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Composites Weekly

Composites Weekly is an online podcast published each week by industry expert Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan has served as consultant in the composites industry for over 12 years. He brings you the latest news and information in the world of composites and provides interviews of leading manufacturers and distributors in the industry.
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Now displaying: 2020
Dec 10, 2020

This week Jesse Henry, CEO of Heartland Industries joins me on the podcast to discuss their company. Heartland Industries provides manufacturers with a sustainable source of additives like fillers, reinforcements, & mineral extenders to enhance products they already make. 

On this episode, we'll be discussing the benefits of hemp fibers and how they process the hemp plant to make materials that are stronger, lighter, and cheaper than traditional products. 

American manufacturers would love to utilize hemp as an additive, but they don’t currently have a reliable supply chain. This leaves hemp sitting in the R&D departments of large corporations and universities. 

Today Heartland Industries is creating the first reliable supply chain of hemp-based materials for manufacturers across the composites industry. This will allow hemp to move beyond R&D departments and into manufactured goods. 

Nov 26, 2020

On this episode, John Schweitzer joins me to discuss the latest news on pending updates from OSHA on workplace exposure to styrene.

John is the senior adviser to the president of the American Composites Manufacturers Association. For questions, he can be reached at jschweitzer@acmanet.org

Nov 9, 2020

This week, I welcome Eric van Uden of Solico on the show to discuss a recent news event where a runaway train was saved by a composite "whale's tail" sculpture designed by Solico Engineering. 

Founded in 1989, Solico is based in the Netherlands and is BeNeLux's largest composite engineering company.
 

 

Oct 14, 2020

This week, Alex Sassenberg joins me on the podcast to share the story of Reckless Motorcycles, a company driven by a passion for Motorcycling & Powersports. With more than 60 combined years of experience in the fiberglass & motorcycle industry, they provide their customers with the best line of quality parts in the industry. 

Over 90 percent of their parts are manufactured with closed molding technology, eliminating VOC's and ensuring a safe & green workplace environment. All of their products are manufactured in-house from start to finish. 

They also provide tooling for boat manufacturers as well.

https://www.recklessmotorcycles.com

 

Oct 7, 2020

This week I feature a recent interview with Andrew Pokelwaldt as he joined me to discuss some quality control tips for open mold fabrication facilities that use gel coats and resins. The interview is based on a recent article he wrote entitled The Importance of Temperature and Measurement“.

Andrew is the director of Certifications, American Composites Manufacturers Association. You can email him at apokelwaldt@acmanet.org.

Aug 29, 2020

On this episode, we’ll address the topic of the ever-increasing manufacturing skills gap in the US and what is being done to engage and inspire more young Americans of all backgrounds to build great careers in the manufacturing trades. 

This is a two-part episode, featuring interviews with two guests. 

My first guest is Sarah Boisvert. She is the author of The New Collar Workforce: An Insider’s Guide to Making Impactful Changes to Manufacturing and Training. It’s a culmination of research with 200 manufacturers in the US on the skills needed mostly for operators and technicians on the factory floor.  

My 2nd guest is Chris Brenchley, the co-founder, and CEO of SurehandSurehand is a self-service hiring platform that instantly matches industrial employers with skilled tradespeople.

Workers can create their free Surehand profile here: https://surehand.com

Employers can learn more and create their Surehand Recruiter preview account here: https://surehand.com/employers

Aug 17, 2020

This week, I welcome Eugene Giller, and Alex Orphanos of RIZE on the show to discuss their newest RIZIUM™ Glass Fiber Material, a composite 3D printing material with the high-dimensional stability and high stiffness for the strength required for printing large parts.

RIZE Inc. is a next-generation additive manufacturing company helping customers drive sustainable and inclusive innovation. Prestigious organizations such as NASA, PSMI, Wichita State University, and the US Army use RIZE solutions to support their additive manufacturing needs.

RIZIUM Glass Fiber is the only composite 3D printing material suitable for full-color parts, and the stability to support parts with complex geometries that often can warp. It also doesn't expose the user to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carcinogens that are often emitted by more typical ABS and PLA materials.

RIZIUM GF is recyclable, requires minimal to no post-processing to remove support structures, 

It is UL GREENGUARD certified, and safe to be used at home by those teams that are not fully back in a factory setting due to the pandemic. This new material expands the portfolio of the RIZIUM Alliance, where other 3D printing industry partners can implement safer, sustainable, recyclable 3D printing on a variety of platforms, such as the RIZE 2XC.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.rize3d.com/materials/rizium-gf

Aug 3, 2020

This week, I welcome Bob Yancey of Hexcel on the show. Hexcel is a leading producer of carbon fiber reinforcements and resin systems and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry. 

Bob is the business development director for Hexcel and his work includes developing new and emerging business opportunities for advanced composites & new manufacturing technologies like powder bed fusion with reinforcement, automated fiber placement, and automated tape laying. 

Jul 23, 2020

This week Tom Wright of Bedford Reinforced Plastics (BRP) rejoins me on the show to discuss the ReadyLadder, the first-of-its-kind modular fixed ladder system. It allows for easy
installation and faster shipment than custom fixed ladders.

