Liquidmetal Alloy Prototype Activity Increases in 2012
Prototype Shipments to Aerospace/Defense, Industrial and Medical
Industries Increased 233%, Reflecting Growing Interest in the Unique
Capabilities of Liquidmetal Alloy
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2013--
Liquidmetal® Technologies, Inc. (LTI) (OTCQB: LQMT), the leading
developer of amorphous alloys and composites, has reported an increased
level of Liquidmetal prototype parts shipped to major players in the
aerospace, defense, and medical industries.
Liquidmetal alloy is a new class of material that is sparking an
industrial revolution much in the same way as the invention of steel or
plastics. The growing number of shipments in 2012, as well as the
increasing number of active prototypes undergoing extensive evaluation
by customers, reveals an intensifying interest in the unique performance
characteristics of this patented alloy system.
The name of Liquidmetal is derived from the fact that the alloy appears
like metal and has twice the strength of titanium, but possesses an
amorphous (non-crystalline, liquid-like) atomic structure that behaves
more like plastics, particularly during the manufacturing process. This
results in a unique combination of properties for Liquidmetal-based
parts, such as “high hardness,” elasticity, high strength-to-weight and
resistance to corrosion and abrasion. Its unique molding characteristics
during the manufacturing process allow for an extraordinary level of
intricacy and precision as well as the creation of complex parts designs
never before thought possible.
Q4 and 2012 Prototype Summary
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In 2012, 10 prototype shipments were delivered to customers in the
aerospace/defense, medical and other industries, which was up 233%
from 2011.
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At the end of the fourth quarter of 2012, there were 10 Liquidmetal
prototypes parts actively being evaluated by customers. This is up
from seven in the prior quarter and up from three in the same year-ago
quarter.
Prototypes allow potential or current customers to analyze and qualify
parts before full production runs begin. This is typically a complex and
lengthy process, and often requires a number of prototype iterations.
In November, Liquidmetal Technologies announced
the first successful transition of a prototype part into commercial
production with the shipment of a large order of specialized parts from
its certified manufacturing partner. This process had progressed from
lab-prototype parts produced in the Liquidmetal R&D facility to
production-prototype parts built in the contract manufacturing facility,
and culminated with fully-qualified production parts being ordered and
shipping on a regular basis to a leading global manufacturer.
“This dramatic increase in the demand for prototype parts has
been well-timed to the certification of our first commercial production
capabilities,” said Tom Steipp, Liquidmetal Technologies’ president and
CEO. “With our third-generation Liquidmetal manufacturing process
introduced in early 2012, we’ve demonstrated we can meet the demanding
requirements of our customers. This is stimulating interest and
confidence in our Liquidmetal solutions, and now our prototype pipeline
has never been stronger.”
According to Dr. Glenton Jelbert, the company’s new vice president of
engineering: “While it is typically a lengthy process leading from
prototype development to purchase orders for production-level parts,
we’re confident that as we continue to work closely with our customers
to perfect their Liquidmetal alloy parts, we expect to see more
prototypes entering into commercial production over the course of the
year.”
Jelbert was recently
appointed to oversee the company’s numerous development projects,
including next-generation
golf clubs, based on Liquidmetal alloys, as well as pursue
opportunities that enhance the company’s extensive IP portfolio.
About Liquidmetal Technologies
Rancho Santa Margarita, California-based Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc.
is the leading developer of bulk alloys and composites that utilize the
performance advantages offered by amorphous alloy technology. Amorphous
alloys are unique materials that are distinguished by their ability to
retain a random structure when they solidify, in contrast to the
crystalline atomic structure that forms in ordinary metals and alloys.
Liquidmetal Technologies is the first company to produce amorphous
alloys in commercially viable bulk form, enabling significant
improvements in products across a wide array of industries. For more
information, go to www.liquidmetal.com.
Source: Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc.
Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc.
Otis Buchanan
Media Relations
949-635-2120
otis.buchanan@liquidmetal.com
or
Liolios
Group, Inc.
Matt Glover or Michael Koehler
Investor Relations
949-574-3860
LQMT@liolios.com