CCAT Announces Manufacturing Assistance Program
East Hartford, CT (PRWEB) November 26, 2013 -- Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) announced today that applications for the 2014 Manufacturing Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) are being accepted through December 31, 2013. Manufacturing companies with less than one hundred employees, including startups, are invited to submit project proposals for solving manufacturing process problems or to support the ability to offer new services or begin the manufacture of new products.
“The Manufacturing Technical Assistance Program provides an opportunity for small and mid-sized companies to take advantage of the cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and staff expertise of CCAT’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) – unique resources that are typically more difficult for smaller manufacturers to afford,” said Elliot Ginsberg, CCAT President and CEO.
“At the AMC, the focus is on precision machining, additive manufacturing, laser processing, and digital manufacturing. We work in partnership with academia and both large and small manufacturers to offer custom solutions for enhancing manufacturing operations and productivity,” he stated.
Under the state legislature financed program, CCAT and the University of Connecticut’s Office of Economic Development each receive funding to support company projects based on the specific needs of each organization. In reviewing applications, particular emphasis will be placed on how a company’s project enhances manufacturing operations in Connecticut, including retention of revenue, jobs or company growth. While firms from any industry sector may apply, the proposal must relate to manufacturing operations. Proposed projects must start by February 2014 and be completed within six to nine months.
“CCAT’s program is designed to aid companies with the application of advanced technologies for existing process improvement and manufacturing process development. CCAT will also provide on-site support for technology transition when it applies,” said Bob Torrani, Director, AMC.
According to Torrani, CCAT expects to fund up to five proposals, with awards at a maximum of $30,000 per project. Specific project areas include: machining process improvements; optimized tool paths for simultaneous 5-axis machining; inspection process improvements; reverse engineering a solid model; prototype development; and laser applications (additive manufacturing, hole drilling, coating removal, laser machining and welding).
In 2013, the first year of the program, CCAT awarded grants to Bead Electronics in Milford for reverse engineering and fabrication process improvement; Oxford Performance Materials in South Windsor for robotic hole drilling; Laser Technology Associates in Tolland for use of additive manufacturing to reduce fabrication time of metal parts; and Flight Support in North Haven for manufacturing process development using lasers.
“The Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program offers significant value to Connecticut companies by providing funding to enhance their manufacturing operations and productivity,” stated Ginsberg. “At CCAT, we are pleased to be part of the program and use the resources of the AMC to help manufacturers statewide compete and grow in today’s global market.”
For more information about MTAP and program applications, contact Bob Torrani at rtorrani(at)ccat(dot)us.
ABOUT CCAT
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a unique economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., leads partnerships between industry, academia and government, creating a collaborative framework for tackling today’s economic challenges. CCAT combines expertise in cutting-edge manufacturing and information technology with specialized centers of excellence in education and workforce development and alternative energy solutions to help organizations increase efficiencies, compete and succeed.
Karen Jarmon, CCAT, http://www.ccat.us, +1 860-817-4500, [email protected]
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