Discussing the ACMA’s Specialized CCT Training with the US Army Corps of Engineers
Aug 22, 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.
Pioneering New Frontiers with Boron Fiber Technology- Interview with Garrett Bernard of Specialty Materials
Aug 07, 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.
Transforming Petroleum Byproducts Into Carbon Fibers – Interview with Dr. Yasmine Abdin
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.
What is Polymorphic Moulding Technology? Interview with Josh Shires of Fyous
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.
Interview with Dustin Davis of Norplex-Micarta, a Global Leader in Thermoset Composite Solutions
Jul 03, 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.
Discussing the Transition from Thermoset to Thermoplastic Composites with David Leach
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 Have More Influence Than You Think: Science-Based Strategies for Observing the Effect We Have on Others- Interview with Vanessa Bohns
Jun 19, 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.
Developing the Latest Innovation in AFP Technology – Interview with Pravin Luthada of Addcomposites
Jun 13, 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 the widespread adoption of composites.
Traditional AFP systems are expensive 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.
Discussing Industry 4.0 with Andrew Pokelwaldt
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.
Developing Novel 3D Printing Approaches For Complex Ceramic Components – Interview with Xuan Song, PhD
May 15, 2024
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 manufacturing (AM) of novel ceramics and composites.
He is a recipient of multiple awards including the NSF CAREER award in 2023, the AFOSR Young Investigator award in 2024, the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer award in 2022, and the College of Engineering Early Career Faculty Excellence award at UIowa in 2023.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wuhan University, master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Zhejiang University, and PhD degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Southern California.
Chemovator Invests in Heartland’s Natural Fiber Additives – Interview with Jesse Henry
May 07, 2024
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 local farmers to produce natural fiber materials, enabling manufacturers to create more sustainable products. With this investment funding, Heartland becomes Chemovator’s first portfolio company in North America. Jesse will be sharing an update on Heartland, and what this investment means for their company moving forward.