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Yep. So what? ENGEL and LQMT say they have it licked now. Pending proof otherwise, I think I'll go with their word over your speculation if that's copasetic?
Good luck w/ ur GTAT.
LQMT and ENGEL MIM machines reportedly produces a "tree" of identical parts, when cool hardened, in mere minutes.
http://liquidmetal.com/our-process/finishing/
De-gating
"Liquidmetal parts need to be removed from the "tree" that is generated when injected into the mold. These excess features include the sprue, runner and gate. The simplest means of removing this material is to use a water-jet system where the "tree" is clamped into a fixture and quickly cut, leaving only the parts with a non-cosmetic quality surface where the gate was removed. In some cases...the surface will need to be processed further."
For APPLE, yes, extra finishing is undoubtedly required - perhaps further CNC milling for adding proprietary features and cosmetics - but the refined MIM process IDEALLY yields maximum qty. with minimum rejection.
More true now than ever since LQMT has moved past the previous "die-cast" process that was subject to QC rejection.
**All the above is subject to PROOF that the upgraded ENGEL machines w/ bolt-on components work as advertised for LQMT. Many parts in minutes vs. one per ten minutes and more durable /scratch and dent resistant.
As much $$$ and effort as they've put into LQMT patents and testing - Why wouldn't APPLE go this direction ASAP?
Again, lots of questions for the CC in two weeks. After revenues, and client "WIN" disclosures: Will Steipp demo and prove the ENGEL machine works at the Medical Days.
Great work. Thanks for the links and info. FOXCONN could be APPLE's choice for future LQMT case or component production.
FOXCONN advanced materials division has a patent(s) for a hardened version of LQMT.
We know that ENGEL and LQMT have finished their add-on / bolt-on upgrade to make "trees" of parts in minutes with minimal extra finishing required.
In a price competitive market like China, why wouldn't APPLE go that direction ASAP?
yep, APPLE negotiated ENGEL into LQMT partnership for a reason - to work together for LQMT next generation APPLE CE: That was ALWAYS one of the benefits of working with APPLE. Hadn't that been confirmed here already?
APPLE has aggressively helped drive LQMT-based patents into many new marketing opportunities.
e.g. "Fisher & Paykal" makes appliances which have electric components and need repetitive cycle mechanical parts, failure detection switches etc.
From the article:
"...MIM component...significance lies in its volumes and its potential to be converted to Apple’s growing interest in liquid metal injection molding...Apple is making parts with a specially developed press from Engel, a global leader in injection molding.
One drawback is LQMT materials’ cost. The metals used in the Liquidmetal process are more expensive than the powder metals used in MIM. "
Tom Steipp reported last / 3rd "Q" they had reduced the LQMT price 10 fold. If true and confirmed during the CC in 2 weeks we could be off to the races.
That reduction opens so many other markets to an "affordable" production option especially with the ENGEL machine turnkey component.
I'm certainly ready to invest now that the PPS has come back to a decent speculative value.
CONGRATS !! I wondered if anyone else would catch that !! Winner winner chicken dinner !
APPLE has some 'splainin' to do...obviously a "metal" with very smoothly rounded profile, sexy and typical of MIM as opposed to pure CNC milling with massive post-finishing to achieve the aesthetics. That much milling would waste tremendous material and TIME.
>>>Here's a not-so-novel thought: Why not start with a LQMT molded case and then CNC mill in various cosmetic and functional features post-mold?<<<
If it's a LQMT case was it made for APPLE by FOXCONN utilizing their alloy powder process and using ENGEL's or another MIM machine and robotics LOL ?
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-11/foxconn-might-assemble-your-next-smartphone-in-indonesia-by-robots
The commentator does not post often there -about every two months - so he must have had something on his mind:
jan van iperen
person in progress: Dutch, driven and passionate entrepreneur, focused on creating fruitful connections.
Holland ·
http://sonnydickson.com/2014/02/13/could-this-be-apples-next-iphone-the-iphone-6/
16M shares in 2 hrs has to be a record for LQMT ! If PPS recovers to .28 today it will be a miracle. The $20M LOC has been tapped IMO...100M~ shares to be absorbed one chunk at a time.
