Purchase Tape Casting Development Technology and Services

RTI understands that new technology must be tested and verified before a large capital investment can be made. For this reason we maintain a development laboratory so clients can be assured that by using HSC™ to form their ceramic tape they will experience a technical and/or cost benefit.

There are many options available to accomplish this. RTI can produce the tape and supply that to the client. If the volume is sufficient, we can build a custom turnkey tape casting manufacturing module. Once installed the client will have control over the process and produce quality ceramic tapes at the lowest cost.

Using the following method, clients can measure the benefits of using HSC™, and only commit capital as milestones are met.

Learn more about RTI’s tape casting technology transfer plan

RTI offers an out-source tape casting laboratory service so that clients can test their materials made with the HSC™ process.

Clients teleconference with the RTI staff to discuss the desired cast tape attributes. Once a cast tape specification has been documented, RTI will prepare a written proposal for the tape casting development.

The tape casting development can include adjusting the binder concentration and the processing parameters in order to create a tape with the desired properties.

RTI will then produce ceramic cast tape samples and deliver them to the client. The client can then test the cast tapes in their process. If the cast tapes meet the client’s specification and perform well in their process, RTI can then develop a cost for tape tolling. The cost of the tape casting will depend on the volume required. This represents milestone 1.

Once milestone 1 has been met, the client can start to purchase cast tapes made in our development laboratory. These tapes can be run in production, in parallel with the current ceramic tapes. By this means the client can verify the tapes will work and the cost and technical benefit still exists. The client can place blanket orders with monthly releases further reducing costs. Once the green tapes are proven to work in production milestone 2 has been met.

The client can continue to purchase green tapes or if the volume is sufficient, RTI can provide a cost estimate for a turnkey tape casting system. This will include the cost for the equipment, written process specification, assistance in setting up the equipment, and ongoing technical support. The cost estimate also includes a prime manufacturing cost study, which will detail the machine’s capacity, cost of raw materials, operator labor, and the cost for utilities. With this cost study the client can determine if their tape casting volume justifies the investment of taking the technology in-house. This is milestone 3.

Once the client decides to proceed, a meeting is scheduled. The cost for the license is negotiated. There are many options to this negotiation and the details must be acceptable to both parties. The license cost is minimal and is intended to cover our overhead during the machine design, build, and transfer phase. RTI is open to all options during this negotiation and will strive to find acceptable terms for the client. The cost benefit to the client is paramount. In this phase the actual machine specification is developed and our equipment vendor designs the machine. A detailed machine description is provided along with a proposed cost. The client meets with the equipment vendor and discusses various options. The equipment can be manual or completely automatic, depending on the client’s needs and budget. When the client is satisfied with all of the terms and costs, an agreement is signed and an order for the machine is placed. This is milestone 4.

When the machine is built and ready to be shipped, it is set up at the equipment vendor’s facility. A full-scale test is then run to prove-out and debug the machine. The client is urged to attend this prove-out. Any changes or modifications can more easily be done at this point as opposed to after delivery. Once the machine is run in full production mode, it is packed and shipped to the client. This is milestone 5.

When the equipment arrives at the client’s facility, RTI engineers will aid in the set-up. The written process specification will be finished and delivered at this time. The training of the client’s engineers and operators will also be done then. RTI also offers free monthly visits to ensure the equipment operates properly. At this point the technology transfer is complete. This is the final milestone 6.