STLE Annual Meeting Technical Program

Park Ridge, Ill. – The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) announced its technical program for the 73rd STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held May 20-24, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The 73rd STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the lubricant industry’s venue for technical information, professional development and international networking opportunities. STLE’s five-day conference showcases some 500 technical presentations, application-based case studies, best practice reports and discussion panels on technical or market trends.

“Tribology’s economic and commercial impact is vast,” said Ed Salek, STLE’s executive director. “And we are pleased to sponsor a technical program that demonstrates how tribological advancements can improve productivity, profitability, sustainability and safety across a number of industries.”

This year’s program will address four key industries highlighted in STLE’s 2017 Report on Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering. These markets include manufacturing, metalworking, transportation and power generation.

Manufacturing
In manufacturing processes, tribology can enable advancements that improve longevity, cost savings, safety, productivity and efficiency. Dr. Robert W. Ivester, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy will open the meeting with a keynote address that focuses on innovations in manufacturing and energy.

During the address, Dr. Ivester will discuss on how the AMO is working to increase energy productivity and drive development of next-generation goods with direct technology investments in additive manufacturing, materials for harsh service conditions, advanced materials manufacturing and roll-to-roll processing, among others.

Metalworking
Tribology is a critical factor in metalworking processes, affecting not only the mechanics of an individual operation but also overall product quality and economics. The meeting will include two full days of education courses and a two-day technical track for visitors who want to learn how tribological advancements can improve safety and tool life and reduce fluid volume and consumption in metalworking processes.

Transportation
Tribological advancements in transportation, driven by fuel efficiency, emission requirements and applications performance, can lead to improved fuel efficiency, power density and longevity. Attendees interested in hearing more about this topic will be able to take part in a full day of transportation education courses and attend a four-day technical track. Technical sessions will address a number of areas related to engines and drivetrains, including the tribological aspects of cylinders and pistons; engine oil formation; advanced fuel-efficiency engine and drivetrain technologies; fuel economy as it relates to engine oil and hardware; drivetrain, transmission, gears and clutch; new tests for engine oil; and surface wear.

Power Generation
Tribology is critical for developing new technologies that address some of the world’s key issues related to energy consumption and sustainability. Attendees can learn more about this subject by attending Dr. Ivester’s keynote address and participating in a two-day power generation technical track that will include sessions on tribological advancements for improved longevity, efficiency, cost savings and fire resistance.

The annual exhibition will also showcase the latest products and services of interest to more than 1,600 lubrication professionals who come from around the world, representing a full range of the industry’s most prestigious corporate, government and academic institutions. To learn more about the 73rd STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition, visit https://www.stle.org/annualmeeting. To view STLE’s complete technical program, clickhere.

About the Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE)
The Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is the premier technical society serving the needs of over 13,000 individuals and 250 companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector. STLE members are employed by the world’s leading corporations, academic institutions and by governmental agencies dealing with science and technology. STLE supports these distinguished technical experts with a variety of professional education and certification programs. For more information, visit www.stle.org.