Congrats on the astute observation re: LQMT needing more sales or they might go out of business. Looks to be the same version of the same take - only a different day.
We all look forward to more and more of the same catch phrases like "Liquidation Metal not Liquid Metal."
LOL - "fasty" and "watty" and you make up a tidy 'lil cabal of convenience.
Mozoltov !
ummm....non sequitur. Just the facts... reading good.
LQMT patent w/ ENGEL Machine - Link here to PR. Just the facts.
ENGEL sells the machine and makes a profit. The "add-on" is part of the machine (if LQMT is to be used).
Crucible (LQMT's LLC) and APPLE helped but the machine is ENGELS. LQMT indicates they have a relationship to ENGEL, too. See 3rd "Q" report and below link.
Therefore the relationship with LQMT and ENGEL is relevant to the bottom line for LQMT.
APPLE'S relationship with LQMT does not extend to ENGEL machines - PERIOD.
"...we have developed our 3rd Generation Liquidmetal Injection Molding system in cooperation with Engel (based in Austria).
We have utilized Engel’s standard plastics injection-molding platform as a foundation with simple bolt-on components."
http://liquidmetal.com/our-process/liquidmetal-injection-molding/
Mr. Hansen departed LQMT for other opportunities most likely e.g. he's Managing Partner of Cobalt Development Partners LLC. Only 58 so it isn't an age issue. He's not overpaid but not underpaid either...In my experience, board seats are a business version of musical chairs and are a financially and politically susceptible position.
I have to ask: Was his resignation entirely voluntary ? i.e. did he jump or was he pushed? Is there a golden parachute TBD?
Here's a not so novel thought...Perhaps one of the LQMT partners "requested" a seat on the board to have direct input as part of an agreement ? e.g. the $20M LOC capital investors or ENGEL / Visser etc. ?
Or, on the cusp of the "BBD" (bigger better deal) companies (like women ) are looking to upgrade partners to match their greater aspirations.
No one knows...LMQT remaining board members need to vote someone in ASAP to fill Mr. Hansen's shoes. So, we may have a clue with the new guys' associations. Until then, it's not on my radar of important issues.
http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=551310&ticker=LQMT
http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/people/relationship.asp?personId=547624&ticker=LQMT
LQMT needs a contract "WIN" ASAP. Prototype tread mill revenues and "tests" ad nauseum won't boost the PPS beyond March.
ENGEL machines MUST be TRULY de-bugged or they wouldn't have Steipp co-presenting with the big boys. ENGEL, worlds' largest MIM company w/ $1B in sales, has too much on the line re: their OWN credibility.
Best case scenario: LQMT has a paying client(s) with recurring license income which they (and ENGEL) want to showcase for the medical and non-CE industry. Let's hope Mr. Hamme from B-D is impressed enough to facilitate introductions.
truetrue. I'm guessing the iPhone photo is an early production prototype only, and LQMT cases are probably not ready for prime time. A "fast track" ramp up worthy of a devoted factory like "GT Advanced" (GTAT) would be in the works or "inked" by now if APPLE needed LQMT cases for Oct. '14 iPhone 6's.
For now: The optimistic angle is they are evaluating the ENGEL machines EVENTUALLY replacing the CNC systems they spent $1B on a couple years back and placing them in their existing shell space.
Of course, inner components (17 patents worth of engineering pluses for LQMT) would be a quicker sell for CE product lifetime durability.
I'm looking to the ENGEL non-CE application$ for rev$ this last and next "Q's" to come. I want those forward PE multiples in the equation to figure PPS.
Steipp should provide a head's up re: developments there in two weeks since they're on the record with their ENGEL Medical Days alliance.
Good catch, LQMT surface matches iPhone case prototype photo very well indeed !
However, it can be upgraded or modified per LQMT.
http://liquidmetal.com/our-process/finishing/
Surface Treatment
Most customers chose to utilize the as-molded finish of the Liquidmetal parts. This allows us to do a minimal amount of extra processing on the surface and leaves the customer with a finish that matches the surface roughness of the mold.
