Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks

Thermoset polymers—including polyurethanes, polyacrylates, and epoxies—are critical materials in modern manufacturing, appearing in everything from high-precision dental devices to composite footwear and impact-resistant lenses. However, understanding when and how to use thermosets effectively remains a significant challenge for startups and small manufacturers navigating prototyping, production scale-up, and vendor selection.

This interactive workshop brings lab-to-market expertise directly to entrepreneurs and technical professionals, demystifying the unique properties of thermosets and their behavior in real-world manufacturing environments. Led by Dr. Carolyn Carta, a materials scientist with MS in Polymer Chemistry and PhD in Materials Characterization, this session provides practical frameworks for choosing the right materials and methods for your specific application.

Unlike thermoplastics, thermosets offer unique advantages in certain applications but require different processing approaches and considerations. This workshop explores both functional performance and process tradeoffs across various use cases, from cast composites to SLA-based 3D printing systems, helping you make informed decisions about material selection and manufacturing processes.

Dr. Carta's approach combines scientific rigor with practical application, ensuring participants understand not just the theory but also the real-world implications of their material choices. The workshop includes hands-on elements and case studies that illustrate successful thermoset applications across different industries.

Who Should Attend:

• Makers and product developers working with advanced materials
• Early-stage hardtech founders evaluating material options
• Technical professionals involved in material selection and processing
• Engineers transitioning from thermoplastics to thermoset applications
• Manufacturing professionals exploring new material capabilities

This workshop provides the knowledge and confidence needed to leverage thermoset materials effectively in your manufacturing processes.

About the Instructor

Dr. Carolyn Carta is the Principal Scientist and Founder of CArtLab Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in fractional research and development for materials science applications. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from UCLA and a Master's in Chemistry from The College of William and Mary, with transformative experience at the Getty Conservation Institute.

Dr. Carta's journey blends interdisciplinary technical expertise with a passion for bringing equity to innovation. Growing up in a diverse Italian-American family instilled values of work ethic and adaptable leadership that she brings to every project. Her approach treats every project as a partnership and every challenge as an opportunity.

With extensive experience in materials characterization and polymer chemistry, Dr. Carta specializes in helping companies navigate the complex landscape of advanced materials selection and processing. Her expertise spans the complete materials lifecycle, from initial research through production scaling, making her particularly effective at bridging the gap between laboratory science and practical manufacturing applications.

About the Organization 

CArtLab Solutions is founded on a commitment to bringing equity to innovation, where every project is treated as a partnership and every challenge becomes an opportunity. The company specializes in fractional research and development services, helping organizations navigate complexity while shaping a future where creativity and equity converge in innovation. CArtLab Solutions combines interdisciplinary technical expertise with values-driven leadership to deliver comprehensive materials science consulting services that support both technical excellence and equitable business practices.