Discussing a New 3D-Printing Method That Enables Color-Changing, Stress-Responsive Materials
Release Date: 05/16/2025
AI in Manufacturing: Predicting Failures, Preventing Downtime
Composites Weekly
On this episode, Brian Fitzgerald joins the podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the factory floor by predicting machine and equipment failures before they occur—boosting efficiency, increasing production uptime, and cutting downtime costs. Brian is the Chief Growth strategist at Augury, a manufacturing technology leader valued at over $1 billion. Their platform is helping manufacturers unlock greater production capacity, improve operational predictability, and advance sustainability, reshaping the way manufacturing teams operate. More information is available at ....
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How Coltala Aerospace Turned Evans Composites Into a Mission-Critical Force in Aerospace and Defense
Composites Weekly
On this episode, , and of join me to discuss Evans Composites' accelerated growth in aircraft repair operations under Coltala Aerospace. has experienced transformative growth this past year, powered by Coltala Aerospace’s precision integration strategy. This momentum has brought alignment and strength to Evans, driving significant gains in operational performance, scalability, and customer experience. You can learn more by visiting .
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Discussing Nanolayered Materials and Their Macro-Scale Benefits with Dr. Michael Ponting
Composites Weekly
On this episode, Dr. Michael Ponting joins the podcast to talk about his work on nanolayered metamaterials and polymer nanocomposites. Dr. Ponting is the chief science officer at with over 20 years of experience in micro and nanolayered polymer materials. His work has enabled breakthroughs in everything from high-temperature capacitors and night vision optics to sustainable packaging and ballistic materials. You can learn more about their technology at .
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Nitrotherm Spray: A Breakthrough in Gelcoat Application Technology -Interview with Derek DeGeest
Composites Weekly
On this episode, Derek DeGeest discusses Nitrotherm - a patented new spray technology system that replaces conventional compressed air with heated, ionized nitrogen as the spray carrier. Nitrogen is cleaner and atomizes more effectively.
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Building Stronger, Energy Efficient Homes with LiteSIP Composite Technology – Interview with Harrison Langley
Composites Weekly
On this episode, , CEO of , joins the podcast to discuss their core technology: LiteSIP®, a proprietary, ultra-lightweight panel system made from fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) skins bonded to high-performance foam cores. Their panels deliver unmatched strength, insulation, and resilience, outperforming traditional SIPs, wood framing, and metal panels. You can learn more at .
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IACMI at 10: Discussing Next Week's Members Meeting with IACMI CEO Chad Duty
Composites Weekly
IACMI CEO Chad Duty joins the podcast to discuss their big event next week in Dayton, OH. will celebrate a decade of innovation and a future of impact as it brings together top leaders in composites, manufacturing, and workforce development. Attendees will dive into groundbreaking research, discover the latest DOE-funded technical projects, and see how IACMI workforce programs are scaling up to meet industry needs. You can learn more by visiting .
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Recapping the ACMA's Composites Fly-In with Dan Neumann
Composites Weekly
Dan Neumann joins the podcast to discuss last week's Composites Fly-In in Washington DC. This event provided a unique setting for members of our industry to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership and educate them on the capabilities of composite materials.
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Discussing Hexcel's Role in JetZero's Revolutionary All Wing Body Aircraft Design
Composites Weekly
On this episode, of will share some of the latest news regarding their partnership with to qualify composite materials for a new "all-wing” design aircraft demonstrator. They are advancing this partnership through the FAA’s Fueling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST) program, qualifying composite materials for JetZero's all-wing design aircraft development program. The Z4 is the world’s first all-wing design commercial airplane. This design produces greater lift and reduces drag, resulting in up to 50% better fuel efficiency than comparably sized tube & wing aircraft.
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Interview with Mark Stiving, Author of Selling Value: How to Win More Deals at Higher Prices
Composites Weekly
This week, Mark Stiving joins us on the podcast. Mark is the author of the recent book Selling Value: How to Win More Deals at Higher Prices. In the last 25 years, Mark has consulted, trained and/or coached hundreds of companies, including Cisco, Procter and Gamble, Grimes Aerospace, Splunk, and Crowdstrike. Today, he works regularly with , helping their portfolio companies increase profits and drive valuation by learning how to price, package, communicate, and sell value. Mark's passion is teaching the power of pricing. He evangelizes pricing at major conferences and has conducted over...
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Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: SpaceTEC’s New Center and the Role of CCT Certification
Composites Weekly
On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Steve Kane join the podcast to discuss some updates on SpaceTEC® Partners' new Florida training facility and its role in preparing the next generation of composite technicians. Kyle is the director of certifications for the ACMA and Steve is the executive director of SpaceTEC® Partners. SpaceTEC® Partners offers Aerospace, Aviation, and Advanced Manufacturing skills validation for the U.S. defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors, certifying technicians employed in civil, defense, and commercial organizations worldwide. You can...
info_outlineOn this episode, Professor Shu Yang and Alicia Ng of the University of Pennsylvania join me on the podcast to discuss their latest research work. Their team has successfully developed a cutting-edge method to 3D print cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs), opening the door to dynamic, color-changing materials that can respond to mechanical stress.
This work paves the way for groundbreaking applications in smart sensing, displays, and robotics. At the heart of this advancement are CLCEs – soft, rubbery materials capable of changing color when subjected to mechanical stress.
Shu Yang is a materials scientist and Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Alicia Ng is a Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and is the lead author of this study.
You can learn more by visiting https://shuyang.seas.upenn.edu.