For Release: March 2, 2006 |
For More Information, Contact: Caroline March-Long (434)295-5938
cdlong@earthlink.net
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Cellular Materials Opens Expanded Charlottesville R&D Fabrication Facility
Charlottesville, Va. - March 2, 2006 - Cellular Materials, Inc. (CMI) today announced it has
begun research and development efforts as well as prototype manufacturing in a 6,000 square feet
manufacturing facility located at Seminole Place in Charlottesville, Va. The CMI facility will
produce research and development prototypes for a range of military and commercial related
projects requiring CMI's innovative structural technology.
CMI develops proprietary structural materials based on periodic cellular material (PCM) to satisfy
commercial and military needs. Unlike traditional metal forms or traditional cellular materials, CMI
sandwich panels utilize a simple, yet innovative core design, called MicroTruss™, for
groundbreaking strength to weight ratios combined with low relative density. This CMI innovation
produces lightweight, strong, yet multi-functional structures that are cost-effective, scalable and
efficient.
To support the CMI manufacturing process, the new facility has added a state-of-the-art robot
capable of automatic MIG and TIG welding, as well as precision polymer metering and injection
equipment. "Our customers are impressed by the sophistication of our operations. We have an
extremely knowledgeable staff that includes a certified welding inspector and instructor. The
facility is equipped to produce prototypes as small as 6 inches by 6 inches and as large as 7
feet by 14 feet.", said Bob Kurtz, Director of Manufacturing.
The CMI facility comprises the following machines and processes:
- Two of the latest Miller Pulsarc machines - a MotoMan Robot with a 20-foot reach
capable of 0.005 inch precision,
- A press brake and shear for forming and cutting metal,
- A polymer metering and dispensing system,
- A coordinate measurement machine, and a
- Weld fixture capable of accommodating parts as large as 14 feet by 7 feet.
The opening of this new facility reflects CMI’s healthy growth since its founding in 2001.
Both CMI and its sister company, Directed Vapor Technologies International, Inc (DVTI), have
grown from five to more than 24 employees since 2002, creating jobs and advancing the city's
reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to CMI president and chief executive officer Harry Burns, "the key to our fast
growth is our ability to offer a new engineered material that surpasses conventional structures
in strength to weight ratios and multi-purpose functionality by utilizing open spaces. In
addition, we have benefited from the rich pool of talent and resources in Albemarle County,
our proximity to Washington, D.C., and the wealth of ideas from the University of Virginia."
About Cellular Materials, Inc.
Founded in Charlottesville, Va., in 2001, CMI develops proprietary structural materials
based on periodic cellular material (PCM) to satisfy commercial and military requirements
for lightweight, strong, yet multi-functional structures that are cost-effective, scalable
and efficient. CMI's products are designed to outperform today's conventional structures,
such as honeycomb, due to a much higher strength to weight ratio, the ability to be
fabricated in curved geometries, its multi-purpose functionality such as blast and ballistic
resistance and heat management, and the availability of open space, which can accommodate
other functional components.
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