The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is set to host is 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition May 21-25, 2023 in Long Beach, CA. This event provides technical information and professional development as well as networking opportunities for those in the field of tribology and lubrication engineering.
Over the course of 5 days, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in:
- keynotes and plenary talks,
- live Q&A opportunities,
- 500 technical presentations,
- application-based case studies,
- 11 industry-specific education courses,
- best practice reports,
- discussion panels on technical and market trends, and
- in-person networking and social events.
"This year’s annual meeting brings environmental awareness to the forefront of the tribology and lubrication engineering fields," said Edward P. Salek, CAE, STLE executive director, in the association's press release announcing details for this year's event. "Not only will attendees learn about emerging research from transformational leaders, but our technical sessions will empower them with the information they need to achieve sustainable change."
This focus on environmental awareness kicks off with the opening keynote address on May 22 which will look at the growing use of hydrogen for decarbonization efforts. Angel Wileman, manager of Thermofluids for Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), will provide the keynote "Hydrogen is Here: Are You Ready?" during which she will discuss challenges hydrogen developers are currently facing and studies which aim to address these challenges.
Industry Education Benefits Future Developments
The STLE event will feature a wide array of presentations and educational sessions pertinent to trends currently impacting the tribology and lubrication industry. A total of 27 technical tracks will be available on topics including:
- AI & Machine Learning
- Biotribology
- Condition Monitoring
- Electric Vehicles/Engine and Drivetrain
- Environmentally Friendly Fluids
- Lubrication Fundamentals
- Rolling Element Bearings
- Seals
- Synthetic Lubricants and Hydraulics
- Tribochemistry
- Tribology of Biomaterials and more.
In addition, 11 education courses will be held starting Sunday, May 21. These courses are a full day (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and are available to both members and non-members of STLE. Courses range from design basics to those which look at the impacts of growing industry trends like electrification.
A new course for the 2023 event is entitled Sustainability: Biolubricants and Biofuels. An overview of current developments in biofuels and biolubricants will be provided. Included as part of the course will be an introduction to energy and alternative fuels, basic chemistry of biofuels and biolubes, a look at general performance requirements and more.
Biolubricants will be the main focus for the session, with a look at products which are in various stages of commercialization as well as governmental and other factors driving the push to use these products.
On Thursday, May 25, there will be a course on Electric Vehicles. It is designed to provide an introduction to the hardware, tribology, lubrication, thermal management and testing requirements for these vehicles which are becoming more commonplace in the market. The different types of system architectures will be reviewed as well as what lubricant and tribology requirements, and challenges, exist.
READ MORE: New STLE White Paper Outlines EV Advancements and Future Outlook
The full list of courses, descriptions and dates they take place can be found on the annual meeting's website.
Networking Opportunities Aid Industry Connections
Additional highlights at the STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition include chances for industry members to connect with one another. One way they can do so is through the exhibition portion of the event which is open May 22-24.
Over 100 booths will be available at which attendees can see the latest products and services to aid their own developments. Products on display will include:
- lubricant additives
- base oils
- condition monitoring/testing analysis
- lubrication management and more.
Networking receptions held throughout the week, including one for new members and students on Sunday evening, will provide additional opportunities for industry engagement.
To help encourage the next generation of engineers, STLE's annual Tribology STEM Camp will be held on Monday, May 22. Area high school students will be able to attend the event and see demonstrations, including hands-on experiments, from engineers and scientists to learn about the field of tribology and lubrication.
Throughout the week college students will also showcase posters highlighting tribology research in which they are participating.
Early bird registration for the STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition goes through April 24, 2023.
