composites-by-design

Moving Site to a New, Much Faster Server

carbonboy — Sat, 21 May 2011 14:06:21 +0000

I have been sick of the slow loading pages here for some time. Once we are on the new server and major upgrade to this site can’t be far off!

Where are aerospace advanced composites headed?

carbonboy — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:32:24 +0000

I wish I could have seen this April 2011 presentation. However even these slide are a fascinating summary of where NASA sees aerospace advanced composites are heading over the next few decades:

http://www.aiaa.org/pdf/industry/presentations/Charles_Harris_presentation_2011.pdf

Totally New Site Coming

carbonboy — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:02:39 +0000

Given the constant global hits this poor excuse for a gateway to the wonderful world of composites has become, I owe it to my visitors to do it right: New web host provider (10X faster), new content (what it is all about), new design (design is everything), and new upgrades to WordPress and Thesis (the mechanics of a modern site).

When – well before June of 2011 for sure.

Good News – Boeing is Hiring Big Time

carbonboy — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:00:54 +0000

Of course the hiring and firing cycle in aerospace will likely never end, but this is good news for both Boeing and the country, as the trend will trickle down to supplier here and abroad:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/11/19/1430732/boeing-hiring-machinists.html

Now if they only could start delivering 787s. Good article published on Novmber 20, 2010 here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/business/21shelf.html

08-01-10 – Updated the Bio, as I’m Back with Boeing for a Time

carbonboy — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:37:26 +0000

I was hoping to launch as series of new products this fall as the economy recovers. Yet that recovery seems in limbo, at least for the mid-to-high end consumer products in my niche. No worries, as I’m still a bit ahead of the times. In the forth quarter of this year you can expect an interesting trickle of products.

My current obession is a CFRP flash bracket and, oddly, a reading light (geared for those whom actually still enjoy a real book in their hands). In the meanwhile, given this recovery is painfully slow, a regular paycheck has its merits!

Life in Philadelphia during the week is not so bad either. New York City is a hop away by train or car and it is quite fun to explore all that’s happening in that city from the perspective on a non-tourist (well a semi-non-tourist anyway).

04/24/10 – My Humble Thoughts on Hubble at 20!

carbonboy — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:47:52 +0000

Here’s the Permalink to my thoughts on the Hubble at 20: http://carbonboy.com/?p=2240

04/10/10 – Narrowing our scope – off to Spain

carbonboy — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 22:28:51 +0000

Well, as you can see, I am finding it too difficult to do daily or weekly updates to composite news and the Dreamliner progress. Anyone who uses Google or Bing has access to that information.

I am preparing to leave for Spain for ten days for some design inspiration, and to talk with some folks on collaboration.

After that we’ll launch two small photo gear products and then have some discussions with a talented craftsman on furniture design. It will be an interesting summer!

My planned one year sabbatical is nearing an end – so look for some major updates in May of 2010.

Hasta luego!

12/15/09 – Dreamliner Awakens!

carbonboy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:19:17 +0000

787 First Flight at Takeoff - Source: The Boeing Company

In spite of the cold, it would have been fun to be in Everett today to see the Boeing 787 maiden flight. I watched it on CNN and a live feed on my computer from a local TV Station. It took off at 10:28 a.m. PST. Of course within a few moments is was out of everyone’s sight – except for the pilots flying the two chase planes.

This as got to be a great moment for everyone at Boeing and its far reaching web of global partners and countless suppliers. Boeing has been through a lot of grief over this program – today they can blow off a little steam.

I spent over three years of my life working in Japan, Korea and Italy, qualifying various carbon fiber fuselage structure for the 787. It started way back here and I have to say it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When we weren’t jet-lagged from 18 hours flights to Korea or working 14/7 shifts during fuselage fabrication, we did manage some time to be tourists in places as diverse as the magical Miyajima Island to the surreal Trulli stone structures of Puglia.

787 Flying for the First Time - Photo Credit: The Boeing Company

It was hard work for me, and even harder for the many thousands of people all over the world that have contributed. For most, there will be a brief reprieve as the delays have caused an excess of inventory. Yet the real work on this amazing aircraft has not really begun: Boeing has to deliver well over 800 of them, and that just for starters.

To my many friends (and my few foes) at Boeing, and their many partners & suppliers around the planet – congratulations! All our hard work paid off!

For me, it was great to rekindle some of the memories that today’s flight brought back. Yet I’m glad this experience is past, as I can finally focus on my own dreams.

12/02/09 – Web Hosting Meltdown!

carbonboy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:47:06 +0000

On December 2 something catastrophically when wrong at our Web Host. They won’t tell me what, only that it will be fixed in 24 hours. Until then, you will likely see an error message in place of most images.

Needless to say, 2010 we will move to a WordPress friendly Web Host.

11/23/09 – Links Repaired on Carbon Furniture Page

carbonboy — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:31 +0000

Darn these folks that don’t understand Permalinks. The links on the Carbon Furniture Page are now repaired. I still haven’t found any great examples of carbon fiber furniture. Guess I’ll have to design/build it myself!

Oh I added a photo on the Bio Page - Ugh – I may have to redo that after the Thanksgiving Holiday!