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Hi,
We are trying to identify applications and markets for a technology that can produce
parts (in small or large volume) made of metals and selected other materials. Various
shapes and sizes with fine details and features can be made with precision.
The technology can also produce intricate internal spaces and geometries within the
part.
Does anyone have any specific applications or needs for this?
Thanks,
WB
Dear WB:
This is a nice open-ended marketing question (as befits a VC firm such as yours), but
it isn't trivial to answer with any degree of confidence.
There are definitely lots of applications and interest in this general technology area.
However, you'll have to do considerable homework before it's possible to see if your
process can win against the numerous others aimed at high value added small parts.
I would start by comparing your technology on a spec by spec basis - in so far as is
possible - with the competition. Identify very specific applications and customers and
interview them in depth. If things look positive at that point, you can start to address
one of the major marketing problems in this area - how to educate the user community of
your capability.
You can find nearly all the competing technologies on our site, and you should also
search the patent area there, as well. A lot of this stuff hasn't appeared commercially
yet, or is in development in larger companies for (apparently) specific applications. You
should also review the MMD area to see where you fit in that spectrum. Look over the last
year or so SmallTimes as a start.
Please get back to us when you're done! We're all curious as hell.
Regards,
Ed
Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
Ed,
Thank you very much for your response, and great thoughts.
Can you provide more on MMD? I apologized for the vague description. At this time, we
are unable to provide any more details about the technology. We are just trying to
identify products, applications and markets for the technology. If you have any needs or
ideas, we would really like to consider them.
Thanks you your help,
WB
Dear WB:
The quantity of information available about MMD's and their applications, as well as
related areas of small tech is absolutely enormous - perhaps stupendous. I'm sure that a
bit of digging will turn up appropriate survey articles and other material.
No one can really give you a valid idea of market acceptability, or even areas of
application, without at least some knowledge of the technology. People involved with the
many similar technologies are trying to answer the same questions, I'd say.
I'm afraid you'll need to do this work yourself or through a consultant, if you haven't
the technical background.
Regards,
Ed
Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
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