(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Manufacturers sometimes face technical challenges beyond the scope of in-house expertise or experience. It’s important for them to focus on finding the right partners and advisors to help them navigate these obstacles and remain competitive.

The Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI), based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is one of those resources. MPI is a regional office of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MMA-MEP, Mississippi MEP), which is part of the MEP National Network. MPI is a nonprofit industrial outreach organization housed at the University of Southern Mississippi (as its fight song goes, Southern Miss to the Top) that fosters business growth through precision testing, third-party quality investigations, product development, scale-up, manufacturing troubleshooting, and specialized workforce training.

MPI employs specialty scientists, which many companies don’t employ in-house. MPI is ISO accredited and has a variety of lab equipment, such as biofreezers, warm rooms, autoclaves, and industry-standard analytical, synthesis, and manufacturing equipment.

Here’s an MMA-MEP success story that illustrates the power of specialty technology resources.

Specialty tech resource helps identify opportunities

Chromis Technologies, a client of MMA-MEP, is a New Jersey-based company with products that include complex and rare polymer films and coatings used in many demanding industrial applications such as microelectronics, optical fibers, membranes, 3D printing, and more. As Chromis expanded into new areas, it recognized the need for specialty laboratory equipment and skilled polymer experts to support its product development, testing, and commercialization.

MPI’s expertise helped Chromis test and collect data about its polymers, including:
• Transparency at different wavelengths
• Reactions to various organic solvents and corrosive chemicals
• Ability to repel water and oils
• Stability at extreme temperatures
• Permeability to various mixed gases

Through the connection made by MMA-MEP, and the assistance MPI provided, Chromis was able to extend its CyclAFlor line far beyond its initial optical applications.

MPI has also helped:
• Improve Chromis’ recycling to recover almost 100% of valuable materials from discarded end products, which can be reused at a fraction of the cost of virgin materials.
• Develop research and development (R&D) and scalable production services for manufacturers.
• Expand its custom outsourcing for developing and producing composite and free-standing films.
• By shifting some operations from New Jersey to Mississippi, Chromis will increase efficiency in product development and secure additional commercial contracts, all while bolstering economic growth in both states.

The Chromis success story is just one example of how the MEP National Network helps manufacturers address many “what if” scenarios and bring expertise to niche markets. MPI is a shining example of how an MEP center has the resources to improve companies’ technology, processes, and products.

Your local MEP center can connect you to specialty resources

Organizations like MMA-MEP and MPI are important in offering differentiated and value-added services to manufacturers. Your local MEP center is part of a larger network that provides access to specialty resources like institutes, labs, or accelerators. Contact your local MEP center to get started.