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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: Category: Composite Manufacturing
Feb 23, 2024

On this episode Thomas Lepretre, joins me again on the show to highlight JEC World 2024 coming up in less than two weeks.

This huge event brings together not only all major global companies but also innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials.

Thomas will be highlighting what attendees can expect on the show floor during the week of March 5-7, as well as some areas of focus at this year's event. 

Feb 19, 2024

This week, Alex Blum, CEO of Applied Bioplastics joins me on the podcast to discuss bio based thermoplastic composites. Applied Bioplastics has developed a unique technology that permanently bonds natural cellulose fibers and polymer to produce durable plastic for manufacturers.

It is the first alternative to be cost-competitive with commodity feedstocks, and requires no changes to standard injection molding equipment. In addition, it utilizes the most available bio-polymer on the planet - cellulose. About 1.5 trillion tons of cellulose is produced annually. 

Feb 15, 2024

On this episode Dan Neumann joins us again to talk about the Composites 2024 Fly-In taking place next week (Feb 26-28) in Washington DC. This event will provide a unique setting to meet with members of Congress and agency leadership to educate them on the valuable capabilities of composite materials.

You can learn more by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/flyin2024

Feb 12, 2024

On this episode, Elizabeth Chabe discusses her latest bestselling book The Giant’s Ladder: The Science Professional’s Blueprint for Marketing Success. Her new book is a critical resource for scientists and technology professionals seeking effective marketing strategies to launch their innovations commercially.

This book is a culmination of Chabe’s extensive experience in science marketing, offering a practical guide for the scientist-turned-entrepreneur. The book addresses the gap between scientific innovation and commercial success, providing actionable strategies to navigate the unique challenges of marketing in science and technology sectors.

As the CEO of High Touch Group, Elizabeth has elevated clients in biotech, diagnostics, aerospace, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing to global prominence. 

Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, Popular Science, and Fast Company. Elizabeth’s expertise offers a powerful blend of tactical skill and market foresight, and her influence is instrumental in shaping scientific product marketing.

You can learn more about Elizabeth, by visiting https://elizabethchabe.com

Feb 6, 2024

On this week's episode, John Kehoe of Boaz Partners joins me again to discuss the work they are doing for companies in the composites and advanced materials industry.

Boaz Partners is a premier recruiting agency that specializes in connecting exceptional talent with leading companies in cutting-edge industries like advanced materials and composites. They understand the unique skills and experiences required in these dynamic industries.

With their extensive network and deep understanding of the market, they’re committed to finding the perfect match for both candidates and companies. 

You can learn more by visiting them at BoazPartners.com/advancedmaterials.

 

Jan 16, 2024

This week, Tyler Alvarado, CEO of Continuous Composites joins me on the show. This company is on a journey to transform manufacturing.

Continuous Composites began with a realization that composites manufacturing was a problem waiting to be solved.

Their vision is to break the mold of additive manufacturing and advance new platforms and processes using composite materials. 

They're developing solutions directly with industry leaders to ensure efficient and effective market entry upon CF3D® commercialization. CF3D® is comprised of hardware, materials, software, and configurable motion platforms to harness the power of composites without the constraints of traditional manufacturing.

You can learn more by visitng https://www.continuouscomposites.com.

You can also follow their LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/continuous-composites

Also, Continuous Composites is hosting a technology tour in Huntsville, AL Tuesday, February 6 8:30am - 2pm CST. You can learn from industry experts about the features, benefits, and applications of Continuous Composites' paradigm shifting technology.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/continuous-composites-technology-tour-huntsville-alabama-tickets-761379174607

 

 

 

Jan 8, 2024

For our first podcast of 2024, we wanted to start the year with a discussion on innovation. To compete and be profitable in today's marketplace, you need big, creative solutions and you need them now.

On this episode, I share an interview with Dr. Roger Firestein. He is the author of the book Create in a Flash: A Leader’s Recipe for Breakthrough Innovation.

Just as you would follow a recipe to cook a great meal, there is a recipe for creating great ideas, and Roger shares it in his book. He's trained more people to lead the creative process than anyone else in the world. He helped Clorox solve a 77-year-old problem in 15 minutes and helped save General Motors $50,000 per week! 

Create in a Flash is based on Roger's 40 years of helping companies unleash the innovation of their workforce. Roger’s clients include AT&T, SC Johnson, Disney, Hilton, NASA and over 600 other organizations big and small

Roger is a Senior Faculty member at the International Center for Studies in Creativity, and President of Innovation Resources, Inc.

You can learn more about him at https://rogerfirestien.com

Dec 7, 2023

Manufacturers in every sector are incorporating promising new processes and materials into product development and production—which often involve coating, sealing, and bonding. 

Because these molecular interactions are invisible, a host of unseen environmental conditions can compromise surface integrity during production, leading to costly flaws and breakdowns. 

