FAQs Archive | Multiscale Systems

Q: How do you work with metamaterial composites?

We have a Fabricator's Guide included in our Working With MetaCORE ® : A Design Guide (PDF) document.

Q: What is thermoforming?

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process used to shape thermoplastic materials into various products. Vacuum thermoforming involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then forming it over a mold using pressure and a vacuum. Once cooled, the plastic takes the shape of the mold. Common items that are created using thermoforming include packaging, trays, and consumer goods. Similarly, pressure forming is a process that involves heating a thermoplastic sheet and then applying pressure from both sides of a mold to force the material into the desired shape. Thermoforming is cost-effective, enables rapid production, and allows for intricate designs. It finds applications in industries such as food packaging, automotive, medical, and consumer goods, making it a versatile manufacturing technique. Multiscale Systems regularly utilizes both thermoforming and pressure forming in the development and production of our products.

Q: Is Multiscale Systems ISO or AS certified?

We are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016 certified by NQA. View our Certificate of Registration . We are also NIST SP 800-171 compliant.

Q: What is hybrid manufacturing?

Hybrid manufacturing is a cutting-edge production approach that combines additive manufacturing (3D printing) with traditional subtractive processes like milling or machining. This innovative technique leverages the advantages of both methods, enabling the creation of complex and highly customized parts with improved efficiency and precision. Additive manufacturing is used to build intricate geometries and intricate details, while subtractive processes are employed to refine the surfaces and achieve precise dimensions. Hybrid manufacturing finds applications in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries, where it offers the flexibility to produce intricate components with reduced material waste and faster production cycles. It also allows for mixed-alloy components. Multiscale Systems employs a metal hybrid 5-axis CNC system. Ask us how hybrid manufacturing can improve your product.

Q: What is advanced manufacturing?

Advanced manufacturing refers to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, innovative processes, and advanced materials in the production of goods. It's a modern approach to manufacturing that goes beyond traditional methods by leveraging the latest advancements in technology and automation to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and quality. Key characteristics of advanced manufacturing include: Technology integration: Advanced manufacturing involves the integration of emerging technologies like AI, robotics, Internet of Things, 3D printing, and data analytics into the manufacturing process. Customization and flexibility: Greater customization and flexibility in production allows manufacturers to quickly adapt to changing market demands and produce customized products. Sustainability: Advanced manufacturing emphasizes eco-friendly practices by optimizing resource utilization, minimizing waste, and reducing the overall environmental impact of production. Additive manufacturing: 3D printing is a prominent aspect of advanced manufacturing, enabling the creation of complex and lightweight designs with improved precision. Benefits of advanced manufacturing include: Enhanced productivity and reduced production times Improved product quality and consistency Lower production costs through optimized processes and resource management Faster product prototyping and development cycles Increased competitiveness in the global market Multiscale Systems uses several aspects of advanced manufacturing, including the use of our hybrid metal 5-axis CNC system; high-temperature thermoplastic printer; and conventional 3D printer print farm.

Q: What services do you offer?

Multiscale Systems offers full-spectrum management for technical engineering projects from research and development to design, testing, and fabrication. We work with our customers to find the best solution for the task at hand. Sometimes that means a solution using metamaterial composites - sometimes not. Each project is assessed individually. Our focus on advanced manufacturing means we can produce, test, and iterate quickly. It also means we can product highly complex and sophisticated parts that are otherwise impossible to create using conventional manufacturing methods. Services include technical reporting and writing, research and development, design, manufacturing, and testing and characterization. See our Services page for additional details.

Q: Who do you work with? Who funds your research?

We work with industrial customers who need new or improved advanced material solutions for their product or application. Our services include research and development, design, prototyping, testing, fabrication, and commercialization support. Get in touch with us to discuss your project requirements. Our in-house R&D program is supported by federal and private organizations. We've received several SBIRs from government agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and NIST. We've also received various awards and resources from accelerators, local organizations, and partner companies. See a full list of our funders and partners .

Q: Can you send me metamaterial composite samples?

We selectively send samples of our metamaterial composites and other technology to prospective customers. Please contact us to request samples .

Q: How does MetaCORE compare to honeycomb?

Honeycomb is commonly manufactured from plastic, metal, or fibrous pulp, and is a type of material that is often used where impact protection is required. It has a strong Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) in one direction, and none in the other two. MetaCORE has a strong SEA in all directions, which makes it isotropic. With Crush Force Efficiency (CFE), honeycomb has a large peak stress, whereas MetaCORE was designed to eliminate this problem and has virtually no peak stress. This 1-pager goes into more detail: MetaCORE-LD: Compared to Solid, Foam, and Honeycomb Cores (PDF, 0.3 MB) .