September 5, 2006 Huntsville, AL: CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) is pleased to announce its agreement to assign intellectual property rights related to a novel technology for maskless material deposition to Optomec. The technology was co-invented by the two companies and is protected by multiple joint patents. The royalty bearing agreement provides Optomec unity of title to exclusively manufacture and sell material deposition systems worldwide.
Optomec’s M3D® system has the unique ability to produce a wide range of electronic, structural and biological patterns onto almost any substrate. The proprietary process utilizes aerodynamic focusing to precisely deliver fluid and nano-material formulations as required and can be optionally post-treated with a highly focused laser.
CFDRC used its engineering expertise and multiphysics simulations to: a) understand interactions of multiple process and design parameters, b) identify limitations of original laser-guided approach and c) analyze a new “flow-guided” approach. Optomec built, tested, and optimized prototypes with CFDRC support and transformed the technology into a versatile and marketable system.
The multiphysics simulation capabilities needed for laser heated material deposition were developed by CFDRC under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project funded by DARPA. These capabilities were then applied to Optomec’s processes and prototypes in a collaborative research project, also funded by DARPA.
Dr. Ashok Singhal, President of CFDRC, stated “This invention and development is an excellent example of: a) the ingenuity of CFDRC engineers; and b) the pivotal role of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) programs in the development of breakthrough technologies.”
M3D® systems are now being manufactured and sold worldwide for a variety of applications including the fabrication of next generation microelectronic devices, production defect repairs, and life science applications.
Dave Ramahi, President and CEO of Optomec, stated “Optomec is very pleased with the collaboration with CFDRC and their contribution to this most challenging technology development. We are beginning to see growing demand for this technology from our global business partners and are confident of future successes”
About CFDRC:
CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) is the technology leader in multidisciplinary engineering simulations, innovative designs and prototypes. Since it inception in 1987, CFDRC has grown steadily with highly qualified staff (over 55% PhD’s), and an excellent record of technology commercialization (over 25 patents and licenses). CFDRC expertise, products and services are used by over 500 organizations, worldwide. For future, CFDRC is focusing on three major markets: 1) Aerospace and Defense, 2) Biomedical, Life Sciences and Security and 3) Micro/Nano Electronics, Materials and Processes.
For more information, please visit www.cfdrc.com, or contact: Dr. Vincent Harrand at vjh@cfdrc.com or (256) 726-4955.
About Optomec:
Optomec is a leader in delivering additive manufacturing solutions for high-performance applications in the Electronics, Biomedical, and Aerospace & Defense markets. Optomec’s commercial LENS® and M3D® systems use our proprietary additive manufacturing technologies to deliver cost-effective development, production, and repair of a wide range of end products. M3D is being used to produce high-density circuitry, embedded components, and an array of biomedical devices. For more information, please visit www.optomec.com.
M3D® System is a registered trademark of Optomec.
