Mar 15 2010
In Taking the Nanopulse, his monthly column for IndustryWeek.com, Dr. Scott Rickert, President of the nanotechnology company Nanofilm, offers real-world advice to manufacturers considering incorporating nanotechnology into their products.
Dr. Scott Rickert is President and CEO of Nanofilm which has been developing performance enhancing nanofilms, nanocomposite films and surface care products since 1985.
Dr. Rickert refutes the arguments of those who fear nanotechnology is too complex for commercialized manufacturing. For help, he recommends partnerships with nanotechnology experts, not simply materials suppliers. He also suggests that industry conferences in virtually every field now include sessions on nanotechnology which can supply expertise.
He acknowledges the fact that bringing nanotechnology into a new manufacturing environment requires expertise. "There are instant mashed potatoes. Instant pudding. Instant cocoa. But there's no such thing as instant nanotechnology," he says. However, Dr. Rickert concludes that the added value nanotechnology can bring to products is worth the effort of commercialization. "Nanotechnology isn't a plug-and-play solution yet, but it is up to the challenge," he asserts. "Aren't you?"