The ready-to-ship access ladders are produced using Bedford’s long-lasting, FRP material. They won’t rust, rot, corrode or conduct electricity, and they’re lightweight for easy installation.

ReadyLadder is able to stand up to high humidity, saltwater, insects, harsh climates, and other tough environments. 

This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of industries, including cooling towers, mining, oil and gas, plant and chemical processing, pulp and paper, utilities, wastewater, and water treatment and more.

Jul 22, 2020

This week, Francesco Pantaleone of Roboze joins me to discuss their company. Roboze was founded back in 2013 with a team of professional visionaries in the 3D printing sector with a passion for challenging design standards on a global scale.

Roboze customers turn to Roboze engineers to address and surpass their industrial needs in the Oil & Gas, Automotive, Motorsport, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Defense sectors.

Their singular mission is to provide the best professional 3D printers, with FFF technology for extreme industrial applications through continuous product innovation, to create tangible competitive advantages in terms of precision, flexibility, personalization, and convenience for their end customers.

These are the strengths that separate Roboze from its competition.

Jun 23, 2020

This week, I welcome Paul Hassett, the Market Development Manager at Covestro, North America. He joins me on the show to discuss the benefits of Covestro's Maezio® thermoplastic composites.

These composites combine high mechanical strength with premium aesthetics and ultra-lightweight performance. They also boast versatile processing options for production at scale thanks to compatibility with several production technologies including thermal compression molding, automated tape laying (ATL), automated fiber placement (AFP), and functional integration by injection molding.

These composite materials are characterized by their unique, metal-like surface immediately after production, which is also compatible with a wide range of coating and embellishment options.

Also, unique textures, logos, and other details are possible, making structural parts more aesthetically appealing.

We'll be discussing some of the product applications these materials are now being used in. 

You can learn more by visiting composites.covestro.com

Jun 10, 2020

On this episode, Jeff Austad of Ventilation Solutions joins me on the show to discuss some of the custom engineering services they offer to the composites industry. 

Ventilation Solutions brings 30 plus years of experience in providing engineered solutions for customers needing industrial air moving equipment, emission control, dust control, air handling, and HVAC systems in composite fabrication facilities as well as industrial manufacturing and warehousing industries.

They have extensive experience in the development of ventilation systems specifically for composite/fiberglass materials, gelcoat, lamination, closed molding, grinding, sanding, and dust collection.

Jeff will be discussing the unique value Ventilation Solutions offers to our industry; one being they’re a single-source contractor that makes sure that their customer’s facilities are code compliant, safe, and contaminant-free with a total customized solution that is specific to their operation. 

You can learn more about their company by visiting them at https://ventilationsolutions.com or if you have questions, you can reach Jeff at jaustad@sbsmechanical.com.

May 27, 2020

This week, I welcome Bill Rice of Magnum Venus Products on the show to discuss the latest in gelcoat spray technology and also maintenance best practices for spray gun operators to help plants save money on equipment parts, seals, and gaskets. 

Bill has been in the FRP industry almost his whole life.  His father owned a commercial boat building business back in the 70’s.  He started working with him in his early teens until his father sold the business in the mid 80’s. Bill started with Magnum Venus Products back in 2000 and has served as a sales technician with them for the last 20 years.

On this episode, Bill will also be sharing some details on MVP’s multi-color systems for FRP manufacturers who want to spray multiple colors without paying for three individual spray units. 

To learn more about MVP”s technology, visit their website at https://www.mvpind.com.

May 15, 2020

On this episode, Jennifer Towner joins me to give an update on the cancellation of POLYCON 2020. 

With the continuing unknown health risks and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ICPA board determined that it would not be a viable option to reschedule POLYCON to the Fall of this year.
 
The ICPA is now moving ahead to plan for a great event in 2021 and we'll be discussing this along with The ICPA's plan to schedule workshops, webinars and networking events over the next several months to keep members up to date on issues facing our industry and ways to improve our product.
 

 

May 14, 2020

This week, I welcome Amaël Cohades, Ph.D., CEO of CompPair Technologies on the show to discuss how they are bringing healable and sustainable composite material solutions to extend the lifetime of composite parts, contributing to a circular economy in the industry.

CompPair Technologies Ltd. is the result of 12 years of thorough research in self-healing composites in the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Amaël is joined by a highly complementary team, with a strong network in the composites industry and a wealth of experienced advisors. Their pre-impregnated textiles allow composite parts to fully recover their initial properties in minutes while suppressing the usual repair waste.

Overall, CompPair has the potential to reduce composite resources needs by half. We'll be discussing this technology and the applications,  as well as the research that has gone into its development. 

May 6, 2020

On this episode, Dr. Chris Arnusch joins me to discuss some of his research work in the fight against COVID-19. With the worldwide focus on coronavirus prevention and transmission, a new type of air-filter that self-sterilizes and decontaminates is being developed at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel based on water filtration technology.

This new nanotechnology is based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) water filters that eliminate viruses and bacteria in water. This new concept, engineered for air-filtration could be used in air filters in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. It could also be integrated into face masks for a self-sterilizing effect. Most masks like the N95 can become contamination risks during usage if not properly handled. 