On this episode, Lucas Dillingham of Brighton Science joins the podcast to highlight their company’s technology – a system that allows manufacturers to confidently assess surface readiness for bonding, coating, or sealing at the point of preparation.

More than 20 years ago, Brighton Science began as a development lab for plasma polymerized coatings. 

Through research and development work led by their Chief Scientist and founder Dr. Giles Dillingham, Brighton Science made great strides in the field of material science and adhesives in manufacturing. 

It was during this time that Brighton Science developed the Surface Analyst, the first hand-held contact angle measurement device used in the development of adhesive bonding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. 

You can learn more about their technology by visiting https://www.brighton-science.com

Nov 9, 2023

This is part 3 of our interviews from CAMX 2023 in Atlanta last week. 

This episode features interviews with Daniel Neumann, Andrew Pokelwaldt and Peter Hedger of the ACMA, as well as companies like Toray Advanced Composites and CEAD

Nov 7, 2023

This is part 2 of our interviews from CAMX 2023 in Atlanta last week. 

This episode features interviews with companies like Vibrantz Technologies, Fives, Crimson Racing, and ACS International

Oct 25, 2023

This week Madeline Wehrle joins me on the show. She is the business development manager at Re:Build, a company that develops and manufactures technologically advanced products from concept through production at scale here in the United States using a "Brain to Box™" process.

Re:Build offers customers a new model of American industrialization. They've developed a combination of manufacturing operations and engineering capabilities that enable their customers to grow a local, robust, competitive business.

Projects begin with concept development and product engineering. Then they work closely with customers to develop a highly flexible manufacturing process and solution or, as they like to say, go from Brain to Box™. 

We'll be discussing their process and some of the industries they're involve with. 

You can learn more by visiting https://rebuildmanufacturing.com

Sep 29, 2023

On this episode, Dan Neumann joins me to discuss how a government shutdown will affect our industry for the short term. Dan is the

provide a unique setting to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership to educate them on the valuable capabilities of composites and further open markets.

You can learn more by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/flyin2024

 

Sep 15, 2023

This week David Morgan, the chief strategy officer at Carbon Rivers joins me to discuss their upcycle programs in the wind energy, automotive, marine, construction, and glass fiber markets. 

Based in Knoxville, TN Carbon Rivers is the only company in the world that can upcycle glass fiber and provide clean, mechanically intact glass and composite intermediates for various OEMs. They are also the only company in the world that supplies and deploys pristine graphene nanoplatelet flakes for a variety of global industries. 

This technology company is dedicated to sustainable, green circular economies. 

Instead of incineration, landfill, or aggregate in other materials, Carbon Rivers reclaims glass fiber from a variety of production and end of life waste streams in order to provide clean, high-quality glass fiber. 

You can learn more about their technologies by visiting them at www.carbonrivers.com

Aug 23, 2023

On this episode, Wagner Paglia of BlueWind Technology joins me to discuss their company and one of the recent milestones they achieved - manufacturing 1,500 nacelle covers in 40 months with just one set of molds. 

Based in Pensacola, FL, BlueWind is a fast-growing company that specializes in manufacturing composite materials for applications with high technical requirements, such as those present in wind power generation, agricultural and petrochemical industries. 

The 1,500 nacelle covers produced by BlueWind were part of a contract signed in late 2019 with GE Renewable Energy. 

Made of composites through the infusion process, nacelle covers house such critical wind system components as the wind turbine generator, gear box, brake, and controller. 

You can learn more about their company by visiting https://bluewindtechnology.com

Aug 22, 2023

On this episode, Zach Sinz of Stoner Molding Solutions joins me. Known for superior performance and consistent quality, Stoner has been helping manufacturers mold more parts in less time since 1942. Every Stoner formulation is designed to optimize your production process and significantly improve your bottom line.

Stoner’s brand portfolio offers solutions for any molding process. If you can mold it, they can release it. They manufacture molding solutions for the thermoplastics, polyurethanes, composites, rotational, rubber, fiber, and investment casting industries.

You can learn more by visiting www.stonermolding.com

 

Aug 10, 2023

On this episode, I welcome Kyle Jordan to the show. Kyle is the new director of certifications with the ACMA. Their CCT program supports professional development and facilitates uniform training and technical skills. It’s the only certification program of its kind in the industry.

This program is completed online and provides enrollees with all the resources needed to succeed in becoming a Certified Composites Technician. 

You can learn more by visiting acmanet.org and going to “education hub”. 

If you have questions about CCT training you can email Kyle at kjordan@acmanet.org.

Jul 31, 2023

On this episode, Alvin Ericson joins me to discuss GFRP rebar technology and the growing advantage in the infrastructure market.

With a long and costly history of corrosion worldwide, steel is no longer viewed as a cost-effective option in aggressive environments. Many governments and businesses can no longer afford the short or long-term costs associated with black steel. Placing unprotected, rusty re-bar in new concrete structures is being eliminated in many parts of the world. 

