Montec Associates, Inc.
| COMPANY/LOCATION: |
Montec Associates, Inc., Butte, Montana |
| PRODUCT: |
Research and development, specializing in thermal plasmas, acoustics/chemical
reactions, and thermal-spray processes |
| YEARS IN BUSINESS: |
3 |
| EMPLOYEES: |
5 |
| SITUATION: |
To fulfill a contract with the National Science Foundation, Montec
Associates, Inc., was developing a state-of-the-art plasma torch that could
improve the metals-spraying process and be applied in other
industrial settings. The small firm encountered problems producing electrical
conductors (electrodes) needed to achieve the extremely high temperatures
that a plasma torch is capable of reaching. |
| PROJECT: |
Before contacting ORCMT, Montec had consulted many companies about
producing the bars. The closest Montec came was a company that would
make them but only in 500-pound batches. But, within weeks of
contacting ORCMT, Montec had the electrodes. The special alloys
were cast into 1-inch- diameter by 5-inch-long bars. |
| RESULTS: |
ORCMT's timely technical assistance helped Montec move a major step
closer to producing a plasma torch. The company's chances of obtaining
funding for a second phase of the project were improved, and potential
for the plasma torch's commercial use also was enhanced.
Larry Farrar, principal engineer with Montec, estimated the company's
potential 1998 sales increase at as much as $300,000. He said 1999
sales could jump as much as $1 million. Additionally, ORCMT's assistance
is expected to help Montec retain one job.
"This program is great!" Farrar said. "I cannot say
enough about your responsiveness and professionalism and that of the Technical
Assistance Program staff. This is exactly what is needed to help small
businesses, like Montec, push forward with technology development."
"This program was completely void of any delay or hassle," he said.
"Your available facilities and the knowledge of your technical staff are
world-class and serve as a valuable asset to U.S. industryin particular
to state-of-the-art efforts to advance technology." |
  
Technical assistances provided to the private sector
by the Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology (ORCMT) and its manufacturing
extension partners throughout the United States. |
