FOPAT Continues It's Growth With the Execution of Projects for the DLA

Category: Newsletter Autumn 2010

FOPAT Continues It's Growth With the Execution of Projects for the DLA

In September 2009, FOPAT Production, Inc.(FPI) was awarded two contracts from DLA (Defense Logistics Agency). One is a continuation (Phase II) of an earlier SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract and the second an IBIF II (Industrial Base Innovation Fund) contract.

Both have proven to be fundamental in the growth of FOPAT Production, Inc. as an innovative solution to investment casting problems. The SBIR Phase II contract will focus on optimizing the process, tooling, verifying the energy savings, cost reduction, and, expanding the demonstrated capabilities of FOPAT. The IBIF II contract will focus on rapid low cost spares and replacement parts acquisition which is accomplished by conversion, expanding the supplier base, and utilization of the many advantages of FOPAT.

Over 16 parts are currently included in the 2 programs. Their reasons for choosing FPI were driven by quality, cost, and time to produce. FOPAT has consistently shown the ability to produce tooling in 2-3 weeks for a fraction of the cost of typical investment casting tooling.

These programs are also defining the magnitude and/or degree of improvement in the castings produced using FOPAT in place of wax. Some parts have verified the ability to cast thin sections more accurately and with considerably less variation than wax. Also, FOPAT has demonstrated the ability to produce cored patterns without breakage and dimensional stability of a FOPAT pattern at room temperature for over 6 months.

Going forward, some of the parts have the opportunity to replace the current wax produced versions. In addition, there are several conversion opportunities that are expected to be approved soon. With projected needs in the thousands of pieces, the production facility is implementing plans for expanding production.

The FOPAT produced versions are of equal or lower costs and providing equal or better properties; an equation for success. The opportunities provided by the 2 contracts from DLA were instrumental in expanding the awareness and continuing the steady growth in FOPAT Production, Inc.