Sep 17 2008
Particle Sciences, Inc. announces the issuing of its patent (US7,419,527) on a unique system for increasing the density of sintered metal products.
The technology allows for the processing of powdered metals in a way that decreases needed injection forces, decreases lubricant requirements and results in structurally superior end-products. It is based on a proprietary coating applied to the powders prior to sintering.
"This could both increase the quality of the finished product and substantially decrease the environmental impact of the manufacturing process," says Garry Gwozdz, Director of Formulation and one of the inventors at Particle Sciences. Particle Sciences is a CRO primarily focused on pharmaceutical applications.
This technology is an offshoot of some of their nano-particle work involving a unique drug delivery approach. "This is pretty far from our core business so we intend to out-license the technology. It could dovetail nicely with an earlier technology we developed and patented (US6,045,650) involving the coating of surfaces with metal oxides, titanium dioxide for instance.
The '527 provides for sintered metal products with improved physical characteristics and lowered carbon footprint. The '650 technology allows for the application of low cost carefully controlled, even printable, metal oxide surface coatings. Both of these technologies came out of our efforts in the pharmaceutical arena but clearly have broader applicability so we intend to partner with companies that can better take advantage of the opportunities," says Dr. Mark Mitchnick, CEO of Particle Sciences.