Orlando-Based Semplastics Wins Grant from Space Florida to Expand Its Unique Ceramic for Various Aerospace Applications

Orlando, Fla. --- Semplastics, LLC, a graduate company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, received a $250,000 grant from Space Florida for a partnership project that will further develop the company’s innovative X-MAT® ceramic material for various applications in the Aerospace industry and lead to early commercialization.

Semplastics along with Nano Dimension, Ltd. of Israel, are one of five partnerships awarded fourth round “Innovation Partner Funding,” in the program created by Florida and Israel nearly four years ago to elevate the Florida economy through technological innovation. 

Nano Dimension, who received a similar budget as Semplastics, is a leader in 3D printing of advanced additive manufacturing, and will use its funds in the partnership to 3D print Semplastics’ durable polymer-derived ceramic created by its patent-pending X-MAT® process. 

The Semplastics and Nano Dimension collaboration will focus on rapid production of 3D high thickness and low density ceramic objects in small batches at a relatively low cost for designated aerospace applications. 

Bill Easter, CEO of Semplastics, said lightweight durability and thermal resistance of the X-MAT ceramic material are crucial for the needs of the aerospace industry, but creating the structures are expensive and time-consuming from design to final assembly. 

“We are excited to work with Nano Dimension and receive the benefits of their expertise to expose even more applications for our unique ceramic material,” Easter said.

Semplastics received a Phase II grant for $750,000 in 2016 from the NASA Small Business Research and Innovation (SBIR) program to develop the novel material into highly precise mirrors for use in satellites for space observation.

 

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About Semplastics, LLC

For more than 17 years, Semplastics has served the semiconductor industry by providing precision plastic parts for semiconductor manufacturing and development, focusing on polymeric materials and their applications. Semplastics’ Advanced Materials Division,

X-MAT, has developed new material systems based on polymer-derived ceramics (PDC).

X-MAT® material systems are the foundation for several R&D opportunities including NASA space mirrors.

 

About Space Florida

Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce.  As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, they are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses.   With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for the aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov

About the UCF Business Incubation Program

The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises.   Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. 

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs.  Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51B on regional sales and $2.48B on regional economic output.  During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program.   For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu