Composites Weekly

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, with a focus on training, and workforce development. He's an industry leader, experienced in the composites fabrication and manufacturing process, and a military veteran.

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 focus at this year's event.

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 injection molding equipment. In addition, it utilizes the most available bio-polymer on the planet - cellulose. About 1.5 trillion tons of cellulose is produced annually.

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, offering a practical guide for the scientist-turned-entrepreneur. The book addresses the gap between scientific innovation and commercial success, providing actionable strategies to navigate the unique challenges of marketing in science and technology sectors.

As the CEO of High Touch Group, Elizabeth has elevated clients in biotech, diagnostics, aerospace, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing to global prominence.

Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, Popular Science, and Fast Company. Elizabeth's expertise offers a powerful blend of tactical skill and market foresight, and her influence is instrumental in shaping scientific product marketing.

You can learn more about Elizabeth, by visiting https://elizabethchabe.com.

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 experiences required in these dynamic industries.

With their extensive network and deep understanding of the market, they're committed to finding the perfect match for both candidates and companies.

You can learn more by visiting them at BoazPartners.com/advancedmaterials.

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 challenging performance requirements of the aerospace/defense, energy, semiconductor, industrial, life sciences, and chemical processing industries.

You can learn more by visiting http://www.gtweed.com.

Kerry is an inventor on multiple granted patents in polymers, coatings, and elastomeric products, and has presented at several international conferences in Polymer chemistry and materials science.

His specialties include expertise in ultra-performance polymers and materials including, high-performance thermosets, elastomer chemistry and product development, and organic and inorganic coatings.

He has led the development of multiple new products from concept through synthesis, pilot scale production, and commercial launch.

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 - the industry wants and needs more training. As we share some of the feedback from companies, we'll also discuss just how CCT training & certification can help improve employee retention.

For more info on the ACMA's CCT certification programs, visit https://acmanet.org.

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 solutions directly with industry leaders to ensure efficient and effective market entry upon CF3D® commercialization. CF3D® is comprised of hardware, materials, software, and configurable motion platforms to harness the power of composites without the constraints of traditional manufacturing.

You can learn more by visitng https://www.continuouscomposites.com.

You can also follow their LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/continuous-composites.

Also, Continuous Composites is hosting a technology tour in Huntsville, AL Tuesday, February 6 8:30am - 2pm CST. You can learn from industry experts about the features, benefits, and applications of Continuous Composites' paradigm shifting technology.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/continuous-composites-technology-tour-huntsville-alabama-tickets-761379174607.

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.