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RM 184: Advances in Dispensing Automation and Thermal Management with PVA’s Jon Urquhart

RM 184: Advances in Dispensing Automation and Thermal Management with PVA’s Jon Urquhart

Advances in Dispensing Automation and Thermal Management with PVA’s Jon Urquhart

Today, I’m joined by someone who has spent more than three decades at the intersection of materials science, automation, and high-reliability manufacturing.

Jon Urquhart is the Director of Global Applications Engineering at Precision Valve and Automation — one of the world’s leading developers of dispensing, coating, and industrial motion-automation systems. Since joining PVA in 1993, Jon has become widely recognized for his expertise in fluid material processing, precision dispensing, and the engineering-to-manufacturing handoff that so often makes or breaks product reliability.

Jon holds multiple patents and has helped shape advanced processes used in industries where the stakes couldn’t be higher — from aerospace and EV battery systems to semiconductor packaging, medical devices, and high-density electronics assembly. His work spans everything from protective coatings that safeguard electronics in extreme environments, to next-generation thermal interface material (TIM) deposition, to automation strategies that reduce human error, improve consistency, and dramatically scale production.

We’ll discuss the real-world challenges of protecting critical electronics and batteries, the latest advances in TIM materials and deposition, sustainable precision-coating techniques, and the power of a strong collaboration model between vendors, manufacturers, and lab technicians.

PVA Website:

Home

Jon Urquhart:
jurquhart@pva.net

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CR145: Bridging Operations and Maintenance via Data with Mindy Ruggiero on CMMSradio

CR145: Bridging Operations and Maintenance via Data with Mindy Ruggiero on CMMSradio

Bridging Operations and Maintenance via Data with Mindy Ruggiero on CMMSradio

In this episode of CMMS Radio, Mindy Ruggiero from East Coast Insights discusses her extensive background in chemical engineering and operations management with companies like Armstrong, Honeywell, and DuPont. After starting her own consulting firm, she helps businesses improve production, safety, and maintenance outcomes by leveraging data. Mindy emphasizes the importance of collaboration between operations and maintenance teams, the value of CMMS data for decision-making, and the need for proactive problem-solving to foster a culture of accountability.

Key Topics:

  • Mindy’s background in chemical engineering and consulting.
  • The role of data in maintenance and operations.
  • Building relationships between operations and maintenance teams.
  • Creating a culture of accountability in the workplace.

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CR144: Hydrogen Trucks, Lubrication Practices, and Maintenance Innovation with Sanya Mathura on CMMSradio

CR144: Hydrogen Trucks, Lubrication Practices, and Maintenance Innovation with Sanya Mathura on CMMSradio

Hydrogen Trucks, Lubrication Practices, and Maintenance Innovation with Sanya Mathura on CMMSradio

Sanya Mathura returns to CMMSradio discussing her experiences with Strategic Reliability Solutions, highlighting a recent visit to the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) in Texas, where she saw a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered 18-wheeler (only one on the planet). She also reflects on her participation at the Lubricant Expo in Detroit, where she discussed the intersection of lubrication best practices and technology like AI, CMMS platforms, and the importance of proper lubrication to enhance machine reliability. The conversation emphasizes the significance of documentation and data in maintenance management.

Main Bullet Points:

  • Hydrogen-powered 18-Wheeler at SWRI
  • Lubrication Best Practices & AI
  • The Role of Documentation in Maintenance

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QDD 186: The Design Fog is Derailing Your Project

QDD 186: The Design Fog is Derailing Your Project

The Design Fog is Derailing Your Project

 Have you experienced the frustration of a cross-functional team kicking off a new product development project, only to find everyone is talking about the same idea but seeing a different product in their mind? This is the core problem of the design fog, and it rolls in during the fuzzy front end—that crucial, uncomfortable space between knowing you are building something and knowing exactly what you are building. The design fog is where critical information is lost, requirements become vague, and most product failures are born.

In this episode:

  • Learn why jumping to prototypes introduces fixedness, robbing your team of the chance to define true user requirements.
  • Learn why jumping to prototypes introduces fixedness, robbing your team of the chance to define true user requirements.
  • Discover how the Concept Space Model and the ADEPT Team Framework act as the rope and torches you need to pierce the design fog and align your team in a matter of hours, not weeks.

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CR143: Real Insights on Aligning Leadership and Maintenance Teams for Better Outcomes with Andy Gager

CR143: Real Insights on Aligning Leadership and Maintenance Teams for Better Outcomes with Andy Gager

Real Insights on Aligning Leadership and Maintenance Teams for Better Outcomes with Andy Gager

CMMSradio interviews Andy Gager to discuss maintenance optimization, focusing on inefficiencies like hidden costs, spare parts mismanagement, and planning gaps.  There is a ton more gold, from this REAL DEAL PRO, hiding in this episode!!  Loaded to the MAX!!

