Adam Koppy
Adam H. Koppy (April 13, 1973 – June 26, 2013) was an American mechanical engineer. He was internationally recognised as one of the leading friction stir welding machine designers and builders. He was one of three inventors of a patented adapter for use in friction stir welding that is suitable for use on a milling machine, including a mechanism for adjustment of the weld tool along its longitudinal axis.
University
Adam Koppy studied Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design at Kettering University from 1992 to 1997 where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME). From 1998 to 2002 he studied Mechanical Engineering at Western Michigan University, where he focussed on vibration and stress, and where he obtained his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME).
Hess Engineering Inc.
From June 1992 to November 2001 he worked for 9½ years as an engineer at Hess Engineering, Inc. on both conceptual and detail design of
Motan
From December 2001 to June 2002 he worked as an engineer at Motan. There he was the primary engineer for design and development of pneumatic conveying machinery for bulk plastic pellets. He reduced material cost of the vacuum receiver design by 15% while decreasing assembly effort and improving performance and reliability. This was the first project drawn using AutoCAD Inventor 3D modeling software. He also worked on system design and hardware specifications for an electrical data bus system to centralize drying and conveying.[1]
Transformation Technologies Inc.
From July 2002 to December 2008 he worked for more than 6½ years as Engineering Manager at Transformation Technologies Inc. in
Manufacturing Technology Inc.
Subsequently he worked from January 2009 to December 2012 for 4 years as Principal Engineer at Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI) in South Bend, Indiana, after this company had merged with his previous employer Transformation Technologies Inc.. In this position he was responsible for the development of new equipment, primarily
Blue Penguin Corp.
In January 2013 Adam founded his own engineering services company, Blue Penguin Corp in SW Michigan, fulfilling one of his long term dreams.[1]
Death
He died on the afternoon of June 26, 2013 in a car crash, after a 15-year-old unlicensed driver did not stop at a stop sign at Pokagon Highway in Dowagiac, Cass County, Michigan. After striking the teen's car Koppy’s vehicle slid into oncoming traffic, and he was pronounced dead on arrival at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital.[5][6] He was survived by his wife Kate and two daughters.
Patents
- Timothy J Haynie, Anthony D Hofferbert and Adam H Koppy: Adapter for friction stir welding, Patent Publication Number US20060032887 A1, United States Patent 7448526
References
- ^ a b c d e LinkedIn: Adam Koppy
- ^ Tim Haynie: Adam Koppy, noted FSW machine designer has passed away
- ^ Marilyn Odendahl and Truth Staff: Elkhart company plays a big role in NASA's next generation of lunar missions. Indiana Economic Digest. March 31, 2008.
- ^ Marilyn Odendahl Elkhart company plays a big role in NASA's next generation of lunar missions. The Elkhart Truth, March 31, 2008.
- ^ Man Dies After 15-Year-Old Unlicensed Driver Hits His Car
- ^ 15-Year-Old Driver Blamed In Fatal Dowagiac Crash Archived September 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine