McCLARIN Composites and ExxonMobil Join Forces to Revolutionize High-Speed RTM Innovation
Jan 21, 2025
On this episode, we’ll discuss some exciting news in the world of closed mold technology, as McCLARIN Composites has begun a development partnership with ExxonMobil’s Proxxima business. This alliance is aimed at accelerating the growth of high-speed closed-mold composite manufacturing.
This next chapter includes a multi-million-dollar investment in automated (RTM) infrastructure at the McCLARIN Oklahoma facility. McClarin manufactures composites essential to next-generation buses, trucks, trains, and RVs, as well as construction, mining, and farm equipment.
Simon will share some of the unique benefits of Proxxima polyolefin thermosets. This new resin technology provides a high-performance alternative to traditional choices, such as epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyester. Its ultra-low viscosity, and controlled fast cure dramatically improve processing speeds with minimal modifications to conventional processing equipment.
Mallinda Launches Vitrimax VHM Resin to Revolutionize Composite Recycling
Jan 16, 2025
On this episode, Phillip Taynton, CEO of Mallinda joins me on the show to discuss their new VHM resin system. This launch follows successful commercial-scale production validation.
This innovation addresses critical industry challenges, including manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability.
Their technology enables manufacturers to reprocess scrap material and rejected parts, significantly lowering the overall carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes while maintaining high-performance standards.
Given the transformative nature of this technology, multiple Fortune Global 500 companies are already collaborating with Mallinda to commercialize VHM resins to their particular requirements.
How Will the Incoming US Administration Impact the Composites Industry? – Interview with Daniel Neumann
Dec 23, 2024
On this episode, we welcome Dan Neumann of the ACMA back to the podcast for our final episode of 2024. We’ll be discussing the effect of the incoming administration’s policies on composite manufacturers in the US.
Listeners who want to stay up to date with regulations and other policy concerns, and are not a member of the ACMA can join at https://acmanet.org.
Vibration Damping Technology for Composite Structures – Interview with David Stephens of Countervail
Dec 12, 2024
On this episode, David Stephens of Countervail joins us on the podcast. Countervail is a vibration-canceling technology that significantly improves the performance of composite products without compromising structure. The vibration damping is derived from the fiber pattern, which maximizes the vibrational energy dissipation in the surrounding polymeric materials.
Founded in 1970, this composite materials manufacturing company is widely known as an industry leader in designing and developing advanced materials solutions.
Making FRP Recycling a Reality – Interview with Guillaume Perben of Composite Recycling
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.
Helping Companies Prepare for an AI-Powered Future – Interview with Maurice Conti
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.
Discussing Challenges and Opportunities for Composites in the EV Market
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.
Extending the Lifetime of Composites with CompPair’s HealTech™ Technology – Interview with Amaël Cohades
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 over 10 years of research in advanced composites. This Swiss company was founded in 2020 and is based in Lausanne. They are committed to promoting circular economy practices through its innovative HealTech technology.
Changing the Future of the Railroad Industry with Composites – Interview with Tim Noonan of Evertrak
Oct 22, 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 US. Their ties are made with Glass Fiber fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) from recycled plastic.
The railroad industry has a problem that runs 140,000 miles long. 20 million wood ties are replaced each year because of bugs, moisture, and wear. This represents 6 million trees.
Evertrak 7000 ties are engineered to perform reliably in track for 50 years in high-rot regions, reducing replacement costs, deforestation, and the use of dangerous creosote.
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. You can a copy at https://amzn.to/3Y74A2v. Carmen also has community on Locals for anyone wanting to create designs that impact your audience’s memory and decisions. You can join this group at https://memorable.locals.com.
Discussing the Future of Automation in Composites with Derek DeGeest
Oct 05, 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. You can learn more about their company at https://degeestcorp.com.
Discussing the Latest Updates on the Port Workers Strike with Dan Neumann of the ACMA
Oct 02, 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. The ACMA will continue to track this issue and update members via their Insider newsletter. If you’re not an ACMA member, you can learn more at https://acmanet.org/membership/why-membership-matters.
Hurricane Helene
We’ll also be discussing developments related to Hurricane Helene along the east coast of the United States. Many member companies were significantly impacted by these storms. ACMA members that require assistance in outreach to federal assistance, including FEMA can use the FEMA website as a good starting point for both federal and state resources. The Helene specific website is: https://lnkd.in/ew2PXwfP
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