Hoowaki Selected for National Award: Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture

Pendleton, SC – The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has selected Hoowaki, LLC as one of the seven recipients for the 4th Annual SME List of Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture.

The award was presented for Hoowaki’s surface engineering technology that increases energy efficiency by improving friction, fluid drag and heat transfer.

This innovation comes from the laboratory of William King, Chief Technology Officer of Hoowaki and Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois. “Microstructures molded onto a surface can change the properties of that surface,” says King. “By molding microstructures into a surface, we can engineer the surface friction, heat transfer coefficient, or water repellency. All of these are in demand for energy efficiency applications, from hydraulic equipment to air conditioners to batteries.”

Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture is an SME program, which showcases new and emerging technologies that are making a difference in manufacturing. Other innovations recognized this year include: quantum dots, a remote-presence robot, super velcro using shape memory polymer, programmable magnets, graphene, and a capacity-driven production strategy. For more information on this award visit www.sme.org/innovations.

Hoowaki President, Ralph Hulseman stated: “Hoowaki is proud to be selected for this national award. We are pleased that our customers are using our surface engineering technology to achieve break-through performance.”