This week we welcome Dr. Jerome Hajjar on the show. Dr. Hajjar is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University. His research has been focused on composite steel and concrete structures for earthquake engineering and structural stability.
On this episode we'll be discussing some of his own research in seismic structural stability and the opportunities for composite suppliers and fabricators in this area.
This week, I welcome John Cogger on Composites Weekly. John is the president of Innova Engineering. They provides engineering services to manufacturers in a variety of industries including medical, aerospace and consumer product industries.
John has over 25 years of experience in the fields of engineering and consulting and has direct experience in the application of composites materials ranging from high performance thermosets, to long and short fiber injection molded thermoplastics, in architectural applications.
On this episode, we'll continue to discuss composites in the architectural industry and the exciting possibilities that are available.
One of the main concerns in the use of these materials though is the cost, as well as perceived manufacturing complexity.
John says the keys to success in using these materials is a keen understanding of the manufacturing process, the ability to perform quick and simplified analysis of complex materials, and the use of topology optimization tools to reduce costs and provide maximal structural benefits using the least amount of material.
You can find more episodes like this by visiting our website at www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, we are discussing opportunities for composites in the Architecture market with William Kimmerle of Kimmerle Group.
Kimmerle Group is a multifaceted architectural design firm. With a headquarters in Harding, NJ and the Urban Studio office in NYC, the multifaceted architecture design firm has an extensive portfolio of work in corporate, commercial, healthcare, planning & urban design, education, residential and historic preservation.
William has been with Kimmerle Group for more than a decade in varying capacities ranging from senior designer to senior project manager.
On this episode, we'll be discussing a recent project in Long Island City, NY in which they are using carbon fiber structural reinforcement. We'll how they are using carbon fiber and some of the exciting opportunities that composite materials offers to the architectural industry.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
On this episode, I welcome Nina Zerman, the technical sales & marketing manager for Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc.
Ship and Shore is a complete source for industrial air pollution control as well as heat and energy recovery systems. They offer environmental solutions that conserve resources and meets air quality requirements. From regenerative thermal oxidizers to condensing boiler systems, their team of engineers works closely to design Environmental Solutions for cleaner air today and tomorrow!
Their mission is simple: Provide energy efficient, innovative, quality products and services that help both small and large manufacturers meet the increasing demands of environmental regulations while enhancing productivity and profitability.
On this episode, Nina will be sharing some background on Ship and Shore, and some of the environmental solutions they offer to manufacturers in the composites and advanced materials industry.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting www.compositesweekly.com.
This past week at CAMX, I had the opportunity to interview John Schweitzer of the ACMA. John is the Vice President of Government Affairs with the American Composites Manufacturers Association.
On this episode, we'll be discussing the ACMA's political action committee (PAC) and why it is so important for today's manufacturers.
The ACMA PAC was established over a decade ago to promote:
• ACCESS: ACMA PAC is the only political organization in Washington, D.C. specifically dedicated to the composites industry. An active presence on Capitol Hill is critical to balance our competing interests from other associations that are pushing their own legislative agenda. If our interests are propelled by the weight of a robust PAC, then we have the access we need to key Members of Congress.
• ADVOCACY: Congress routinely considers legislation that will have a lasting impact on the composites industry. A robust PAC allows ACMA to provide policymakers the resources they need to make informed decisions about bills specifically affecting our industry's bottom line.
• ALLIES: ACMA has worked hard to develop strong relationships with Congressional members that have proven to be industry allies. Contributions to ACMA PAC can be used to support those Senators and Representatives that are facing challenging re-elections in competitive districts.
On this episode, I welcome Joshua Leath on the show to share some background on his company and the products they offer.
Joshua is the product manager for Fibre Glast Developments Corporation - a company that offers a complete line of fiberglass supplies and composite materials including fiberglass cloth, epoxy resins, carbon fabric, mold Kevlar and more.
Fibre Glast Developments has built the largest and most comprehensive catalog of top quality composite materials and supplies in the industry.
On this episode, Josh will be discussing the history of Fiberglast and the primary markets they serve. He'll also be discussing one of their biggest sales and marketing advantages - an incredible online catalogue and e-commerce site that allows customers to order what they need when they need it.
They also provide a comprehensive learning center that is designed to be a go-to educational resource to share everything you need to know about composites materials and their applications.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
On this episode, I have the privilege of talking with Tom Dobbins, president of the ACMA and Arseniy Bolotsko, director of digital strategy with the ACMA.