If a polished mold is specified, it is typical to see Liquidmetal parts come out of the tool with a surface roughness of 0.025-0.050µm (1-2µin). The best corrosion resistance also occurs with an as-molded product.
In some cases, customers may determine that a blasted finish is optimal for aesthetic reasons. A variety of blasting media can be used for this, including Zirconia, Alumina, Silica, etc. This can be discussed further with Liquidmetal engineers.
Other options for part finishes include painting and even PVD (physical vapor deposition).
ENGEL machine progress: Processing Liquidmetal® alloy is challenging because it is highly reactive to oxygen in its molten state. Thus Liquidmetal alloy must be processed quickly and under highly controlled vacuum.
***To meet these requirements, we have developed our 3rd Generation Liquidmetal Injection Molding system in cooperation with Engel (based in Austria).
Reading between the lines. "A customer success story will also be presented by Fisher & Paykel."
If LQMT is included in the same paragraph as ENGEL, Nypromold and Fisher as a success story then there is cause for upbeat extrapolation. Could it be unwarranted? Yes...but I'm leaning toward warranted.
I'm leaning toward a profitable synergistic relationship between these players thereby causing VISSER troubled sleep. Let's settle up and move on...
Regardless, ENGEL machines production status & revenues (?) and the "Fisher" story will be good question for the 4th "Q" / FY conference call in a couple weeks. Maybe Steipp will volunteer some answers unprompted.
Otherwise it's difficult justifying the 90% PPS increase and .29 support level on 7X's the usual volume unless someone knows something.
Quote:
"The ENGEL Medical Day event will consist of technical presentations by both ENGEL specialists and a wide variety of industry experts including Mr. Harry Hamme (ex- Becton-Dickenson), Bill Muldoon of NyproMold and Tom Steipp of Liquid Metal Technologies. A customer success story will also be presented by "Fisher & Paykel".
From Sept. 2011:
Thomas Steipp, Liquidmetal President and CEO, commented, “We are excited about the opportunity to work with ENGEL to develop the next generation of injection molding machines incorporating the exceptional qualities of our Liquidmetal technology. By partnering with technology and manufacturing leaders such as ENGEL, we ensure our customers of extraordinary quality and unlimited ability to scale production.”
Incorrect. Revenues in 4th Q (e.g. December '13) are not disclosed. At this point there is no disclosure or announcement either way i.e. NO ONE knows anything about ENGEL revenues...Please check your facts.
Good point. It seems that some LQMT formula version surfaces (when magnified) appear more or less "grainy", or at least less consistently smooth than typical finished brushed CNC cut aluminum -
Is the LQMT pictured pre-finished or unfinished?
...or the extra hardened / durable versions have that feature?
Total guess.
ENGEL selling LQMT to "Fisher & Paykal" and "Sterling Mfg."- the definition of a win-win relationship.
"The ENGEL Medical Day event will consist of technical presentations by both ENGEL specialists and industry experts including Mr. Harry Hamme (retired from Becton-Dickenson), Bill Muldoon of NyproMold and Tom Steipp of Liquid Metal Technologies.
***A customer success story will also be presented by Sterling Manufacturing.
During the Medical Day 2014 event, ENGEL will showcase four molding systems specifically designed for medical applications, and demonstrating some of the most recent developments in both equipment and technologies for the medical molding industry."
BTW - Harry Hamme is the former "Strategic Sourcing Mgr." at BECTON-DICKENSON MICROBIOLOGY hmmm...anybody ever heard of them? I wonder if he has any contacts there?
http://bd.com/
http://www.sterlingmfg.net/
http://www.engelglobal.com/engel_web/ena/en/2723_4247.htm
http://www.nypromold.com/
Do your due diligence before investing...
"Fisher & Paykal" making LQMT parts with ENGEL machines? They make CONSUMER GOODS - A LOT of them.
News report: "Fisher & Paykal" is a LQMT success story at the ENGEL conference in April.
http://www.engelglobal.com/engel_web/ena/en/2723_4684.htm
http://www.fisherpaykel.com/us/
"The ENGEL Medical Day event will consist of technical presentations by both ENGEL specialists and a wide variety of industry experts including Mr. Harry Hamme, Bill Muldoon of NyproMold and Tom Steipp of Liquid Metal Technologies. A customer success story will also be presented by Fisher & Paykel."
