Composites Weekly

On this episode, Tom Radomski and Mel Clauson of Re:Build Composite Resources join the show to discuss a significant capability expansion with the addition of a state-of-the-art Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) work cell at their South Carolina facility.

This new RTM work cell expands Re:Build Composite Resources' range of composite technologies to support customers in the growing aerospace and defense industry.

You can learn more about Re:Build Composite Resources by visiting https://cr.rebuildmanufacturing.com.

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 ProxximaTM 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.

Mike Gromacki, CEO of McClarin Composites, and Simon Holmes, Vice President of Sales Marketing at Materia/ ExxonMobil join the show to discuss this new partnership, and what it means for composite manufacturing.

Simon will share some of the unique benefits of ProxximaTM 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.

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.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.mallinda.com.

On this episode, we welcome Dan Neumann of the ACMA back to the podcast to discuss 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.

On this episode, David Stephens of Countervail joins us on the podcast. Countervail is a vibration-canceling technology that significantly improves 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.

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

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.

You can learn more about them by visiting https://composite-recycling.ch.

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.

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.

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 a background of over 10 years of research in advanced composites.

Founded in 2020 the Swiss company, based in Lausanne, has grown to 25 team members, with strong industry references, and is backed by experienced shareholders. CompPair is committed to promoting circular economy practices through its innovative technology.

You can learn more about CompPair by visiting https://www.comppair.ch.

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 industry. Their ties are made with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) from recycled plastic, and are engineered to perform reliably in-track for 50 years in high-rot regions, reducing replacement costs, deforestation, and the use of dangerous creosote.