Material Technologies and Optim Enter New Era of Remote Flaw Characterization

Material Technologies, Inc. (MATECH) MTEY of Los Angeles, CA, and Optim Incorporated of Sturbridge, MA, announce plans to launch OptiMatex, LLC, a joint venture which will introduce its OptiSpec(TM) Flaw Detection System. OptiSpec(TM) will incorporate the application of both ultrasonic and eddy current methods used in combination with the imager for Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) applications in aircraft jet engines. OptiMatex will begin taking orders in December 2002 for deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2003. Patents have been applied for.

Over the past several years, endoscope manufacturers have spent millions to develop an adequate and reliable system to provide measurement of observed flaws in an attempt to quantify and characterize such observed "in-service" flaws that develop from engine use, "on-wing."

These measurement systems are only capable of providing a means of sizing the observed image; however, they are inadequate for determining if that image is in fact a flaw or defect requiring repair. As a result, there remains the potential for either "Under Inspection" or "Over Inspection" based upon the inspector's ability and skill as an observer. In either case this increases the cost of inspection and maintenance.

Now there is a viable solution. After several years of R&D, including the completion of a development contract with the United States Air Force, the Company is pleased to announce the launch of the OptiSpec(TM) Flaw Detection System.

The OptiSpec(TM) System combines Remote Visual Inspection with Ultrasonic and Eddy Current Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods which rapidly and accurately determine if the observed indication is, in fact, a flaw that merits further evaluation or repair. In addition to the ability to characterize the flaw, it can be sized; thus eliminating the need for costly and difficult to use optical measurement systems.

In the event that a repair or "blade blending" operation is called for, this system will provide an accurate and rapid method of determining that the defect has been removed and the wall thickness minimums have not been compromised.

"Measurement has long been considered the `holy grail' of Remote Visual Inspection. The OptiSpec(TM) System renders that concept obsolete and we believe it meets the definition of Disruptive Technology as described by Professor Clayton Christiansen at the Harvard Business School," said Thomas V. Root, President of Optim Incorporated. "Our approach will propel Remote Visual Inspection beyond the ability to simply provide an observed image and will likely result in significant advancement in the application of nondestructive testing methodology to remote areas in the future," said Root.

Robert M. Bernstein, President of MATECH, said, "We are pleased that after many years of product development, we are now able to bring to market the first of what we expect will be many advances in aircraft inspection capability."

MATECH is engaged in the research and development of metal fatigue detection, measurement, and monitoring technologies. As such, the Company has developed a suite of devices for the Nondestructive Testing (NDT) of metal and a solution for subsequent real-time monitoring of structural integrity. These technologies can be applied in virtually any industry in which metal is a significant structural component; i.e. Bridges, Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Construction, Shipping, etc.

Optim Incorporated, an ISO 9001-2000/EN46001 certified company, designs, manufactures markets and sells flexible endoscopy products for both the medical and industrial markets. Optim has a complete line of medical and industrial endoscope products that are sold through OEMs, distributors and manufacturers representatives.

OptiMatex will begin accepting orders in early December 2002 with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2003.

Product inquiries should be directed to sales@optimnet.com.

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