No. A little dot.COMEDY: mechtech.com might be offline.
http://liquidmetal.com/
ENGEL's conflict with VISSER and LQMT. 4th "Q" report around 2/26/14 will be worth listening to...that's far in advance of the "Medical Days" March conference.
On Nov. 7, 2013 - 3rd "Q" Steipp said, "...our strategic path forward consists of two parallel tracks.
1st, identify cornerstone applications in global accounts (See "Medical Days" lonks) and produce viable production parts (& prototypes via VISSER & ENGEL) that validate the capabilities of Liquidmetal in competitive markets.
****The second track is to provide the ability for licensees to research, design and produce their own Liquidmetal parts. The ENGEL announcement is a significant step forward for these licensing initiatives."
Gee, ya think ? ENGEL - World's largest MIM machine manufacturer?
The stink: VISSER sees that as an infringement on their deal to be the sole source mfg. for LQMT aka MONOPOLY on all non-CE mfg...
That is UNREALISTIC since ENGEL come thru HUGE for LQMT.
LQMT alloy potentially corners the early market on LQMT proprietary alloy (e.g. "ink") in a proprietary MIM machine (e.g. "ink jet machine") available ONLY thru ENGEL.
Confirmation LQMT will benefit from ENGEL $ale$ is Thom Steipp's answer to a question from an investor: "I was curious with regards to the new turnkey model with ENGEL, does Liquidmetal derive any income off of the sale of the turnkey machines?"
Answer: "I think it's $afe to say that we have a very good relationship with them. We put a significant amount of R&D into the machines and we have IP on those. So there is $ome relationship, but not one that I am free to comment on at this point in time."
Their relationship is very CLOSE to being revealed IMO...
Does APPLE also want to buy ENGEL machines?
Does Lockheed-Martin?
Does Covidien?
Any company that wants to buy ENGEL machines (or molds for that matter) for mfg. use wants to be sure LQMT has cleared the path.
http://www.sterlingmfg.net/
One more thing: Is "Fisher & Paykal" a success story at the ENGEL conference in April?
HINT: They make CONSUMER GOODS ! A LOT of them...What are they making with ENGEL machines and LQMT?
http://www.engelglobal.com/engel_web/ena/en/2723_4684.htm
http://www.fisherpaykel.com/us/
"The ENGEL Medical Day event will consist of technical presentations by both ENGEL specialists and a wide variety of industry experts including Mr. Harry Hamme, Bill Muldoon of NyproMold and Tom Steipp of Liquid Metal Technologies. A customer success story will also be presented by Fisher & Paykel."
3rd "Q" transcript reinforces ENGEL's conflict with VISSER and LQMT.
Nov. 7, 2013
Steipp says, "...our strategic path forward consists of two parallel tracks.
1st, identify cornerstone applications in global accounts and produce viable production parts (& prototypes via VISSER) that validate the capabilities of Liquidmetal in competitive markets. The Lockheed Martin's canard, illustrates the progress that we're making on this front.
****The second track is to provide the ability for licensees to research, design and produce their own Liquidmetal parts. The ENGEL announcement is a significant step forward for these licensing initiatives."
VISSER sees that as an infringement on their deal to be the sole source mfg. for LQMT aka MONOPOLY on all non-CE mfg. .
That is UNREALISTIC now that ENGEL has come thru for LQMT.
LQMT alloy potentially corners the early market on LQMT proprietary alloy (e.g. "ink") in a proprietary MIM machine (e.g. "ink jet machine") available ONLY thru ENGEL.
Confirmation LQMT will benefit from ENGEL sales is Thom Steipp's answer to a question from an investor: "I was curious with regards to the new turnkey model with ENGEL, does Liquidmetal derive any income off of the sale of the turnkey machines?"
"We don't really comment on how things have broken out. I think it's safe to say that we have a very good relationship with them. We put a significant amount of R&D into the machines and we have IP on those. So there is some relationship, but not one that I am free to comment on at this point in time."
We know Steipp reported that VISSER bought "some" ENGEL machines late 2012 early 2013.
