Episode 69 -- Dr Paul Falzon from Advanced Composite Structures Australia
Episode description
In this episode of @AuManufacturing Conversations with Brent Balinski, we hear from Dr Paul Falzon, General Manager at Advanced Composite Structures Australia, in a lost-then-found recording made during our Australia's 50 most innovative manufacturers campaign earlier in the year.
Falzon, whose company was part of the top 50, tells us about the ACS-A's work at the pinnacle of composites engineering and manufacturing in Australia, which has recently moved into high-temperature ceramics and filament winding for pressure vessels.
Episode guide
0:26 – A brief company history
2:38 – A brief personal history
4:40 – The skillsets present at the company, including aerospace engineering, material science, boat builders, simulation and structural analysis.
5:55 – Emphasising the “advanced” in advanced composites.
6:54 – High-temperature work and what it requires in terms of materials.
7:43 – Recent work in structures for wave energy generation with Carnegie Clean Energy
9:00 – Projects in ultra-high temperature composites over the last three years. Green body and pyrolysis processes.
10:13 – A first step into hydrogen storage. Where a new filament winder could be used.
11:20 – What innovation means at the company.
12:24 – The new Lorimer Composites program and its role in company culture and staff satisfaction.
15:20 – Supply chain issues in composites and the reliance on overseas suppliers for ultra-high temperature inputs.
16:45 – How the skills shortage is affecting ACS-A.
Relevant links
Excellence in maritime manufacturing – material gains for maritime
MoorPower wave power project gets underway
Fibres and composites transforming industry: Composite repair and sustainment
Australia’s 50 most innovative manufacturers revealed
ACS delivers composite hydro-electric turbine blade
Composite creatures developed for theme parks