Composites Lab is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to educating anyone who has an interest in composites today.
Before CompositesLab, there was no central online resource like this. As the voice of the composites industry, the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) felt compelled to change that. Their mission has been to educate others about composites and their many benefits and uses.
CompositesLab is meant for anyone interested in learning more about composites -
From the architect considering composites in their next project, to the high school student who needs a primer on the topic before writing a paper.
Composites are the material of the future, and this new website is the first step in making sure the world knows about these amazing materials.
On this episode both Tom and Arseniy will be discussing the mission behind Composites Lab, how it was developed, and finally how people can use this site to learn everything from processes (open mold, closed mold, cast polymer molding), to materials and industry applications.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome Francesco Fornasiero on the show to discuss some his work in developing a composite material that makes military uniforms breathable and could protect soldiers from biological and chemical agents.
Dr. Fornasiero is on the research staff of the
Biosciences and Biotechnology Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has a mission of strengthening the United States' security through development and application of world-class science and technology to:
• Enhance the nation's defense.
• Reduce the global threat from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
• And respond with vision, quality, integrity and technical excellence to scientific issues of national importance.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome Dr. Anthony Rollett. He is the co-director of the NextManufacturing Center and professor of Materials Science and Engineering.
He's an expert in the 3D printing of metals, Rollett’s research focuses on microstructure, strength of materials, constitutive relations, texture, porosity and formability.
On this episode, we'll be discussing 3-D printing and the problems related to printing metals like titanium.
Although 3-D printing, or additive manufacturing, is currently being used for rapid prototyping, it has its sights set on becoming the mainstream manufacturing process for grander applications, such as aerospace parts, custom biomedical implants, and high performance automobiles.
Improving the internal structure of 3-D printed metal parts is one of the big challenges that need to be met in order for this manufacturing process to be adopted in a more mainstream way. Less porosity will mean stronger, more reliable end-parts.
On today's episode, I'll be discussing the issue of porosity with Dr. Rollett and how be eliminated by making adjustments to the process parameters of the machine.
You can find out more interviews like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, Katie Christy joins me on the show to discuss the topic of improving sales performance using the StrengthsFinder Assessment.
Katie is the founder of "Activate Your Talent" and is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who has seen first-hand how individuals that utilize the StrengthsFinder assessment in their selling style have increased their overall engagement, productivity and profitability.
She has worked with both small and large organizations alike that are interested in improving their sales team's performance by uncovering those natural talents that often go untapped.
Katie’s mission is to help people and organizations leverage their talents to be more effective in both their personal and professional lives.
You can find more episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week we welcome Mark Barfoot of Hyphen, a full-service, rapid prototyping and environmental testing center with Canada’s widest range of prototyping and environmental testing capabilities under one roof.
Mark is the managing director of Hyphen, and is responsible for overseeing Hyphen’s day-to-day operations.
Mark has a B.A.Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada and is a member of the Professional Engineers Ontario.
Mark is also President on the board of the Additive Manufacturing Users Group. In his spare time, he mentors engineering design projects and competitions at the University of Waterloo, and serves on the Industrial Advisory Committee for the Waterloo Chair in Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome Heather Rhoderick on the show to talk about CAMX (The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo) 2016. Heather is the senior vice president of events and information with ACMA and CAMX.
This week she sat down with me to discuss CAMX and give us an overview of what's in store for this year's event in Anaheim, CA September 26th-29th.
You can find more weekly podcast episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome Paul Hewitt of Rocket Composites on the show to discuss one of their recent projects - the first carbon fiber backpack frame that weighs under 10 ounces.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting our website at http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome John Moore on the show to discuss some of the latest advancements in Resin Transfer Molding (RTM). John Moore is founder and president of JHM Technologies Inc..
For over 30 years JHM Technologies has provided closed molders worldwide with proven packaged solutions.
JHM Technologies innovative approach provides molders with custom turn-key packages that are precisely tuned to meet their production needs.
You can find more weekly episodes by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week JB Currell joins me on the show. JB is the owner of Bio Brands and Gibco Flexmold.
Today we'll be talking about their green acetone replacement and also the Flex Mold, a great product for tooling, production and repair of non-skid deck areas of boats as well as other FRP manufactured products.
