Trade Associations: The American Composites Manufacturers Association
Susan J. Hilaski
Manager, Standards Development & Industry Relations
2000 15th street N, Suite 250, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703.682.1649
Email: [email protected]
Website: acmanet.org
Organizational Overview
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) represents the complete North American supply chain for the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites industry.
ACMA is the world’s largest composites industry trade group. By delivering invaluable education and events, access to market intelligence, and by working with regulators and legislators, ACMA serves as the center of expertise,
engagement and an essential driver of industry growth and prosperity. ACMA’s purpose is to help composites manufacturers prosper by supporting the industry in delivering composite technologies that make structures more durable,
transportation more efficient, consumer and industrial goods perform higher while minimizing their environmental
footprint and supporting the workforce that delivers them. ACMA’s vision is to make composites the sustainable material of preference.
ACMA is comprised of manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, distributors, academia and end users, dedicated to growing the composites market. ACMA serves its members and the industry by promoting the competitive
advantage and versatility of composite materials. ACMA offers composites industry educational resources through ACMA’s Education Hub, annual industry conference CAMX, specialty conferences, educational webinars, and
Certified Composites Technician (CCT®) program. ACMA develops standards and specifications that characterize and drive preference for the
use of composites in place of traditional materials. ACMA leads advocacy efforts via legislative and regulatory channels to achieve a more viable composites industry.
Scope of Membership Activity
The ACMA is the unified voice of the composites industry, providing a seat at the table for distributors, material and equipment suppliers, manufacturers, affiliates (academics, consultants, associations, press, end user, designer and specifier) and international members. Membership is open to anyone interested in the composites industry. There are over 300 ACMA member companies with operations in 49 states and over 300 Congressional Districts.
Membership is not required to participate on ACMA’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development activities.
ACMA offers events across all market segments and manufacturing processes. Members have access to our member directory, over 1,000 technical papers, exclusive market data, webinars, conference papers, regulatory guidance documents, and more! For more information contact [email protected].
Scope of Services
ACMA offers a variety of services to help members advance their business in growing the composites industry such as business and market development, technical committees, standards development, legislative and regulatory advocacy, sustainability, industry
networking events, specialty conferences, education and market intelligence, certification and training, workforce development,
support industry research and development, collaboration with academic institutions, engagement and collaboration with end-users of composites products, and industry news coverage.
Specific Industry Information
The composites industry is global which includes North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East/Africa. Market segments include aerospace, architecture, automotive, building and construction, defense, military,
industrial, infrastructure, kitchen and bath, marine, oil and gas, pipe and tank, space, sports and recreation, rail and mass transportation, medical and prosthetics, electrical and electronics, electric utility, and wind energy. Composites are known to
be lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, durability, and many other benefits when considered as an alternative material, for example, to metallic and wood applications. Materials used in the composites industry include both thermoset and thermoplastic composites
that include man-made or natural fiber reinforcements, fillers and additives, and could include recycled or repurposed materials.
Standards-related Information
ACMA develops consensus standards and specifications, technical data sheets, industry best practices, and other guidance to support the growth of the Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites Industry including FRP composites, composites made
with fillers or natural materials, and their recyclates. ACMA’s activities are inclusive of various related FRP composite products, materials, and processes in conjunction with many diverse end-use market segments. In addition, ACMA’s activities are monitored
and proposed at the request of interested parties and formulated by committees depending upon the
need of the composites industry, resources, and collaboration efforts, to meet national and international requirements. ACMA’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards efforts address the following:
- Fiberglass Composites Grating Manual for Pultruded and Molded Grating and Stair Treads
- Estimating Emission Factors from Open Molding and Other Composite Processes
- Standard Specification for FRP Composite Utility Poles
- Code of Standard Practice – Industry Guidelines for Fabrication and Installation of Pultruded FRP Structures
- Specification for Fiberglass Composite Crossarms for Distribution Utility Structures
For more information, contact [email protected].
ACMA uses the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus process for standards development. ACMA has no formal activity in the conformity assessment arena.
Technical Regulations-related Information
ACMA staff members monitor a variety of technical, regulatory, legislative issues and government agency initiatives that could impact the composites industry at agencies including the Departments of Commerce, Defense,
Energy, and Transportation, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Trade Representative.
Association Descriptors (10)
- Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
- Composites
- Fiberglass
- Carbon Fiber
- Basalt Fiber
- Pultrusion
- Thermoset resin
- Thermoplastic resin
- Open and closed molding
- Recycling
Areas of Technical Work (Industry Sector and ICS Code)
Please identify up to five (5) ICS Codes that best describe the industry sectors and technical areas for your association's members
- 59.1001.01 [ Composites • Materials for the reinforcement of composites in general]
- 59.100 [Composites • Materials for the reinforcement of composites]
- 59.100.99 [ Composites • Other materials for the reinforcement of composites]
- 83.120 [Plastics • Reinforced plastics]
- 59.100.10 [Glass • Textile glass materials]
- 59.100.20 [Carbon • Carbon materials]
- 59.100.30 [Aramide • Aramide materials]
Quick Links