Does APPLE also want to buy ENGEL machines?
Does Lockheed-Martin?
Any company that wants to buy ENGEL machines for mfg. use wants to be sure LQMT has cleared the path.
VISSER/LQMT conflicted RE:ENGEL machines sales for mfg. LQMT based products by "others".
Reading between the lines: It's "Bullish" that LQMT has other interested non-Consumer Electronics clients ready to move forward once VISSER is satisfied they won't be left entirely in the cold.
That's obvious or else there would be no need for arbitration.
++Plus++ VISSER is asking for more shares in compensation. That's an easy solution.
"....LQMT agreed to engage Visser as a perpetual, exclusive manufacturer of non-consumer electronic products and to not, directly or indirectly, conduct manufacturing operations, subcontract for the manufacture of products or components or grant a license to any other party to conduct manufacturing operations, except for certain limited exceptions.
Is it possible LQMT wants to exercise their right to "limited exceptions" and Visser objects? They'll reach a happy medium.
Steipp has already signaled as much in his 3rd "Q" audio call.
**PPS stabilized at .28 as new support level...much better than .16 a month ago.
IMO - a MM or investor is defending that level and / or acquiring more stock now that they have a full position around that avg. PPS.
Exercised 200K warrants .08ea converted to common stock - and "Gifted" them to a trust or family member or friend or charity?
Salas remaining 800K warrants expiring in 2023?
He exercised the "Option to Buy" for 200K on 2/6/14?
800K shares remaining vesting at 1.66% per calendar over 5 years?
No big deal, in fact, it sounds semi-bullish to me on the part of Richard Salas Exec VP to accept warrants for partial compensation, providing he EARNS it.
If he gave them to charity then he REALLY doesn't need the cash...even better.
He'll have earned it if there is a LQMT sale announced in 3 weeks.
17 APPLE Patents for LQMT revealed in Dec. / Jan. are FACTS not fluff. Admittedly, if I'd ivested 3 -5 years ago I'd be impatient and disappointed in how long it's taking to "get there".
Clearly, APPLE wants to use LQMT for more than an iPhone 3G SIMM card tool in 2010 or there would have been no further patents...makes sense to me.
Meawhile: Nothing I've read persuades me that LQMT is not a real company with a real product overseeing improvements in alloy and mfg. processes with little $$$ outflow from LQMT, thanks to APPLE who are $pending million$ of their R&D talent, time and $$$.
Remember, the company got off to a near disasterous false start and eyes bigger than their stomach. LQMT was not ready for prime time in more ways than one.
***My Take: Steipp came on the same day as the APPLE signing and turned a money pit of a bloated battleship business model around in a typhoon and re-made LQMT into a sleek, prototype engineering and IP licensing company with commissions / licensing fees and royalties from ENGEL, MATERION and VISSER for starters.
That's in the bottom line each "Q".
Let's see if the bottom line grew this "Q" and if a 3-4 year production span LQMT based product will be announced in 3 weeks.
January 9, '14 published patent - has it been viewed / reviewed?
http://www.patentbuddy.com/Patent/20140010259;jsessionid=3C450ED0059F593FD53AD164F63F8699
LQMT EAPS missile canards delivered to Lockheed and installed. Flight testing soon...or so "Army Technology.com" says.
http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsliquidmetal-missile-canards-lockheeds-eaps
"Liquidmetal Technologies business development EVP Dr. Bruce Bromage said: "Lockheed Martin has been an ideal development partner for this breakthrough application for Liquidmetal Technologies, creating a high-precision, high-performance part at a lower cost."
CNC Machining is "so yesterday" in today's value-added military economy....
FDA says: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/510kClearances/default.htm
Timing ? No problem for "Substantially Equal"...IMO an "anvil"...it's a Class I item.
e.g. Engineering, prototypes, controlled lab testing cycle, confirm mfg. equipment & supply chain, board approval, procurement.
Approx. 9 - 12 mos.
"FDA classification of a device is determined by the amount
of regulation necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Under the Medical Device Amendments...as amended by the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 devices are to be classified into Class I (general controls) if there is information showing that the general controls of the act are sufficient to ensure safety and effectiveness."
