With the growing demand for heat-treating processes across industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy, advanced ceramics are playing an increasingly vital role in driving innovation and efficiency.
Thermal Processing talked with Andrew Tucker, event director of Ceramics Expo and Thermal Management Expo, to discuss this year’s event, the decision to return to Cleveland, and what attendees can expect from the show’s exciting new features. Ceramics Expo is May 5-6 at the Huntington Convention Centre.
Why is the Ceramics Expo integral to the ceramics and heat-treating sectors?
Advanced ceramics support numerous technologies, yet many people don’t realize how much ceramics impact our daily lives — from cellphones and cars to household appliances like kettles and stoves. Thermal management solutions also play a key role in high-temperature materials and manufacturing processes, making the synergy between ceramics and thermal management essential.
The show brings together the entire advanced ceramics supply chain under one roof. Our conference serves as a meeting point for material scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and OEMs — supply chain leaders driving innovation across sectors such as aerospace, defense, electronics, automotive, semiconductors, and industrial manufacturing.
The Expo provides a platform for manufacturers and end users to connect, share knowledge, and explore performance improvements, efficiency gains, and new capabilities.
Through the conference program and technical sessions, attendees can exchange ideas, explore emerging research, and address key challenges like materials performance, sustainability, and manufacturing scalability.
The Ceramics Expo is returning to Cleveland this year. Why was it important to bring the event back to this city?
Cleveland is at the heart of the advanced manufacturing supply chain in the U.S., with the Midwest leading in material science and ceramics engineering. Hosting the Expo in Cleveland connects manufacturers, research institutions, and technology partners within this thriving ecosystem.
The aerospace, automotive, electronics, defense, and energy sectors have established their bases in the manufacturing belt, making Cleveland a natural hub for industry collaboration. Returning to Cleveland also strengthens local and regional partnerships, including the Greater Cleveland Partnership, which supports positioning Cleveland, Ohio, and the MEP network as key players in the manufacturing ecosystem.
This year, Ceramics Expo is introducing the Innovation Hub. What can attendees expect from this addition?
The Innovation Hub is an exciting new feature that will showcase cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and next-generation ceramics applications. Leading universities and research institutions will present breakthrough advancements in material science, processing technology, and ceramics innovation.
Attendees will gain access to technologies that could transform production capabilities. The Hub also includes a startup zone, where businesses seeking mentorship or investment can connect with institutions in Ohio and integrate into the supply chain — a vital step for growth.
What should attendees mark on their show calendars this year?
This year’s conference program features expert-led presentations on a variety of topics, here are some key sessions you won’t want to miss:
- Welcome Address by The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) “Ceramics’ Role in Supporting Thermal Management’s Future.”
- An opening panel discussion titled “Why Ohio? How the State Is Powering the Next Generation of Ceramic Manufacturing and Innovation.” It will explore how Ohio is powering the next generation of ceramics manufacturing and innovation.
- Keynote Session by NASA – “Ceramics at Hypersonic Limits: Advancing Ultra-High Temperature Materials for Space and Aeropropulsion.”
What kind of turnout are you expecting this year?
We anticipate over 2,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors from across the global ceramics and advanced manufacturing supply chain. Attendees will include engineers, R&D professionals, manufacturing leaders, procurement specialists, material scientists, and PhD students. The Expo is an opportunity to discover new technologies, strengthen supplier relationships, and explore innovative solutions for organizations.
What are you personally looking forward to at this year’s expo?
Each Expo is a labor of love, and I’m particularly excited about the Innovation Hub. It’s a chance to connect and nurture young talent in the industry, especially through partnerships with STEM communities and academic institutions.
I’m also thrilled to have Ceramics Expo back in Cleveland. The city has gone all out to support the event, highlighting why this niche sector of ceramics is so important to Cleveland, Ohio, and the broader manufacturing network.
More info www.ceramicsexpousa.com
