In this episode, Mukesh Ahlavadi, Global Director of the Chemicals Market at NobelClad, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to explore the world of metal cladding and its critical role in modern engineering applications. Together, they provide an overview of hot roll bonding versus explosion cladding, examining the key drivers behind each process and why industries turn to cladding for enhanced material performance and corrosion resistance. Mukesh walks through essential fabrication considerations, including the use of batten strips, interlayers, and post-cladding operations, while sharing insights into heat treatment, forming clad plate, and lessons learned from a 1990s clad failure. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how explosion cladding was discovered, the mechanics of the process, and how the distinctive wave pattern at the clad interface reflects quality and bonding integrity.

In this episode, Kevin Ganschow, materials & corrosion consultant at Mechanical Materials Engineering, LLC, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to unpack the intricacies of gasketed joints. The discussion begins with a foundational look at flange assemblies as systems before diving into key factors such as gasket stress, bolt reuse, and lubrication. Kevin highlights best practices for bolted joint assembly and integrity programs, emphasizing the importance of assembler training, flange tagging, and condition assessment. The episode also explores advanced considerations including joint relaxation, hot tightening, hot bolting, and bolt relaxation, offering practical insights for engineers and operators aiming to enhance reliability and safety in their systems.

In this episode, Jennifer Larimore and Avery Boyer, Materials Engineers at Chemours, join co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to share an inside look at how a materials lab works. Jennifer and Avery walk through the step-by-step process of analyzing samples—from sectioning, cleaning, reviewing documentation and photographing through the final wrap up of documenting and communicating findings to the customer. They discuss analysis methods like nondestructive evaluation, XRF identification, hardness, fracture testing, polishing and metallography to uncover critical material properties. The discussion also explores the importance of turning technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations. Throughout the conversation, the guests highlight how these practices help solve real-world challenges, prevent failures, and ensure long-term reliability.