Composites Weekly

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 plu...

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 (IIo...

On this episode, Xuan Song, PhD joins me to discuss his research in additive manufacturing. Dr. Song is an Associate Professor and James A. Chisman Faculty Fellow in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Iowa. His research focuses on studying how material forming processes found in nature can be leveraged to enable sustainable, ultra-low-temperature additive man...

On this episode Jesse Henry, CEO of Heartland joins us to share some recent news. Chemovator, the business incubator of BASF, has successfully finalized an investment in their company. Heartland is a material science company that provides manufacturers with a sustainable source of additives like fillers, reinforcements, & mineral extenders to enhance products they already make. They work with loca...

On this episode, Tom Barnes joins me to discuss how their company is redefining the way the world views pickleball. Selkirk Sport was founded in 2014 and is the leading manufacturer of pickleball paddles and equipment.  To help drive innovation, Selkirk Sport created Selkirk Labs, a first-of-its-kind program, that invites players to be part of the innovation process. Members of Selkirk Labs get fi...

On this episode, John Schweitzer and Kyle Jordan of the ACMA join me to discuss a couple of topics. John will be discussing the ACMA's Composites Sustainability Conference coming up June 4-6 in Denver, CO. You can learn more about this event by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/csft24 .  Kyle Jordan will be giving an update on the CCT Instructor Course that took place earlier this month in Kan...

On this episode,  Markus Buehler , McAfee Professor of Engineering at MIT joins me to discuss how they are using machine learning to create stronger materials.  For engineers developing new materials, there are billions of different possibilities to sort through. Lab tests & detailed computer simulations to determine their exact properties can take hours, and even days for each variation. Now, a n...

On this episode, Mark Scott and Jake Rowen of Resodyn join me to discuss their RAM acoustic mixing technology. They are a global leader in mixing and processing solutions.  Mixing is a key processing step in nearly every industry from lubricants to ceramics. Traditionally, mixing has been accomplished using motor-driven impellers, blades and other engineered devices that rotate or agitate the ingr...

This week Sebastian Pohlmann of UP Catalyst joins the podcast to discuss the world's first scalable technology for utilizing industrial CO₂ emissions. Their Carbon Nanotubes are directly produced from CO₂ emissions via molten-salt carbon capture and electrochemical transformation. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) can enhance the mechanical properties of composite materials - improving the tensile strength,...

On this episode, Blair Robbins joins me on the show to discuss the closure of the Port of Baltimore, and how it might impact supply chains for our industry.  Blair is a partner in the Transportation and Logistics Group at  EisnerAmper , and has nearly 30 years of experience helping companies cope with supply chain issues, and challenges in inventory management due to disruptions from the pandemic...

On this episode, Paul Gloyer, the president of GTL, ( Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories, Inc .) joins me to discuss recent news involving validation test results from their  LH2 Liquid Hydrogen Composite Dewar-Tanks for Aviation Applications. GTL is an aerospace engineering research and development company headquartered in Tullahoma, TN with a second office in California. They specialize in providing tra...

On this episode, Florence Moreau of TeXtreme joins me to discuss their new TeXtreme 360° . It belongs to a new class of composite materials called tape-based Discontinuous Fiber Composites (DFCs), combining in-plane isotropy, high strength and stiffness, and enhanced manufacturability.  This new class of composite materials is an alternative to traditional metal alloys and continuous fiber composi...

On this episode, Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me as we discuss A.I. and technology advances in the manufacturing sector.  The global marketplace is changing at an unprecedented pace, and technology is poised to play a significant role in supporting manufacturers to take on the challenges they may face in 2024 and beyond.  Andrew Pokelwaldt is a regular guest of the show. He's a manufacturing consultant...

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 foc...

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 inject...

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 . 

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, offer...

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 experienc...

This week I welcome Kerry Drake, PhD to the podcast. Kerry is the Technology Manager for Greene Tweed, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastics, composites, seals, and engineered components.   Combining 160 years of technical expertise and commercial knowledge in a variety of markets, Greene Tweed collaborates with customers to develop engineered solutions that meet challen...

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Peter Hedger of the ACMA join me for a discussion on workforce development. Kyle is the director of certifications with the ACMA and Peter is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Membership.  We'll be talking about a recent workforce development research survey that the ACMA completed back in October, and some of the data from it. The results were clear - t...

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 sol...

On this episode, Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss some of the latest industry news including the New Vulcan Centaur rocket that successfully launched.  The Vulcan Centaur rocket features the first use of Northrop Grumman's Graphite Epoxy Motor solid rocket booster. At over 72 feet long and 63 inches in diameter, the GEM 63XL is the longest monolithic SRB ever produced for flight.   

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...

This week, John Melilli of Composite Automation LLC joins me on our last podcast episode of 2023. John has over 30 years of experience in the application of mechanical, electrical & industrial automation components and systems for manufacturing. He's been working with composite part manufacturers since 2004. Composite Automation is the only manufacturer's representative firm in North America that...

This week Stephen Nolet, senior director, innovation & technology for TPI joins me on the podcast. TPI was founded in 1968 and since 2001, has manufactured over 90,000 wind blades. They are a global company focused on innovative and sustainable solutions to decarbonize and electrify the world. They accounted for approximately 38% of all onshore wind blades on a megawatt basis globally, excluding C...