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WEAV3D Inc., headquartered in Norcross, GA, and Braskem have been recognized with prestigious awards from the Society for Plastics Engineers (SPE) and the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) for their innovative thermoplastic composite lattice technology. This breakthrough, developed in partnership with the Clemson Composites Center, represents a significant advancement in lightweight and cost-effective automotive materials.

Norcross at the Forefront of Innovation: Braskem and WEAV3D’s Award-Winning Partnership

Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and a global leader in biopolymer production, and Norcross-based WEAV3D Inc. announced that their thermoplastic composite lattice technology was selected for the Most Innovative Part Award at the Society for Plastics Engineers Automotive Composites Conference and Exhibition (ACCE). Additionally, the technology earned the Material and Process Innovation Award at the American Composites Manufacturers Association’s Awards for Composites Excellence (ACE). These accolades highlight the cutting-edge advancements of the partnership in revolutionizing automotive materials.

Driving Sustainable Materials with Norcross Innovation

Joel Carr, Technical Service and Development Engineering Team Leader at Braskem America, said, “The collaboration between WEAV3D, the Clemson Composites Center, and Braskem has produced a groundbreaking material with the Rebar for Plastics® Lattice Technology, which offers significant advantages in high-strength, lightweight composites. These awards affirm our success in creating more sustainable materials that reduce vehicle carbon emissions and lower manufacturing costs.”

By combining WEAV3D’s composite lattice reinforcement with Braskem’s polypropylene (PP), the partnership has developed a cost-effective alternative to traditional organosheet materials, reducing vehicle weight by 23%, costs by 50%, and scrap waste by 62%. This collaboration opens up new possibilities for replacing metal structures with lightweight thermoplastics in automotive design.

3D Print At Home

A Year of Recognition for Norcross-Based WEAV3D

“We are thrilled that 2024 has been a banner year for recognizing the innovative solutions we’ve developed alongside Braskem and the Clemson Composites Center,” said Christopher Oberste, President and Chief Engineer of WEAV3D Inc. “These awards from SPE and ACMA emphasize the value of our cost-effective composite forming technology and demonstrate strong industry interest for adoption.”

The awards highlight how Norcross, GA, is contributing to advances in sustainable, efficient manufacturing through local startups like WEAV3D.

About WEAV3D Inc. (Norcross, GA)

WEAV3D Inc., headquartered in Norcross, GA, is a leader in composite materials and manufacturing innovations. Originating as a startup from Georgia Tech’s Materials Science and Engineering department, WEAV3D develops composite forming technologies that reduce production costs and time while producing lighter, stronger materials. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy with its patented composite lattice structures.

For more information, visit www.weav3d.com.

Braskem and WEAV3D will exhibit at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) TPO Global Automotive Conference in Troy, Michigan, from September 29 – October 2, 2024.