Speaker Interview

 

Tony Finoli – Research and Development Manager, McDanel Advanced Ceramics Technologies

Tony Finoli will be joining us as a panel speaker for our conference session focussed on Evaluating New Advancements and Innovations in Ceramic Materials Wednesday May 3. 

 

Could you please tell us a little bit more about yourself?

I am the Research and Development Manager at McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies where I have been since 2013. In this role I am primarily focused on customer-driven new product development and manufacturing process improvements. The objective is always to supply customers with the most cost-effective ceramic solutions to their problems, which requires close collaboration from conception to validation. In my free time I love to cook and travel with my wife and we always try to find good food and great outdoor areas wherever we go. 

 

Could you tell us how you have seen the industry shift, develop and/or grow over the last few years?

In our business we have seen customers becoming progressively more receptive to the use of advanced ceramics, some of which have been around for a while, because they offer opportunities for significant energy reduction within their manufacturing operations. Then of course there are also brand new opportunities opening up relative to the various alternative energy initiatives. 

 

Which ceramic applications are you most excited about and why?

I am very excited about ceramic applications in new energy fields. As the world shifts to technologies such as electric vehicles and sustainable energy sources, it is fascinating to see where ceramics come into play - not only in the final products (e.g. batteries and reactors) but also within the manufacturing processes used by these industries. 

 

What are the key challenges and/or opportunities facing the ceramics industry? 

Recently, increased demand, coupled with supply chain and workforce issues, have led to longer lead times and other problems. This has required companies to react quickly in order to circumvent such problems, particularly since the adoption of advanced ceramics, into both existing and new technologies, continues to progress at a good pace and nobody wants to ‘miss the boat’. 

 

What are you most looking forward to at Ceramics Expo 2023?

For a ceramics component manufacturer, the Ceramics Expo provides the perfect setting to meet and discuss with current and potential customers, partners, and suppliers all in one place, both at our booth and walking around the show floor. 

 

We can't wait to welcome Tony this May. To find out more about the conference agenda, please click here.