Date: Apr 15, 2013 Source: MDA (
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An MDA-funded company that developed the world's first plasma-display touch system could soon revolutionize the manufacture of aircraft, automotive, and maritime structures through the incorporation of innovative composite subcomponents.
Imaging Systems Technology (IST; Toledo, OH), teamed with the University of Toledo to develop composite "bubbles" known as Plasma-spheres™. These Plasma-spheres™ are tiny composite cylindrical bubbles filled with vacuum-pressurized gases that are ionized to plasma during the manufacturing process, creating a strong composite substrate for the part being manufactured
Manufacturers can easily add the Plasma-spheres when making structures such as metal or polymer casing and piping. The spheres, which are a next-generation version of the glass spheres offered by several competitors, offer greater strength with less weight, according to the company. Both technologies enhance buoyancy when placed in pipes and other structures aboard naval vessels, but IST says in-house tests show the Plasma-spheres provide increased buoyancy.
IST has first focused on moving this technology into the maritime market, especially to help improve the buoyancy of structures such as personal watercraft and submarines. The technology also shows promise in increasing strength and reducing weight for automobile bumpers and aircraft wings. IST already incorporates Plasma-spheres into flexible plasma displays and touch screens, which already are available commercially for a wide variety of applications, from high-end computer monitors to cell phones.
MDA funded IST and the University of Toledo through a 2011 STTR Phase I contract to explore incorporation of Plasma-spheres into technologies for ballistic missile defense.
Imaging Systems Technologies, founded in 1997, is an engineering and research firm that focuses on the development of plasma-based electronics technologies. The company's motto, "Think inside the Bubble" connotes its work in developing and commercializing technologies such as plasma touch screens for televisions and computers, as well as composite parts for armor systems, maritime vessels, and aerospace systems.
