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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: 2024
Nov 22, 2024

On this episode, Guillaume Perben, CEO of Composite Recycling joins me to discuss their breakthrough new recycling technology that preserves the properties of the reclaimed oil and fibers, so that they can be used for producing high-quality, high-performance new composites. 

Their mission is to channel hard-to-recycle composite waste away from landfills and into new, high-value production that leverages the benefits and captures the value of virgin materials.

You can learn more about them by visiting https://composite-recycling.ch

Nov 21, 2024

On this episode, Maurice Conti joins the podcast to share how companies in our industry should be preparing for AI.  He is among the architects of cutting-edge emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, immersive reality (AR/VR/XR), advanced robotics and manufacturing, and technology for sustainability. 

Maurice has worked with Autodesk, NIKE, Tesla, Disney, Mercedes Benz, Airbus, the Navy SEALS, the Government of Japan, and many others, to help build the products and services of the future.

His work focuses on new product/venture ideation, disruptive innovation, moonshot thinking, emerging technology, and the future of work, cities, mobility, and climate. 

Maurice was also the keynote speaker at CAMX 2024 this year. 

Nov 19, 2024

This week, returning guest Andrew Pokelwaldt joined me to discuss challenges and opportunities for composites in the EV Market. 

As the US electric car market faces hurdles from shifting consumer demand and infrastructural challenges, the role of composites is increasingly critical. On this episode, we explore challenges such as charging infrastructure, cost, range anxiety, supply chain issues, and battery technology. 

At the same time, we'll discuss how composites are being used to help manufacturers meet stringent efficiency and sustainability standards while addressing specific pain points like weight reduction, thermal management, and cost control in battery technology and vehicle body design.

Oct 29, 2024

On this episode, Amaël Cohades, CEO of CompPair joins me on the podcast to discuss their recent collaboration with Composite Recycling on a breakthrough composite part that is recycled, recyclable, and healable. This composite part is a dune buggy roof scoop, which channels airflow to the engine. 

CompPair has a background of over 10 years of research in advanced composites. 

Founded in 2020 the Swiss company, based in Lausanne, has grown to 25 team members, with strong industry references, and is backed by experienced shareholders. CompPair is committed to promoting circular economy practices through its innovative technology.

You can learn more about CompPair by visiting https://www.comppair.ch

Oct 21, 2024

On this episode, Tim Noonan, founder and CEO of Evertrak joins me on the show. Their
company is making some of the strongest, most innovative railroad ties in the industry.
Their ties are made with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) from recycled plastic, and are
engineered to perform reliably in-track for 50 years in high-rot regions, reducing replacement
costs, deforestation, and the use of dangerous creosote.

Oct 14, 2024

On this episode, Carmen Simon, PhD, joins the podcast to discuss her recent book
Made You Look. She is a cognitive neuroscientist, keynote speaker, and author who is
changing the way we understand attention, memory, and decision-making.

She’s the chief science office at CorporateVisions where she helps the world’s most
visible brands create memorable and actionable content using brain science.

Dr. Simon also teaches at Stanford University and speaks frequently to audiences
about crafting communication that is not only memorable but also sparks action!

Her latest book dives into the science behind why we notice some things and ignore
others. I’m thrilled to have her on the show to discuss how we can all design messages
that not only attract attention but also endure in the minds of our audiences.

Oct 4, 2024

On this episode, Derek DeGeest joins me on the show to talk automation and advanced robotic technology in the composites industry. 

Derek is the president at DeGeest Corporation, a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in automation, and finishing. They've been helping manufacturers solve problems since 1976.

Oct 2, 2024

On this episode, Dan Neumann joins me to discuss the port strike called at East and Gulf Coast cargo facilities. Thousands of dockworkers from New England to Texas went on strike just after midnight on Tuesday. We'll be discussing what's being done in Washington and how manufacturing companies in our industry should prepare. 