Alvin is an independent technical consultant in North America specializing in fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) and fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems. Since 1988, he's been introducing new reinforcing technology to the precast concrete market. 

We'll be discussing some of the latest GFRP technology, that includes the GBar, GWall, and GBolt. You can learn more by visiting https://www.gbar-gbolt.com

May 11, 2023

This week I welcome Nick Castelucci to the show. Nick is the managing partner at Prestige Tooling, based out of Elkhart, IN. Nick and his team have over 25 years of experience in mold making with over 6,000 completed molds. 

On this episode, he'll share some of the history of their company, as well as some of the industries they serve. 

Their company is also one of the first mold makers in North America to bring in a cutting-edge new additive manufacturing 3D printer. 

You can learn more about their company by visiting https://prestigetooling.com

Apr 10, 2023

This week, I welcome Adam Harms to the show. Adam is the m  of the founders of Modulus, a new Social Community that is 100% dedicated to the Materials Industry.

This new platform will offer a more focused materials network experience away from LinkedIn that allows deeper engagement, and industry advancement.

Mar 13, 2023

On this episode, Dr. Susan MacKay joins me to discuss her work at the UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Her responsibilities include managing operations and R&D programs with a particular focus on Additive Manufacturing programs. 

She has 25 years of experience in materials chemistry, product development, and manufacturing at both large corporations and early-stage companies. 

Prior to joining UMaine, she was the founder and CEO of Cerahelix, Inc. where she led the commercialization of their ceramic nanofiltration technology based on a patented DNA ceramic nanotechnology coating.

We'll be discussing some of the ongoing research around bio-based materials in additive manufacturing as well as ASCC's BioHome3D - the first 3D-printed house made entirely with bio-based materials. 

The BioHome3D was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hub and Spoke program between the UMaine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The 600-square-foot prototype featured 3D-printed floors, walls, and roof made of wood fibers and bio-resins. This house is fully recyclable and highly insulated with 100% wood insulation and customizable R-values.

Construction waste was nearly eliminated due to the precision of the printing process.

UMaine is a world leader in forest-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) technology, including nano- and micro-cellulose reinforced thermoplastic composites through its Advanced Structures and Composites Center.

You can learn more about the work by visiting https://umaine.edu/biomaterials

Feb 16, 2023

On this episode, Dan Neumann joins me to discuss the ACMA’s Infrastructure & Sustainability Fly-In that's taking place in Washington DC this week(Feb 15-16). Dan is the Vice President of Government Relations with The ACMA, and he'll be filling us in on some of the activities and meetings from day one.

Feb 13, 2023

This week, I welcome Mike Graham on the show. Mike is the founder and president of Real Carbon, a composite engineering company with a long history of high-quality work. 

Through 35 years of industry experience, they've helped their clients design custom carbon fiber products for all types of applications. These include the consumer, industrial, marine, medical, military, musical, recreational, and UAV industries.

Mike Graham is a chemist with a passion for all things composites related. He is originally from St. Andrews in Scotland and moved to the US in 1987. 

You can learn more about their company by visiting https://realcarbon.com

 

Jan 30, 2023

This week Jeff Bassler, founder of Prodigm joins me on the podcast. Prodigm is a premier maker of production-focused filament winding controls and software solutions. 

On this episode, Jeff will share some background of their company and a recent case study of helping Duoline Technologies improve their process. Duoline produces RICEWRAP®, a protective wrap of fiberglass epoxy externally applied and bonded to steel pipe for external corrosion protection on downhole tubing.

The team at Duoline had challenges with the current filament winding equipment used to produce this product line. Using Prodigm's open platform CNC controls and software installed on their filament winding fiberglass tubular product line Improved the quality of their parts. 

Jeff started Prodigm back in 2008. Having over 13 years of experience in controls and software engineering already, Jeff was completely intrigued by the possibilities offered by filament winding different laminate structures and started developing the first algorithms.

Now, 13 years later, having customers across the continental US, Prodigm's primary focus has not changed. Getting a machine running is one thing; tailoring it to run for their customer's specific wants is the most rewarding part. 

They've contributed to the manufacture of light poles, composite rifle barrels, ductwork, rocket fuselages, rocket fuel tanks, oil well-lining systems, and lightweight robotic arms—to name a few! You can learn more about their company by visiting www.prodigm.net

Jan 24, 2023

This week Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me on the show as we discuss some of the expanded applications for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). CMCs are widely used in the aerospace and energy sectors but their ability to be used in extreme conditions (high heat) makes them attractive for other industries as well. 

Dec 28, 2022

This week Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me for the final podcast episode of 2022. We'll be discussing some of the Best Innovations in Composites for 2022. In our discussion we'll reference some of the 2022 JEC Composites Innovations Awards finalists

 

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