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    The resistance of metallic plates to localized impulse
 
    The Effects of Topology Upon Fluid-flow and Heat Transfer Within Cellular Copper Structures
 
    Cellular Metal Truss Core Sandwich Structures
 
    Cellular Metals Manufacturing
 

 

For Release:
March 2, 2006

For More Information, Contact:
Caroline March-Long
(434)295-5938
cdlong@earthlink.net


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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