Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®) News

SwRI hosts 2003 Aerospace Coatings Removal and Coatings Conference

San Antonio, Texas -- September 18, 2002 -- Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®) will host the 2003 Aerospace Coatings Removal and Coatings Conference May 20-22, 2003, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The annual conference features technical presentations, exhibits, and other events and attracts more than 250 military and commercial aircraft fleet maintenance and operations personnel, researchers, technological developers, and original equipment manufacturers. The conference will provide success stories, paint removal techniques, new technology updates, environmental regulation impacts, and an assessment of future technology requirements.

Compliance with federal and state environmental regulations remains a challenge to the coatings and coatings removal industry. Meeting stringent Environmental Protection Agency requirements while also operating cost effectively is a top priority, according to SwRI Senior Research Technologist Chuck Cundiff, 2003 conference organizer. Cundiff is also the SwRI technical lead for operations at the Depaint Test Center at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

The U.S. Air Force Corrosion Prevention and Control Office and the U.S. Air Force Coatings Technology Integration Office are sponsoring the conference in cooperation with SwRI. Representatives from the three organizations will select papers and presentations. Topics may be submitted online through Feb. 28, 2003. Early submission may generate an early acceptance, Cundiff said.

"We are currently seeking speakers on coatings removal, new media, coatings, equipment upgrades and designs, and ergonomic improvements," Cundiff said. "For the 2003 conference, we are also encouraging more presentation submissions from the commercial aerospace industry to provide additional sources of information." Other topic submissions are also welcome.

SwRI has extensive experience in the evaluation of aircraft coatings and paints, application and removal techniques, and paint testing. This is the third year the nonprofit research and development organization has hosted the conference.

Early registration is $275 through April 18; registration will then increase to $300. The registration fee includes admittance to technical sessions, exhibits, receptions, refreshments, and a copy of the proceedings. Rooms are available at special conference rates for the Antler's Adams Mark Hotel in Colorado Springs by calling (719) 473-5600 or 1-800-444-ADAM by April 15 for reservations.

For more information or to register, visit the conference web site at dodconf.swri.org. Technical questions regarding the Conference /exhibitor /registration questions may be directed to Brenda Honeyager at (210) 522-3263 or e-mail bhoneyager@swri.org.

For more information, contact Tracey M.S. Whelan, Communications, Phone (210) 522-2256, Fax (210) 522-3547, PO Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228.