*An NCDMM Event

NCDMM Summit 2009 – May 6-7, 2009

The NCDMM recently hosted Summit 2009 at its headquarters in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The theme "Bridging Opportunities Through Partnership" was evidenced in many of the presentations and tabletop displays. The purpose of this event is to foster an environment of collaboration between government facilities, large OEMs, part fabricators, technology developers and academic organizations. Through presentations and networking sessions, opportunities to enhance the operation of each of these organizations could be explored.

Summit 2009 reached new levels in many respects. Attendance challenged the maximum capacity for the facility, which will necessitate a change in venue for Summit 2010. A record number of personnel from each of the many groups identified above were present. In addition, Summit 2009 featured two new exciting technologies, VOICe and MTConnect.

VOICe, a web-based virtual community tool, was debuted. In the coming months it will be rolled out to selected organizations within the defense industrial base, allowing them to market their capabilities, identify capable supply chain organizations, respond to outsourcing opportunities, and collaborate with other companies.

MTConnect is a communication standard that will facilitate the ability to gather performance data from shop floor equipment. Software based on the MTConnect standard that is being developed by the University of California Berkeley was demonstrated during the Evening Reception. Using a standard web browser, the software monitored active machine tools in the NCDMM lab, UC Berkeley machining lab and at a small business, Quality Mould, in Latrobe, PA.

During the Evening Reception, a record number of tabletop displays from Partner organizations were present. Following a reception keynote speech from Professor Scott Smith, UNC Charlotte, Mr. VanKirk and Mr. Ralph Resnick presented the Lawrence J. Rhoades award to Mr. Scott Hofacker for his outstanding contribution to Defense Manufacturing. Accepting the award on his behalf was Russ Dillard from the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC).

The NCDMM Summit 2010 has been scheduled for May 5-6, 2010 at the Four Points by Sheraton Greensburg in Greensburg, PA. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss this great event!