Engel commits to Liquidmetal process development

Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) has formed a strategic partnership with Engel Austria GmbH (Schwertberg) that will see the latter develop processing technology with the next generation of injection moldable alloys known as Liquidmetal.

"Engel is a leading force in the utilization of the newest advancements in materials technology for next-generation products and we envision this partnership with Liquidmetal as a key strategic step in the evolution of injection molding," said Mark Sankovitch, President and CEO of Engel North America.

Liquidmetal also announced the creation and launch of a Certified Liquidmetal Partners Program, with Engel as the first certified partner. Under the details of this program, each step in the process of designing and producing Liquidmetal products and services will be performed by partners who have met demanding certification requirements to ensure that customers are provided consistent, high-quality products and support services.

Thomas Steipp, Liquidmetal President and CEO, commented, "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Engel to develop the next generation of injection molding machines incorporating the exceptional qualities of our Liquidmetal technology. By partnering with technology and manufacturing leaders such as Engel, we ensure our customers of extraordinary quality and unlimited ability to scale production."

Liquidmetal Technologies is a leading supplier of bulk amorphous glass products branded as Liquidmetal. This technology allows companies to replace complex machined parts with injection molded components. In certain applications, this offers stronger, lighter, more corrosion-resistant parts at significantly lower prices.

In the medical field,  Liquidmetal Technologies' Zr/Ti-based alloy exhibits high corrosion resistance and has a high elastic strain limit and non-magnetic. Medical device manufacturers utilize the unique properties of Liquidmetal to produce complex, sophisticated medical products with high hardness, durability and low thermal conductivity. Liquidmetal Technologies manufactures parts for the medical device industry and customers have tested Liquidmetal and report successful results in autoclave sterilization processes.

Liquidmetal Technologies has also partnered for several years with many Department of Defense agencies and contractors to enhance defense and tactical product performance. Its alloys have 2-3 times the strength of both stainless steel and titanium yet can be molded like plastic into complex shapes and parts. The company also have done work with the U.S. Army developing penetrators and armor piercing shells.-mpweditorial@ubm.com