Key Topics:

  • Hidden costs and inefficiencies in maintenance operations.
  • The concept of 20%, 40%, 30%, and 10% performers in organizations.
  • Overcoming leadership blind spots in maintenance decision-making.
  • Operator training and its role in reducing equipment failures.
  • Balancing short-term production goals with long-term maintenance strategies.

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CR142: From Reluctant Employee to Empowering Leader in Manufacturing with Tony Demakis on CMMSradio

CR142: From Reluctant Employee to Empowering Leader in Manufacturing with Tony Demakis on CMMSradio

From Reluctant Employee to Empowering Leader in Manufacturing with Tony Demakis on CMMSradio

This CMMSradio episode features Tony Demakis, the host of the Manufacturing Alliance podcast and a representative of Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales. The episode dives into Tony’s journey from reluctant involvement in his father’s 46-year-old company to becoming a leader who emphasizes employee empowerment and open communication. Tony discusses the importance of preventative maintenance in manufacturing, leadership practices, the skilled trades gap, and the value of hands-on learning in engaging the next generation. He also highlights the significance of work-life balance and making a difference in the lives of others.

Key Topics:

  • Leadership style: Empowering employees, open communication, and problem-solving.
  • Importance of preventative maintenance in the plastic injection industry.
  • Engaging youth in skilled trades and the value of hands-on learning.
  • Work-life balance and fostering meaningful connections in the workplace.

 

 

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CR141: Navigating the Fakeness in Asset Management and Maintenance with Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX

CR141: Navigating the Fakeness in Asset Management and Maintenance with Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX

Navigating the Fakeness in Asset Management and Maintenance with Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX

Inspired by a recent post, called Embrace the Fakeness, we’re joined by Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX to talk about the realities of software, like CMMS and EAM, and how magic silver bullets are the stuff of fantasy worth avoiding!  Dan really gets it and we’re honored to get his unabashed insights on how to add value in the maintenance and reliability space for clients in need!!

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn and find ReliabilityX here: https://reliabilityx.com/

 

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QDD 185: Expected Value Makes Uncertainty Manageable

QDD 185: Expected Value Makes Uncertainty Manageable

Expected Value Makes Uncertainty Manageable

Product teams often face decisions where uncertainty meets cost, and the clock is ticking.

  • a manager asks for another test
  • finance flags the price
  • engineering hesitates because confidence is stuck at sixty percent.
  • The friction isn’t just about money; it’s about balancing risk, value, and time in a way that serves customers and protects the business.

That’s where expected value shines. It’s a lightweight decision tool that translates probability and impact into a single, comparable figure.

More important, it pairs nicely with a simple three-phase flow (frame it, investigate it, choose it) so your decision is not a hunch, but an informed step tied to evidence and project priorities.

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RH011: John Ross / Transforming Leadership in Maintenance

RH011: John Ross / Transforming Leadership in Maintenance

John Ross / Transforming Leadership in Maintenance

Andrew Daddo sat down with Dr. John L. Ross Jr., a 30-year veteran in maintenance and reliability, former Air Force captain, and founder of both the American Reliability and Maintenance Institute and Maintenance Innovators, his primary company of 17 years. Dr. Ross shared insights on leadership in maintenance and reliability, emphasizing that true change requires more than simply replacing leadership—it’s about fundamentals. He used the analogy of growing an apple tree to highlight that the right conditions (seed, nutrients, sunlight) are essential, just as in business, where you need the right leadership, tools, and approach to thrive.

He explained how leadership has evolved from a top-down, authoritarian model to one of inclusion and accountability. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Ross described how today’s workforce, with access to technology and higher education, requires a different leadership style—one that involves engaging employees, valuing their input, and fostering a sense of ownership in the decision-making process.

Dr. Ross highlighted the importance of building leadership skills, rather than simply managing people and processes. He noted that creating an inclusive culture where everyone’s input is valued can significantly improve morale and lead to better outcomes. Finally, he discussed the significance of conferences like MAINSTREAM, where industry leaders can exchange fresh ideas, learn best practices, and inspire real change in their organizations. [Read more…]

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CR140: Women in Manufacturing with Katie Sanders of UpKeep on CMMSradio

CR140: Women in Manufacturing with Katie Sanders of UpKeep on CMMSradio

Women in Manufacturing with Katie Sanders of UpKeep on CMMSradio

A special mini episode featuring Katie Sanders of #upkeep chopping it up about Women in Manufacturing as a part of celebrating Women in Construction this week!

The episode hits the feed tomorrow morning!! This matters! 🤘🤘🤘

Thank you for an awesome visit, Katie!! Keep up the great work and we’re all here to support #WiM!! 🤘🤘🤘 

Katie is also CMMSradio Correspondent 1 as of June 2025!  

 

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