

Tuesday, Sept. 27 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m: “Nonskid Deck Finishes,” presented by JB Currell

A nonskid finish is essential to any deck. Best practices for new production builds, custom boats, refit projects will make this seminar relevant for builders and service yard technicians looking for answers about deck coatings.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: “Advances in Infusion Technology,” presented by Belle Blanding, Dean Callendar

More updates to come on this seminar.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m: “Building with Flax Composites,” presented by Friedrich Deimann, Brandon Davis and Miles Gathright

Renewable flax laminate material has been refined for use as a viable, low-carbon-footprint substitute for fiber glass and carbon fiber in modern composite structures. Learn the benefits and perils of building flax composite boats from the some of the most experienced composites experts and boatbuilders who are applying the new material technology today.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 | TCC First Floor Meeting Rooms | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m: “Building a Modern Interpretation of Hemingway’s Pilar,” presented by Eric Stockkinger

The challenges of reinterpreting an iconic 1934 Wheeler Playmate for modern construction and a 2020s yacht market. The lead builder on the project at Brooklin Boat Yard will walk attendees through the project from initial intent to final success as a truly modern performance boat built to nearly original hull lines.

Tech-Talk Workshops

On Tuesday and Wednesday (Sept. 27-28), IBEX is also putting on free Tech Talk Workshops, exhibitor product demo presentations of the newest technology in the industry. A new exhibitor goes live in the Tech Talk Theater at the top of every hour. Some include:

“Gelcoat Repair Process: From the Dos and Do Nots to the Whys and Why Nots,” presented by Scott Barnes and Bobby Hurst
- Ever wonder the best practices and optimal grit sequence for gel coat sanding? Join Scott Barnes and Bobby Hurst as they discuss the process for gel coat sanding from repair through polish and delivery, the reason for grit sequence, importance of the steps and why not to skip any of them.
“Using West System Epoxy on Clear-Finished Parts and Surface,” presented by Jeff Wright and Don Gutzmer
- West System 105 Resin and 207 Special Clear Hardener are ideal for wooden and composite parts that will be finished natural or clear. We will explain the benefits of using 105/207, how to prepare wood surfaces including when stained is applied, managing bubbles and clarity and applying translucent fiberglass. Similar techniques will apply to carbon fiber parts. After this seminar, you will be able to build beautiful, clear-finished parts with West System Epoxy.
“CNC Routers — Expanding Production Capabilities (Insourcing vs. Outsourcing)” presented by Thomas Tuck (C.R. Onsrud Inc.) and Jesse Rhodes (Rhodes Yacht Design)
- The pros and cons of insourcing versus outsourcing can be difficult to determine. C.R. Onsrud will discuss both investing in a CNC router and investing in an outsourcing partner to reduce labor, improve production, lower costs and improve quality.
- Topics will include design, cost, profit and manufacturing of components such as core kits, plywood jigs, decking, plastics and more.
“Pro-Set Epoxy Adhesives,” presented by Jeff Wright and Don Gutzmer
- Learn how to select the best for a specific application Pro-Set adhesive and how to apply it for excellent structural bonds. Topics will include:
  - Properties of Pro-Set adhesives
  - Product selection
  - Detailed information on proper surface preparation
  - Joint design best practices.