Montalvo awarded grant for development of individual tow tension control device
Montalvo, international specialists in web tension control, has been awarded the next Phase of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $750,000 to begin the development of prototype units of a new cost effective, precise, automated, and continuous solution for individual tow tension control for composites manufacturing.
After completing their Phase I Grant which is intended for feasibility studies and commercial review, Montalvo will utilize the Phase II funds to bring this new disruptive technology to a fully commercialized product. They are currently looking for additional partners interested in testing prototype units.
Director of Sales and Marketing, Bryon Williams says, “On average the NSF awards Phase I Grants to approximately 10% of applicants. Upon completion of their Phase I Grant, grantees are able to apply for Phase II funding, of which on average only 40% are successfully awarded. This is truly an amazing accomplishment and validation for what this technology can represent for composites manufacturing. We are excited to work with our partners in bringing this technology to commercialization and the market to improve quality, reduce waste, and increase productivity and automation in composites.”
Montalvo’s Director of Engineering, Chris Osgood says, “Our expertise in tension control technology gives a unique insight into the composites manufacturing processes and the problems that a lack of consistent, uniform, and regulated individual tow tension control created. We’ve proven feasibility for our innovative concept which will present a major advancement in tow tension control methods and will revolutionize the composite manufacturing process to deliver a new level of controllability, uniformity, and quality. Thanks to the National Science Foundation, the SBIR Phase II grant will give us the opportunity to begin the prototype development process, and eventual manufacturing ramp up, creating field trial units that can be tested and refined to meet the exact process requirement of the market. We couldn’t be more excited for this program and are very proud to be selected from the group of highly competitive candidates.”
Small businesses with Phase II grants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in additional matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales.
