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.
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.
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.
On this episode, Jennifer Towner joins me to give an update on the cancellation of POLYCON 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
This week I welcome Kelly DeBusk, owner of Composites Compliance on the show to discuss how to handle an OSHA inspection. She has over 20 years of experience in environmental and safety regulations governing the composites industry.
The continuing goal of her company is to help members of the composites industry comply with all the current environmental, health and safety regulations, as well as, to assess the possible impacts of new and proposed regulations and to help minimize the effects of those regulations.
Composites Compliance is also actively involved with keeping businesses up to date on any proposals, laws or government actions that could affect the composites industry.
On this episode, Kelly and I will be discussing how business owners can handle that dreaded inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We’ll be talking about what business owners can expect and the resources they should have for always being ready.
You can find out more about Composites Compliance by visiting them at www.compositescompliance.com. If you have questions for Kelly, she can be contacted at k_debusk@compositescompliance.com.
This week, I welcome Tony Schmitz on the show to discuss the growing trend of composite materials in structural applications. Tony is the vice president and senior project manager of Hoefer Wysocki, an architecture, planning, and design firm known for collaborating with clients to create performance-driven solutions.
With a background in environmental design, Tony joins me to discuss the positive opportunities that composites offer to builders today. These benefits can be seen in reduced costs, better performance and a reduced environmental impact.
This week I welcome Bill Masters on the show. Bill is an American engineer, inventor, manufacturing entrepreneur, and business advisor.
He is known as the Father of 3D Printing, holding three computer automated manufacturing patents, that laid the foundation for today's 3D printing systems.
A number of highly respected engineers have claimed credit for being the inventor of 3D printing, however, as patents on file with the USPTO make clear, Bill Masters filed the first patent for this additive manufacturing technology on July 2nd, 1984.
According to the Bill, the idea for 3D printing occurred to him one night while camping on the Chattooga River in northeastern Georgia. While lying on the riverbank looking up at the stars, Bill realized you could take one star and make that your seed point. You could add stars from any direction until you had the shape you wanted.
He spent years refining this idea and filed a patent for his Computer Automated Manufacturing Process and System in 1984. This filing is on record at the USPTO as the first 3D printing patent in history.
Bill is also known as the father of modern kayaking. Starting out with only $50, he transformed a one-person operation into the largest kayak manufacturing company in the U.S.
We'll be discussing Bill's extensive background in 3D printing and Kayak manufacturing. We'll also be discussing his latest invention, the Shot Block, which is already sparking conversation in the gun market with it's new, patented, and innovative technology.
On this episode, I welcome Reza K. Amineh, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at New York Institute of Technology. He and a colleague won more than $350,000 to develop new imaging techniques that will enhance testing of composite materials in oil-and-gas pipelines.
Professor Amnieh has been working on this project since 2017 with support from internal NYIT grants, which paid for the launch of their Applied Electromagnetics Research Lab (AEMRL).
Their aim is to produce a prototype that can conduct fast and reliable tests of composite materials in various applications. If successful, this technology will significantly reduce costs and increase system safety for oil and gas extraction, urban infrastructure, and other operations that rely on pipelines.
We'll be discussing this project on this episode.
This week, we welcome Dr. Robert Doneker of Tangitek, LLC, a technology start-up located in Portland, Oregon USA. They develop carbon fiber composites for the aerospace, electronics, defense, communications and consumer products industries.
On this episode, we'll be discussing their MF-RAMTM, a lightweight thin electromagnetic absorbing flocked carbon fiber material used for EMI/RFI suppression in electronics and as radar absorbing materials.
As wireless communication devices and automation become more common, high-performance shielding materials that are lightweight, thin and durable are needed to manage growing EMI. New materials are needed to facilitate the development of new mobile, wearable, wireless communication devices, and products in the aerospace, automotive and consumer industries.
