Transmit Technology Group LLC is working to market a machine that can compare the thermoformability of various resins.
The Technoform testing device was developed by Irving, Texas-based TTG. It offers rapid, quantitative and repeatable information about materials' ability to thermoform as a function of temperature, pressure, and vacuum under controlled speed. Technoform uses small-size samples, eliminating the need for expensive and time consuming field trials, officials said.
They added that Technoform is a cost-effective tool for quality control, material development and process optimization. TTG designed a smaller version of the device in the early 2000s, President Amit Dharia said by phone.
The device has been used by several major resin makers, as well as by consumer products firms. Dharia now is looking for a partner to expand the market for Technoform. With this goal in mind, he'll be attending the SPE Thermoforming Conference, Sept. 26-28 in Schaumburg, Ill.
“I'm seeking either a manufacturing partner who is willing to invest with me, or a company with resources to purchase the entire package for a one-time fee,” said Dharia, who founded TTG in 1999. “In my early market study, we had estimated about 800 companies, academic and research institutes which can use [Technoform].”
TTG is a contract R&D firm that offers a variety of testing service to small and medium-sized plastics firms. Dharia has almost 30 years of industry experience, including stints at materials firms Borealis Group, Solvay, Teknor Apex and LyondellBasell.