ASSOCIATIONS-AACCM
The Association of American Ceramic Component Manufacturers at Applied Research Center, Aiken SC

On Wednesday, October 14, 2014, in a state-of-the-art laboratory, ceramic component manufacturers were exposed to a large dose of the latest, practical technology under development in the United States.

Association of American Ceramic Component Manufactures AACCM (The Association of American Ceramic Component Manufactures) held its fall 2014 meeting at ARC (Applied Research Center). AACCM’s members are U.S. companies manufacturing ceramic components from ceramic powders. ARC researchers are expanding the limits of hydrogen, solar, wind, and microwave energy technology, along with other forms of advanced technology. ARC serves the needs of government, academia, and the private sector.

AACCM’s meeting agenda at ARC began covering old and new business and an election of officers. Thomas Henriksen was re-elected AACCM’s President. A technical presentation: “Hybrid Microwave Technology” followed, given by Dr. George Wicks, Wicks Consulting Services, LLC. Dr. Wicks served as Senior Advisory Scientist to the Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Savannah River Technology Center, also located at ARC in Aiken, SC.

An appropriate lead-in, Dr. Wick’s presentation was followed by an introduction to ARC via a technical presentation by Dr. Joette Sonnenberg, Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Security and Engineering, Savannah River National Laboratory at ARC. A tour of ARC’s facilities immediately followed Dr. Sonnenberg’s presentation. AACCM members were also invited to ARC’s Energy Materials Research Lab, which opened in 2013.

Aiken, South Carolina is ARC’s home. While Aiken’s 21st century spotlight may fall on the area’s contribution to practical technology, its history is steeped in tradition and its love of thoroughbred horses. Since the early 1940s Aiken SC remains considered a national polo capital and is the breeding ground and training locale for 39 champion thoroughbreds.