TangiTek has developed lightweight, magnetically loaded, flocked carbon fiber composites as microwave absorbers in the 300 MHz to 30 GHz frequency range. These CF composite absorbers will have immediate use in aerospace industries where even marginal weight savings has the potential to provide a large payback.
TangiTek is one of twelve companies that won the (ASA(ALT)) Army xTechSearch Phase III challenge for its technology.
You can learn more about them by visiting http://www.tangitek.com/.
This week I welcome Dave Salvaggio and Lyle Brummer of SpeedKore Performance Group on the show. SpeedKore is an American Performance Company where engineers and artisans combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting edge technology.
They specialize in custom performance vehicles, carbon fiber composite part manufacturing, and engine integration.
SpeedKore manufactures the highest quality carbon fiber upgrades, exceeding OEM quality standards. Designed and manufactured in America.
Each of their builds follows the signature SpeedKore recipe: reduce weight and increase horsepower.
The SpeedKore advanced composite team sheds weight from each vehicle with custom, lightweight prepreg autoclave carbon fiber. The increased power is achieved through pairing the updated, lightweight chassis with fine-tuned, high-power drivetrains specifically modified for each vehicle.
On this episode, we'll be discussing the history of the company and their process for designing carbon fiber composite parts.
You can learn more about them, by visiting them at speedkore.com.
This week I welcome Brian Gaughan of IntegriCo Composites on the show to discuss how their patented technology is using recycled landfill-bound plastic to create composite railroad ties that far exceed industry standards for high consistency and structural integrity.
Their products are formulated from extremely tough plastic, and the specialized, low-heat process used by IntegriCo preserves the properties of plastic that make it such a strong and versatile raw material.
Their railroad ties provide benefits for all major rail tie applications from the extreme loading conditions of Class I heavy axle load applications to the caustic environment of an industrial chemical processing plant.
On this interview, you hear Brian share the history of their company and how they are diverting and reusing landfill-bound plastic to create extremely durable products. To date, they have reused over 80 million pounds of plastic since 2009!
This week I welcome Tom Wright, director of business development for Bedford Reinforced Plastics (BRP) on the show to discuss the benefits of FRP (fiber reinforced plastics) over traditional building materials such as wood, steel, and aluminum.
BRP is a company that offers a wide variety of structural products made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, including PROForms® structural shapes, PROGrid® molded grating and PROGrate® pultruded grating. Their staff of skilled design, engineering and manufacturing professionals has been dedicated to helping customers maximize the benefits of FRP.
You can learn more about their company by visiting them at https://bedfordreinforced.com.
This week I welcome Chris Camfferman, managing director of marketing for Deckorators, a company that manufactures composite decking using their patented "Eovations" technology. This technology provides the best stiffness-to-weight ratio and lowest thermal expansion/contraction of any thermoplastic deck board available.
Deckorators composite decking is composed of a mix of polypropylene and calcium carbonate, which is used instead of wood fiber to prevent moisture absorption and minimize thermal movement.
In this process, the polymer-mineral blend is extruded and stretched. The resulting cavitation creates tiny air pockets that keep the
board lightweight as it takes on a fiber-like structure similar to wood for superior strength.
The result is a fibrous composite board that looks and works like wood. At the same time, each board is:
On this interview, Chris will be sharing the background of Deckorators and how their Eovations technology is creating a superior product.
You can learn more about their company by visiting them at www.deckoroators.com.
On this week's episode, I welcome Greg Paulsen of Xometry on the show to discuss how their proprietary software platform enables product designers and engineers to instantly access the capacity of a network of manufacturing facilities. This software makes it easy for all customers — from startups to Fortune 100 companies — to access manufacturing on demand by providing the most efficient way to source high-quality custom parts.
We'll also be discussing Xometry's Carbon DLS™, a technology that unlocks new business opportunities and product designs previously impossible, including mass customization and on-demand inventory.
The Carbon Platform enables companies to bring products to market that were never thought possible.
You learn more about Xometry by visiting them at https://www.xometry.com.