MA-based Micro Flex Circuit Maker Metrigraphics Marks 50 Years in Business

Hitting a half century leads company officials to remember firm's origins in the nuclear defense industry and to look toward the future.

2013-04-06

WILMINGTON, MA, April 06, 2013 (Press-News.org) Fifty years ago, when former owner Dynamic Research Corporation (DRC) wanted to begin manufacturing components for the encoder systems it made, company officials could hardly have imagined where their decision would lead.

Now, well into the 21st century, Metrigraphics LLC is a leading provider of photolithography, thin film sputtering and dielectric thin films and patterned electroform components, as well as a completely independent company in its own right.

In 1963, DRC, which designed and manufactured guidance and control systems for nuclear missiles and submarines, acquired a small firm that made rotary and linear encoder components required for the motion controls systems essential to DRC's complete products.

Now, Metrigraphics still designs and manufactures encoder components, but the Massachusetts company also has gained recognition for its ability to produce precise, micro flex circuits with conductive traces and spaces as small as 0.003mm for industries as diverse as medical and pharma, space and defense, and computer peripherals.

"We've developed our core technologies of photolithography, thin film processing, and precision electroforming to the point where we can plate as thin as a half micron," Metrigraphics President and CEO Randolph J. Sablich said.

"These core capabilities allow us to support our customers' applications in an increasingly diverse variety of markets."

Medical device components are one area where Metrigraphics expects to see continued growth well into the future. One example is bio sensor components, which the company featured at a recent trade show.

"These components can be used in sensors that are implantable, hand held, free standing, or equipment based," Sablich said, adding that Metrigraphics' expertise in micro environments is crucial in the bio device market.

"Our ability to connect bio device components at sub-miniature levels is vital for a variety of bio-compatibility applications, including subcutaneous use, single-use, removable in-body devices, and short-term and long-term implants," he said.

In recognition of Metrigraphics' 50 years in business, Micro Manufacturing magazine recently posted an extended video interview with Sablich and Fred Pitman, Metrigraphics' director, marketing and sales, along with a video tour of Metrigraphics' facility.

"The videos do a great job of highlighting the major advancements we've made in the fields of thin film processing, photolithography, and precision electroforming," Sablich said. "We were pleased that Micro Manufacturing chose to acknowledge our contributions to both the past and the present."

Massachusetts-based Metrigraphics has been a leading manufacturer of specialty flex circuits for a wide range of applications. Working closely with its customers, the Wilmington-based company creates custom precision micro circuits with features ranging in size from 2-10 microns and up to 6 metal layers with a variety of dielectrics in addition to its electroforming capabilities and process services. Call 1.800.261.2557 for more information.

Website: http://www.metrigraphicsllc.com

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