LIG is a microporous graphene foam that can be generated on many types of materials and is already resistant to bacteria and actively kills microbes and viruses using a low-level electric current from a power source.

Dr Chris Arnusch and his group of researchers envision the two-fold protective system applied to air-filtration offering a new solution in our fight against COVID-19. 

May 4, 2020

On this episode, I am pleased to have Andrew Pokelwaldt join me. Andrew is the Director of Certification for the American Composites Manufacturers Association

Andrew has 28 years of experience in leadership, training, and operations. In his current role at ACMA he develops, delivers and directs the composites technical fabrication training and certifications industry-wide. 

His composites experience includes manufacturing management, training, process, and personnel training roles in various composite industry areas over the past 10 years. Andrew worked as a dual career military reservist for 24 years including service in Operation Iraqi Freedom leading foreign military training and operations.

On today’s show, we’ll be discussing some safety practices in your plant as it relates to composites and cast polymer manufacturing.  We’ll talk about daily implementation and safety improvements that will improve your bottom line, reduce waste, and benefit your workers. 

Andrew will also be talking about the ACMA’s Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program. It supports professional development and facilitates uniform training and technical skills for composite manufacturers.

Apr 20, 2020

This week, I welcome Matt Villarreal (CEO) of Infinite Composites Technologies on to discuss a new technology they've developed - the first ever, spherical all-composite carbon-fiber pressure vessel for storing cryogenic propellants for launch vehicles and spacecraft such as a lunar lander. 

By providing the lowest mass and most cost-effective option to store fuel, ICT’s CryoSphere would affect the in-space capabilities of future missions, reduce the cost of launch vehicles to transport cargo to space, and increase the amount of payload to planetary surfaces.

Apr 10, 2020

This week I welcome David Nolletti on the show to discuss how this current pandemic will impact the aerospace and defense industries.

David Nolletti is the director at Conway MacKenzie, and is a manufacturing expert, particularly in aerospace and defense. Dave has substantial experience in aerospace, defense, distribution, consumer products, aerospace maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO), and general industrial verticals. His broad manufacturing experience includes precision machining, grinding, forging, casting, complex assembly, and kitting.

Apr 2, 2020

Today I have Greg Mark, CEO of Markforged joining me to share how their company is filling gaps in the medical supply shortage, and how 3D printing is becoming an effective option for fast production during times of crisis. 3D printing is emerging as a critical tool for preventing and flattening the curve of the coronavirus spread, arming healthcare providers with the tools they need to do their jobs. 

Mar 26, 2020

This week, I welcome Blake Teipel, CEO of Essentium on the show to discuss how his company is coming to the aid of the medical industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Essentium, Inc. provides industrial 3D Printing Solutions that are disrupting traditional manufacturing processes by bringing product strength and production speed together, at scale, with a no-compromise engineering material set.

They manufacture and deliver innovative industrial 3D printers and materials enabling the world’s top manufacturers to embrace the future of additive manufacturing. You can learn more about their company by visiting www.essentium3D.com

Mar 20, 2020

On this episode, I welcome Devon Copley CEO of AVATOUR, a new communications technology that is helping tech-forward companies respond to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The AVATOUR remote presence platform employs the latest virtual reality technology to transport users to a remote location in real-time, providing a new and effective substitute for travel during times like this.

This technology is allowing businesspeople who find themselves unable to visit facilities worldwide.

You can learn more by visiting http://avatour.co/

Mar 17, 2020

This week, Tony Uphoff joins me on the show to discuss how manufacturing supply chains have been impacted by the Coronavirus. Tony is the President and CEO of Thomas, the leader in product sourcing, supplier selection, and marketing solutions for industry. 

A recent survey showed by 750 North American manufacturing and industrial suppliers showed that 60% of US manufacturing companies are already feeling the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak, with 24% of the surveyed companies having production facilities in China.

Ont this episode, we'll be discussing this survey, and Tony will shed some good news from some more recent survey numbers that indicate supply chains have adjusted their sourcing and these disruptions are being minimized by manufacturers. 

About Thomas

Thomas provides actionable information, data, analysis and tools that align with and support today’s industrial buying process. Its solutions include the Thomas Network®, industry’s largest and most active buyer/supplier network. Through Thomas Marketing Services, the company also provides full-service industrial marketing programs and website development. 

Mar 2, 2020

This week, I welcome Grant Posner on the show to discuss his company 3D Musketeers and some of the work they are doing in the field of additive manufacturing. One of the unique industries they are serving is forensics engineering. They are able to print small scale models of wrecked vehicles in order to reconstruct accident scenes for juries. 

You can learn more about 3D Musketeers by visiting them at https://3dmusketeers.com.

Feb 21, 2020

This week, I welcome Ravi Kunju, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development of Altair.  

Altair is a leader in composites manufacturing solutions
and has helped many of its customers expedite their manufacturing processes by simulating the design of their 3D printed models to identify places where degradation will occur and how to alter designs to prevent degradation cutting the iterative process nearly in half. 

You can learn more about their company by visiting them at https://www.altair.com. 

 

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