For the first time ever, JEC Americas converged on the city of Boston November 7 to November 9, hosting a massive materials show in conjunction with IFAI (Industrial Fabrics Association International).
From major cutting tools to something as simple as a spool of foam, there was something for everyone. If you are into materials -- composites or otherwise -- this was the place to see or be seen.
Click on the image below to see scenes from the shows.
Here's the view from one story above the show floor (and this is only one third of the scene). I had to take a deep breath before I ventured down -- good thing I wore sensible shoes!
I have a hard time believing it sounds like a cello, considering how complex and delicate a process designing and constructing musical instruments is. OTOH, design software is amazing, too.
Ann - it sounds like it's time to put your investigative curiosity to the test. Call the company ... see if they'll let you take a crack at the cello. =)
TL;DR - Apparently the carbon fiber instruments perform a lot better in non-standard temperature/humidity situations, but sound quality isn't as rich as a good wooden instrument.
Jim, thanks for the links. That's about what I would have guessed based on the difference in materials: wider operating temperature/humidity range, but less rich/complex sound quality. That shows up in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLOvXfSFuL0 of Yo-Yo Ma playing the divine Bach on a carbon cello.
Jennifer--This looks like a fascinating convention. Thank you for the slides. I definitely think the political types and talking heads in Washington need to step back and take another other look at American ingenuity--American creativity. At times, it seems they have relegated manufacturing to the endangered species list when in reality, it's alive and well and in some circles thriving. Your slides certainly bring that into focus. I write a blog on engineering education in our country and across the world and we remain the example for the civilized world. We are what they hope to be--someday. Again, many thanks for the update.
Thanks, Jen, wish I could play a cello. I'm a listener and appreciater of music, not a player anymore. What I'd love to find is an interview with Yo-Yo Ma about the carbon instrument. Will let you know if I do!
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