Michael Kramer

"If I want to build a surfboard, I take a block of something and shave away everything that doesn't look like a surfboard," said Michael Kramer, vice president of Foam Matrix.The process behind making an airplane wing, he says, can be remarkably similar.
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Kramer, 42, was at first skeptical of bringing surfing technology to what he said was an industry wrapped in convention.

"I'd groan and say, `These airplane guys, they're not going to like this surfing stuff,"' he said.

Michael Kramer, Foam Matrix' vice president, said "In my experience in aerospace, structures like this would be impossible to build using honeycomb technology. Our new AirCor technology eliminates the cost, durability and manufacturing penalties typically involved with conventional honeycomb structures."

Kramer continued, "The AirCor system allows thick structures without faying surface bonds.

Foam Matrix vice president Michael Kramer offered this insight, "Every day we go to work determined to come up with technology that will revolutionize the aerospace industry.

Michael Kramer, Foam Matrix' vice president, said "In my experience in aerospace, structures like this would be impossible to build using honeycomb technology.Our new AirCor technology eliminates the cost, durability and manufacturing penalties typically involved with conventional honeycomb structures."

Kramer continued, "The AirCor system allows thick structures without faying surface bonds.Initial indications show that this construction method is more durable, lighter weight and significantly lower cost than conventional composite or metallic structures."

Several test articles undergoing initial testing prove AirCor technology's ability to maintain liquids or gases under pressure within the composite cavity.Strength and structural integrity are maintained under loads approximating those of actual flight conditions.

The new derivative technology has been under development for the last 18 months.

Michael Kramer, VP Marketing, Foam Matrix

Michael Kramer, director of programs at Foam Matrix, estimates the final price of FMC components at half the cost of parts made by traditional methods with more conventional materials, such as machined foam or honeycomb.Lower cost, though, doesn't mean lower quality."With a machined core, tolerance stack-ups between the core and tool must be perfect," explains Kramer."With FMC, the cote is molded in the final tool with offsets, giving the right thickness for the dry material without resorting to expensive machining."Because the process is unique, Foam Matrix worked closely with Boeing engineers early in the design process, to make sure the UCAV wing would benefit from the advantages of the FMC process.

Foam Matrix's innovative design and production of the UCAV wings earned it a 2002 Supplier Innovation Award from Boeing, making it the first Phantom Works supplier to receive this award.Foam Matrix is also working with Boeing to apply FMC to a C-17 engine nacelle component and to replacement parts for aging aircraft.A Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the Air Force covers further development of the manufacturing technology.

Michael Kramer, director of programs at Foam Matrix, estimates the final price of FMC components at half the cost of parts made by traditional methods with more conventional materials, such as machined foam or honeycomb.Lower cost, though, doesn't mean lower quality."With a machined core, tolerance stack-ups between the core and tool must be perfect," explains Kramer.

Mike Kramer Advisor Foam Matrix 310-680-0777 310-770-3400 m.kramer@foammatrix.com

Unmanned Systems, Michael Kraemer, Foam Matrix Inc

Mike Kramer (310) 680-0777 x21