WAI Workshops

Periodically The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. hosts educational workshops focused on the basic aspects of wire-related production processes.

WAI's next workshop will be a one-day program on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. It will coincide with Interwire and the WAI's 79th Annual Convention at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, April 25-30.

Innovation in Wire | Instructor: Michael Zelin, Technical Director of Consulting, Adan Inc.

Wednesday, April 29 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

To view a brief overview of the course in PDF format, click here

Innovative manufacturing solutions can be stimulated by observing nature. Nesting solutions for core wire in cable design mirror the configuration of pods on these water lily pads.

Workshop Instructor Dr. Michael Zelin

Dr. Zelin will demonstrate how innovative manufacturing solutions can be stimulated by observing the design principles of nature. Learn how systematic, creative, and metaphoric thinking methods can be used to help both beginners and seasoned professional find solutions to technical challenges in wire manufacturing and other technical applications. Analysis and invention methods will be disclosed to solve challenges posed by course participants. Other topics include macro- and micro-innovation and solutions.

This program is intended to convey the fundamentals of innovation and help attendees apply solutions to their own technical challenges. The program is divided into three parts:

• Macro-innovation covers fundamental principles of technical evolution, invention methods, and other general principles that work in different technical applications in any industry, as well as non-technical applications such as art. Topics include systematic thinking (Theory of Solution of Invention Problems, morphological analysis), creative thinking (forced associations, metaphoric thinking, sympathy methods), and “winning” and “losing” inventions.
• Micro-innovation provides specific examples and analysis of innovative solutions in wire processing and product applications.
• Solutions to specific problems suggested by participants during the workshop. Attendees are encouraged to submit suggestions in advance by e-mail to technical@wirenet.org.

Dr. Michael Zelin is technical director of consulting firm Adan Inc., Canal Fulton, Ohio, USA. He is also an adjunct professor with Kent State University. He has a Ph.D. degree in metallurgy and more than 25 years of industrial and research experience. He developed new high-strength wire processing regimes and technologies, as well as new reinforcement products for different tire lines: passenger, truck, farm, aircraft, and other tire types, as well as engineered products: conveyor belts, air springs, etc. He had an advanced training in different invention systems and has developed a number of patented wire processing technologies and products.

To learn more about our upcoming schedule contact WAI's Education Department.