About Us

 

Ultramet engineers, develops, and manufactures refractory metals, platinum group metals, and ceramics for demanding applications that meet the needs of the aerospace, defense, biomedical, and energy industries.

 

Founded in 1970 to provide custom high temperature materials for the chemical and nuclear industries, Ultramet is an established world-class research and development company that specializes in chemical vapor deposition of advanced materials. Simultaneously, Ultramet manufactures a range of advanced materials products such as high performance thrust chambers used in satellite propulsion systems and open-cell foam used in orthopedic implant devices.

 

 

Ultramet is committed to high quality standards, exceptional customer satisfaction, and continual improvement. To achieve these goals, Ultramet maintains a quality management system that is ISO 9001:2008 certified for the following activities: manufacturing and chemical vapor deposition of refractory metals, platinum group metals, and ceramics in the form of coatings, freestanding shapes, composites, and open-cell foam.


Since 1983, Ultramet has actively participated in the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs with agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and Department of Energy. From work that began with SBIR/STTR support, Ultramet has developed licensed technology and products that have led to millions of dollars in commercial investment and ongoing direct sales. In addition, Ultramet has spun-off three companies from programs originally supported with SBIR/STTR funding.


Ultramet’s research and development staff covers the fields of materials engineering, chemistry, metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, ceramic engineering, and mechanical engineering. This multidisciplinary team is supported by complete fabrication and machining, characterization, analysis, and inspection facilities.

 

 

Company Profile

 

Ultramet, a California corporation, develops advanced materials solutions for government and commercial markets driven by extreme environments and high performance.


Ultramet devises the manufacturing methods to produce the desired components and manufactures or licenses said components with a commitment to quality and reproducibility.


Ultramet specializes in the chemical vapor deposition of refractory metals, platinum group metals, and ceramics in the form of coatings, freestanding shapes, composites, and porous materials.

 

 

Mission Statement

 

To be the world’s first choice for engineered advanced materials solutions, showcasing our ability to solve challenging problems in an environment where everyone counts, everyone cares, and everyone delivers.

 

 

Quality Policy Statement

 

Ultramet is committed to providing quality products and services to meet the requirements of our customers. We strive to continually improve the effectiveness of our quality management system by establishing and reviewing our quality objectives.

 

 

Facilities and Equipment

 

Ultramet occupies more than two acres of commercial property in the San Fernando Valley of northwestern Los Angeles that encompasses 5,400 square feet of office space and 77,000 square feet of industrial plant and laboratory space.

 

 

Chemical Vapor Deposition and Heat Treatment

  • Twenty-one low frequency induction heaters, 15–125 kW

  • Two high frequency induction heaters, 5 and 15 kW

  • Three resistance heaters, 15 kW

  • Four ultraviolet-assisted chemical vapor deposition stations

  • Two electric furnaces: 1700°C and 1200°C

  • Two mechanical convection ovens: 565°C and 343°C

Analysis

  • Scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer

  • X-ray diffractometer with stress analysis system

  • Automatic mechanical test system

  • Sebastian adherence tester

  • Microhardness measurement system

  • Stereomicroscope and optical microscope, both with digital camera

  • BET and chemisorption equipment

  • Thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry system

  • Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer

Inspection

  • Coordinate measuring machine

  • Two optical comparators

  • Four stereomicroscopes

  • Toolmaker’s microscope with micrometer stage

  • Proof pressure and helium leak capabilities

  • Dye penetrant inspection facility

Machine Shop

  • CNC lathe and grinder with Mastercam three-dimensional design software

  • OD, ID, and centerless grinders

  • Conventional mills and lathes

  • Automated lapping machines and surface grinders

Reticulated Vitreous Carbon Foam and Rhenium Manufacturing

  • Six carbon furnaces

  • Three hydrogen reduction furnaces

  • Two pellet presses