To become an active participant in the research programs of the Institute requires membership in the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC). NCRC offers various levels of membership. The level is determined by the annual gross income of the company.
There are many direct and indirect benefits that can be derived from membership in NCRC. Below, we summarize our top ten reasons to join NCRC.
1. Research Cost Avoidance. NCRC Research programs are member initiated programs focused on fundamental questions that the industry faces today. Research programs are supported by funds from the State of North Carolina and the membership dues received from our members and are valued at over $2,000,000 research dollars annually. NCRC members avoid research expenditures on projects that might have been carried out internally. The results of the research are proprietary to the NCRC and its member companies.
2. Research Amplification. NCRC Research programs often help provide support and background for work being carried out internally by our members.
3. Company Specific Research Cost Reduction. Company Specific Research and Service programs are available to members at reduced fees. These programs focus on one or more of the above objectives but are carried out for an individual company. Single company sponsored programs can be proprietary. Such projects of special interest can also be developed for a group of NCRC member companies.
4. Technology Transfer. NCRC is engaged in a very active program in the form of:
- courses taught at plant sites,
- NCRC short courses,
- industrial internships
- focused seminars, symposia, and conferences
- one-on-one consulting,
- test method development
5. Product Development. The Institute has extensive pilot capabilities and these facilities are available to NCRC members at reduced fees.
6. Analytical Services. The Institute has extensive analytical capabilities and these facilities are available to NCRC members at reduced fees.
7. Training. The Institute trains a large number of students who often get hired by our member companies. The Institute also trains operators in emerging new technologies using its state-of-the-art facilities.
8. Industrial Networking. The Institute has over 70 companies that interact with the NCRC routinely through semi-annual meetings, workshops, etc. These events provide a great forum for networking.
9. University Networking. The Institute works with several other Universities and multiple faculty members at NC State. These contacts can be invaluable for future developments.
10. Sourcing. NCRC members of staff are often called upon to assist member companies with their needs regarding the establishment of new facilities, the purchase of new materials, roll goods or other products.
For more information on membership, contact us by email at nonwovens@ncsu.edu or check out the relevant documents posted under NCRC.