 
Sep 26, 2024

On this episode, David Leach joins us again to share his thoughts on another successful CAMX show. David was awarded the SAMPE "Distinguished Service Award" this year - given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the betterment of society and have made a lasting impact on the organization’s mission.

David will share some highlights of this year's event that stood out to him. 

Sep 18, 2024

On this episode, we'll feature part 2 of our interviews at CAMX 2024 last week in San Diego. 

These interviews include: 

Sep 17, 2024

On this episode, we'll feature part 1 of some great interviews at CAMX 2024 last week in San Diego. 

These interviews include: 

  • Nikita Wood, ACE Award Winner: 2:46
  • Hugh Davis of Revolin Sports & Lorenzo Mencattelli of Helicoid Industries discussing their new pickleball paddle technology: 11:03  
  • Drew Simmons of Magnum Venus Products (MVP) discussing their new automated technology: 27:06 
  • Yannick Willemin of 9T Labs: 36:52
  • David Whitinger of Applied Molecules discussing their new UV curable putty: 46:42
  • John Kehoe of Boaz Partners discussing their unique approach to finding top talent in the advanced materials industry: 52:02
Sep 5, 2024

On this episode, Chris Oberste, Ph.D. joins the podcast to discuss their work in winning
the 2024 Altair Future of Lightweighting Award. This achievement was possible through
their partnership with Braskem and Clemson Composites Center.

You can learn more about their technology by visiting https://weav3d.com

Sep 4, 2024

On this episode, Mirko Mondan, CEO of Dorfner joins the podcast to discuss some significant developments taking place within their company. 

ACS International Products, a leading supplier of raw materials for the cast polymer, solid surface composites, epoxy flooring, and building materials industries, will officially transition to Dorfner USA by the end of this year. This transition marks an important milestone for the company, as Dorfner USA will further expand its’ operations across North America. 

The rebranding will enhance the company's visibility and streamline service offerings to better meet customer needs globally.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.dorfner.com/en

Sep 4, 2024

On this episode, Mark Davidson joins me to talk about RAMPF's Close Contour Technology. Their system uses epoxy and polyurethane pastes and castings to create high-quality models and molds that are close to the final part's shape. The technology has several benefits, including: 

  • Minimal material usage 
  • Minimal production waste 
  • Fast milling
  • Seamless, fine surfaces
  • No bonding lines 

Applications include design and styling models, molds, large-scale modeling, rotor blade, wind turbine, and boat models. You can learn more by visiting www.rampf-group.com

Also, if you're attending CAMX next week, you can find them at booth L31.

Aug 24, 2024

On this episode, Markus Zetterström joins us to discuss their research in developing a multipurpose lightweight material that can carry load, and store electrical energy, all in one. Imagine a carbon fiber composite that doubles as a battery.

Their team at Sinonus has achieved this by utilizing the structural strengths of carbon fibers while simultaneously letting them serve as electrodes in a battery cell. This in combination with a specially developed electrolyte, makes it possible to build lightweight and structurally strong constructions with an integrated electrical storage
capacity.

You can learn more about their work by visiting www.sinonus.com.

Aug 19, 2024

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Rob Germann join me to discuss the ACMA’s recent work with the US Army Corps of Engineers on a personalized training program located at Creative Composites Group’s facility in Dayton, OH.

The training is based on the CCT VIP program, and they’ll discuss how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leveraging composite materials and the CCT program in future projects.

You can learn more about the ACMA's CCT training program by visiting https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program.

Aug 19, 2024

On this episode, Cindy Squires and Rebekah Stacha join me to talk about CAMX 2024, taking place in just 3 weeks out in San Diego, CA (Sep. 9-12). It's the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event in North America.

You can still register by visiting https://www.thecamx.org

Aug 7, 2024

This week, Garrett Bernard joins the show. Garret is the director of business development at Specialty Materials, the world's leading supplier of the highest quality Boron fiber products. 

Garrett has spent his career in marketing and business development roles, growing specialty chemical and advanced manufacturing companies. He has a background in materials science and is an instrument-rated pilot.