You can find our weekly podcast episodes by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, we welcome Mitch Menaker on the show to discuss "Ollie", the first self-driving vehicle to integrate the advanced cognitive computing capabilities of the IBM Watson. Mitch is the Chief Sales Officer for Local Motors, the leading 3D printing vehicle company in the world.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome Eric Miller of PADT inc. on the show to discuss some of the latest news and technology developments in the world of 3D printing.
Eric is a co-owner of Tempe based PADT, Inc., where he is involved in providing tools and services to companies who design and manufacture physical products.
He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and has lived in Arizona since 1986.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week, I welcome Frank Macher, Chairman and CEO of Continental Structural Plastics on the show.
Continental Structural Plastics is the global leader in vehicle lightweighting technologies. For more than 40 years, Continental Structural Plastics has provided leading‐edge, lightweight composite solutions for the automotive, heavy truck, HVAC and construction industries. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, CSP has facilities in Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Mexico, France and China.
The company provides full‐service R&D and engineering support, and holds more than 50 patents covering materials development and manufacturing processes in composite materials formulation, design and manufacturing technologies.
Frank Macher is a recognized expert in strategic and business planning, advanced technologies, product development, and manufacturing processes and operations, has more than 45 years’ experience in the automotive industry.
You can find the latest weekly podcast episodes by visiting http://www.CompositesWeekly.com.
This week we welcome Tad Coffin. Tad is the owner of Tad Coffin Performance Saddles.
He joins me on the show this week to talk about their unique saddle tree, which is the first of it's kind to be made from composite material.
Tad has created a proprietary process using carbon fiber. He has actually "invented" a process marrying two kinds of composites to create "pins" that are used in the tree to provide flexion and movement.
Tad will be discussing the benefits this provides to horses and the racing industry.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week we welcome Lee Weinblatt on the show for our sales and marketing episode. Lee is the founder and CEO of PTG, a market research company that specializes in completely passive, real-world consumer engagement and non-conscious measurement techniques that have been validated by experts from Scientific American, MIT and Barrow Neurological Institute.
On this episode we'll be discussing:
You can find some of PTG's most recent research findings by visiting www.pretesting.com/research.
This week I'm pleased to have Chris Hurdleston join me on the show. Chris is the regional sales manage of ACS international, a leading supplier of raw materials for composites industries such as cast polymer, solid surface and FRP.
On this episode Chris will be sharing some background on ACS and how they are more than a supplier to just the cast polymer industry. He'll be discussing how their light weight fillers are benefitting FRP manufacturers as well.
You can find more weekly podcast episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week I welcome Boyd Comfort on Composites Weekly. Boyd is the director of sales and the principal partner of Gasket Engineering, a custom gasket manufacturing company with the heritage of converting a multitude of materials into the exact shape, dimensions, and thickness required for your manufacturing needs.
This is done in high-capacity facilities that house a large selection of machinery. Gasket Engineering maintains in-house expertise in diecutting, dieless cutting, rotary die cutting, laser cutting, laminating and other capabilities that turn virtually any raw material into highly sophisticated parts for aerospace, automotive, Marine, alternative energy, electronics, medical and many other industries.
You can find more weekly podcast episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week I welcome Dianne Zimnavoda CEO of RCF Technologies, which is headquartered in Vidalia, Ga. RCF has been a supplier to the aerospace and aviation industries since 1975, and has developed a material called Rishon that is used in manufacturing gaskets and seals.
Rishon is a homogeneous material that before processing, consists of RCF's proprietary high temp silicon base material and a standard fiberglass mesh in most cases. Rishon has 5 major attributes above and beyond what is on the market today for standard composites and Dianne will be sharing these attributes with me today.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting www.CompositesWeekly.com.
This week, John Miller, Director of Sales & Operations at Shelter Works joins me on the show to discuss his company's success in manufacturing high quality composite buildings.
Shelter Works manufactures composite structures to protect field equipment in many industries, including water, waste water, gas, oil, telecom, aviation and energy. Their shelters are dramatically different from typical fiberglass buildings because of the unique manner of construction that improves quality, eliminates de-lamination and strengthens the structure even further.
You can find more weekly episodes like this by visiting http://www.compositesweekly.com.
This week we interview Chris Briggs, founder and CEO of TouchPoint Games, a customer engagement service that helps companies build stronger relationships with customers through branded online sports contests. Chris will be discussing how manufacturers can utilize this service to grow their sales either directly or through distributors.
You can find episodes like this and more by visiting www.compositesweekly.com.