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COMPOSITES SPECIALIST/PATTERN-TOOLMAKER
Elkhart In
I am experienced in many applications within the composites industry, and I have a sound understanding of molded products. I am a unique individual with a wide range of skills and talents, combined with the experience of knowing how to use them effectively and efficiently.
I am able to create from raw idea to finished product . I create original design or work from established themes . I can create prototype models / tooling and low volume part runs quickly and efficiently for market research / testing with minimal investment . I also am able to create high volume tooling through turn-key production . Establishing and proving production methods as well as per part costs analysis . I am able to design and create necessary fixtures to facilitate production sub and final assemblies . I am able to work alone or within a structured group, as well as coordinate or supervise projects and teams. I am an excellent teacher and enjoy training people / teams . I have a very strong and positive work background and like to work with others dedicated to producing quality products as well as a quality work environment.
I am a creator and bring a great deal to the table . I am able to take your ideas and visions into reality . Please take a moment and look at some of my work. I welcome any questions or discussion, and can provide references or any additional information that you may require.

URL : http://www.krop.com/gdlowry/
Experience
Nappanee Indiana
Nov 2021 - Present
Senior pattern Technician
Newmar Corporation
Construction of proto type ABS , Composite Tooling and parts .
Modification to existing Tooling .
Production Fixture Creation .
Research and Development of new materials and processes .
May 2019 - Nov 2021
Consultant / Management / Training /Shop set up/Pattern and Tooling
Composites Specialist . Independent Contract Work
I have worked Independently the last few years . I have set up Composites shops , Primarily closed tooling / production . Using Vacuum Infusion , both CCBM Silicone bags as well as Light RTM .Using Glass as well as Carbon Fiber . Produced with polyester vinyl ester as well as epoxy Resins .
I also have created patterns and molds for Specialty Automotive projects . From Design and Prototyping to Production .As well as necessary Cost Analysis . Created Production Methods per part as well as trained Operators and Crews .
Fort Wayne In
Nov 2017 - May 2019
Designer , Pattern / Toolmaker
Bad Dad
Bad Dad is a world leader in aftermarket Harley Davidson parts . The bulk of their product line is Composite body parts . Primarily " bagger " themed.

I had been producing Pattern / Tooling for Bad Dad for 10 years at other companies listed below . In 2017 Bad Dad opened their first Composite Production facility in Fort Wayne . I was involved in the set up of production facility start to finish . The bulk of parts are CCBM produced

I designed a new product line , the "Street Series " while in Fort Wayne

I created Patterns and Tools for a number of parts for above as well as parts for other models

Created production assembly fixtures / Drill and Rout fixtures
Elkhart In
Nov 2017 - Nov 2018
Partner
Total Performance Composites llc
Set up and managed a Composites Vacuum Infusion Shop.
Both CCBM and light RTM processes
Producing extremely high Quality Motorcycle and Automotive parts .
The shop was closed and sold to BAD DAD , then moved to Fort Wayne
Plymouth In
2013 - Nov 2017
Manager of Pattern / Tooling Dept. , Manager of Closed tool Production
Composite Technology Assemblies
CTA is a Composite Manufacturer of product for the R/V , Automotive and Motorcycle markets. Their parent company Oasis is a large producer of baths , showers and spas .

I designed and developed new product for all Industries served

I managed the Pattern / Tooling Dept. ( Hands on Manager ) I have a passion for building patterns

I set up and managed the Closed Tool Production ( light RTM and CCBM )

converted open face product to closed tool production

I trained specialized crews and operators


Elkhart, Indiana
1993 - 2013
Various positions held include: Product Design/Research and Development/Manager of Pattern and Mold Division
Global Composites, Inc.
Although the company has a wide range of markets that it supplies products to, it has deep roots in producing composite products for recreational vehicles. This is obtained by using both open and closed tooling processes and working in multiple composite mediums. I have had a multi-faceted career during my years of employment with Global Composites. A short list would include:

Developed composite products from conceptual design to production.

Produced and supervised patterns/tooling for various fiberglass, plastic, and urethane products using both open and closed tooling applications.

Trained specialized crews/teams.

Created and maintained project schedules and time-lines.

Currently involved with the conversion of open-faced fiberglass production to vacuum infusion CCBM and light RTM processes.

Designed and created various assembly fixturing.
Old Lyme, Connecticut
1991 - 1992
Prototyper/Model Maker
Callaway Corvette
Callaway is well renown for their work in the racing world as well as the specialty vehicles that they produce. I was proud to be a part of this organization. My first contact with Callaway was during my time at Avanti Automotive Corporation, while discussing the possibility of Callaway developing a chassis for the Avanti automobile. After leaving Avanti, I went to Callaway for the development of the Speedster prototype. Some of my participation included the following:

Produced necessary patterns/tooling, along with parts for the construction and assembly of the prototype vehicle (Speedster model).

The construction of patterns for Speedster windows.

Produced patterns for production run of Speedster fiberglass body parts.

Built duct work and air intake tooling/parts for Turbo Intercoolers.
Youngstown, Ohio
1986 - 1991
Designer, Manager/Director of Research and Development Division and Pattern//Tooling Division
Avanti Automotive Corporation
The work that I produced and was responsible for during these years,was both the most challenging and rewarding of my career to date. A part of the work I performed included the following:

Completely redesigned the Avanti Coupe and convertible models.

Designed the Avanti four door model from rolling chassis to production (this was from start to finish in approximately eight months).

Produced and coordinated construction of all the patterns/tooling for the production of the automobiles. This included body/interior parts as well as windshield/side glass.

Designed and coordinated the necessary fixturing for the assembly of the automobiles.

Created and proved assembly processes as well as trained station operators..

During this time I also coordinated a project for Nissan Marine/Avanti, which included 21', 27', and 32' open and closed bow boats. All the necessary pattern and tooling was completed, as well as two prototypes of each model.
LaPaz, Indiana
1983 - 1986
Auto Restoration/Pattern (Apprentice through Master)
Splinter Auto Works
The business began primarily as a classic/custom auto restoration service, evolving into manufacturing fiberglass/composite products for the van conversion market. It proved to be a valuable background for the years ahead in my career. I began as a raw novice, and left a competent master craftsman.

Executed complete frame off auto restorations as well as street rod and custom projects.

Built various patterns/tooling for fiberglass open- faced applications.

I was trained, and I worked in all phases of open-faced fiberglass production.
SPECIFIC COMPOSITE BACKROUND
Composite Processes Experience
I am experienced in a wide range of pattern and tooling processes. This is to say, that I can produce the pattern through to production tooling. A short list would include:

Open-faced and closed tooling. Mediums used: Polyester, vinyl ester, epoxies, and urethanes.

Low pressure, as well as some high pressure injection molding.

Vacuum infusion bag, closed cavity bag molding, as well as light RTM (Resin Transfer Molding).

I have produced pour cast silicone molds for intricate and draft restrictive projects.

I have modeled with wood, plastic, styling clay, urethane foams, as well as other mediums.

I have worked closely with CNC produced patterns, typically doing the required finish/surface work after machining is completed. I am a very capable surface man. I can "true" surface blends and discrepancies that software, programmer, and CNC can leave behind.

A Final Note
It is difficult to give myself a specific job title. I am competent in many areas within the composite industry and consider myself creative on many levels. I do love to work physically with my hands, as well as challenge my mind. I am not seeking a specific title, nor do I require a designated place on any chain of command. Quite simply, I am looking for a home base that will permit me to do quality work and provide a means of support. I am extremely dedicated to my work and to the company that I work for .
References or Further Information
I welcome all questions and discussion, and I can provide any references and contact information that you may require. I also can provide many more photos and examples of work upon request.
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