4th "Q" LQMT earnings (FY) Wednesday February 26 '14. IF...they follow last years' timing. It'll be a live webcast too !
From the LQMT website:
Q4 2012 Liquidmetal Technologies Earnings Conference Call
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 4:30 p.m. ET
Webcast Presentation
Event Details
Title Q4 2012 Liquidmetal Technologies Earnings Conference Call
Date and Time Tuesday, February 26, 2013 4:30 p.m. ET
LQMT Staple Anvil prototypes under evaluation. See LQMT "BLOG" page 1 from Jan. 19, 2014. See "Anvil Buckets" shown on video @ 3:00 of the 3:58 video from "Covidien" - link below.
http://info.liquidmetal.com/blog
LQMT Medical devices / equipment mfg faster (le$$) and made more durable? Outstanding....Sounds like a growing market under today's healthcare cost reduction mandate.
"Typical surgical staples utilize stainless steel and titanium alloys which fire with controlled force sometimes excising and joining tissues simultaneously. The consistent shape and strength of the stapled tissue depends on the reliable and precisely formed staple shapes when the fired staples strike the anvil pockets. The process of staple formation can be seen in this YouTube video demonstration published by BusinessWire on Covidien's Tri-Staple(TM) technology device."
***Covidien Stapler Video:
Thanks ! Very much looking forward to it...it's an education reading your posts and links.
LQMT appears to be truly a game-changer alloy and their collaboration with "APPLE" could yield tremendous IP for both entities.
It makes me wonder what APPLE / LQMT shared patents have been filed in the last year thru "Crucible" that we haven't seen !
LQMT impresses me with their partners. "ENGEL" and "Materion" (NYSE: MTRN) are immensely well-respected, fiscally responsible corporations that would not partner w/ LQMT and invest $$$ and engineering effort to re-tool and advance their mfg. equipment and alloy processes unless their own INTERNAL Due Diligence informed them that SIGNIFICANT profits will result.
Hey "APPLE" and LQMT investors!! Does this look faster than a CNC unit?
LQMT has "ENGEL" and "Materion" (NYSE: MTRN) as corporate partners...couldn't happen unless...unless their own INTERNAL Due Diligence informed them that SIGNIFICANT profits will result.
http://materion.com/Businesses/AdvancedMaterialsGroup.aspx
Adding "Tactile sensations" to a deformable lens using an infallible rebounding / indestructible "Liquidmetal" substrate is an upgrade to current APPLE products. For now they are a spell check and auto-correct nightmare for most users.
People still like their Blackberry's because they have tactile feedback thru touch sensitive keyboards.
Is the sapphire lens that APPLE is subsidizing / co-opting mfg. for "GT Advanced" in Mesa deformable?
Here is an introduction video to "MATERION" - one of LQMT's parters. IMPRESSIVE.
LQMT ONLY works in "Engel" equipment. It took tons of IP and testing and re-tooling to solidify the process to work right w/ LQMT alloy (per LQMT 3rd Q" audio report).
Engel's video is impressive.
"LQMT Alloy came down in cost by a 10X factor ...replacing parts with cycle times in the hours in minutes" (CNC vs. MIM with LQ).
Redchip's Oct '12 Investor Conference: These conferences are attended by sophisticated investors and analysts.
Apple's iPhone6 may be based on...LiquidMetal Technologies (LQMT), a spin off from Caltech University. MacRumors notes that Apple, which has used aluminum in the iPhone, has done some testing with Liquidmetal materials.
There’s also been a bunch of patent applications filed in the past year that use Liquidmetal alloys and while the patents are not assigned to Apple, MacRumors notes that“the inventors listed on the patents are Apple employees who have routinely been associated with the company’s work on Liquidmetal alloys in the past.”
http://www.forbes.com/sites/connieguglielmo/2014/01/18/apple-loop-great-things-coming-iphone-6-rumor-roundup-jobs-biographer-says-google-rules-mac-turns-30/
Video presentation from "Redchip" conference 10/2012 (PowerPoint)and is very informative. These conferences are attended by sophisticated investors and analysts.