You can learn more about them by visiting https://www.specmaterials.com

Jul 17, 2024

On this episode, Dr. Yasmin Abdin joins me to discuss her research work innovating a method to transform asphaltene, a byproduct of bitumen processing, into carbon fibers.

Bitumen which is typically restricted for use as fuel or asphalt, could now be transformed into more useful and valuable carbon nanofibres. Dr. Abdin and her
colleagues have now turned their research into a startup, Fibernx Technologies, to commercialize their innovation by the end of 2024. You can learn more by visiting www.fibernxtech.com.

Jul 16, 2024

On this episode, Josh Shires, CEO of Fyous joins me to discuss their latest technology for tooling. It's called Polymorphic Moulding, an automated rapid shapeshifting molding technology that allows users to create accurate molds for tooling and will reduce time to market for a huge array of products. 

Their technology uses 28,000 digitally controlled pins to create a shape from a 3D CAD shape in less than 20 minutes, achieving zero waste and enabling parts production 14 times faster than 3D printing.

It can be applied to a limitless number of products and sectors - including composites. Polymorphic Moulding is a zero-waste technology where raw materials are conserved and the molds can be used over and over.

Josh will be sharing the background of this technology on the show. You can learn more by visiting their website at https://fyous.com

Jul 2, 2024

On this episode, we welcome Dustin Davis to the podcast. He is the director of business development at Norplex-Micarta, one of North America's leading producers of thermoset composite pre-pregs, sheets, and shapes. They have a long history of more than 100 years, of serving their customers.

Dustin has more than two decades of composite materials industry experience, with roots in manufacturing and engineering.

You can learn more about their company by visiting www.norplex-micarta.com

 

Jun 27, 2024

On this episode, David Leach joins me to discuss the transition from thermoset to thermoplastic composites. David has been the director of business development at ATC Manufacturing, and a thermoplastic composites materials technology leader for over three decades.

ATC pioneers the adoption of continuous fiber thermoplastic composites in aero-structures. They supply more than a million parts per year, operating in a state-of-the-art facility in the eastern Washington, Northern Idaho region.

David will be presenting at ECCM21 next week on the topic of transitioning from thermoset composites to TPCs. ECCM21 (European Conference on Composite Materials) is Europe’s leading conference on composite materials and will provide a forum for access to the latest knowledge from both industry and academia in all areas of composite materials.

You can learn more about ECCM21 by visiting https://eccm21.org.

 

Jun 18, 2024

On this episode, we feature a leadership segment with Vanessa Bohns, author of the bestselling book You Have More Influence Than You Think. Her book was named Best Book for Ethical Leaders by Notre Dame’s Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership, and a Top Business Title of the Month by the Financial Times. In the book, Vanessa draws from her original research to illustrate why we fail to recognize the influence we have, and how that lack of awareness can lead us to miss opportunities or accidentally misuse our power. 

You can learn more about her by visiting https://www.vanessabohns.com

Jun 12, 2024

On this episode, Pravin Luthada, CEO of Addcomposites joins me to discuss the new age of AFP (automated fiber placement) technology. Addcomposites aims to become the go-to provider of advanced manufacturing solutions that enable widespread adoption of composites.

Traditional AFP systems are cost prohibitive and difficult to verify at the production floor, but their new technology (AFP-XS) is a plug-and-play system that converts any robot into an AFP system. 

You can learn more by visiting https://www.addcomposites.com/about-us

 

May 30, 2024

On this episode, ACMA consultant Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss technologies that are driving Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0 is often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution and it represents a seismic shift in the way manufacturing and production processes are managed. 

With the advent of smart factories, the integration of cyber-physical systems, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and artificial intelligence, we are witnessing unprecedented levels of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.

We’ll also be featuring a previous interview with Brian Fitzgerald of Augury discussing how A.I. is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry with its ability to predict machine and equipment failure, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime costs. 

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