Learn More About: Potomac Photonics

On November 3, bwtech@UMBC will be hosting BioBuzz for two hours of networking, knowledge-sharing, and cocktails. In advance of this great event, we will be sharing stories about some of the companies that illustrate the success of bwtech's incubators and research park. First out of the gate:Potomac Photonics, a micro-manufacturer that entered bwtech in 2014 and has been growing steadily ever since.

What makes your company stand out?

Potomac Photonics has a long track record of developing advanced manufacturing solutions that enable our customers to develop and bring their micro products to the market. Located at bwtech@UMBC we have built an impressive workspace filled with technologies such as laser systems, 3D printers, micro-CNC systems, hot embossing and assembly units capable of achieving features as small as 1 micron (diameter of hair is 75 microns). We are committed to fostering strong partnerships with Universities, Government Institutions and Private industry to push the limits of technology and help bring manufacturing back to the USA. In fact, our Education Manufacturing Initiative has provided a significant amount of support, resources and funding to Universities to help foster research in many areas such as biotechnology, aerospace engineering and physics.

What are your secrets for success?

Potomac Photonics has developed a culture focused on People, Equipment and Technology (PET) that has helped us grow and achieve success in many areas. We have been benchmarked by several organizations to understand how we have successfully trained, promoted and provided opportunity to sub-degree employees, many of whom have successfully risen to the level of Engineer or Management. Our passion for manufacturing and miniaturization has been cited by NASA (https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2015/ip_3.html), and we have been invited to many conferences and events (including Capitol Hill) to showcase our technology. Most importantly, we are dedicated to helping our customers achieve the impossible by providing them with solutions to manufacture their next generation devices in both prototyping and production.

In one paragraph, what are some of your most notable accomplishments?

We have proven that manufacturing in the United States is alive and well. We have developed and implemented technology to fabricate devices for very localized radiation treatment of cancer, acceleration of drug discovery, further space research and exploration, implantable devices, and many more. Our customers rely on us to fabricate their complex devices in prototyping and production. Due to the complexity of the problems we are solving, our portion of the overall production process typically cannot be outsourced overseas. We recognize the value of this holds, and are dedicated to continually improving our technology in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Wow, that's quite a resume!  How do you encourage innovation within your company?

We push the limits of technology on a regular basis. Each day, when we receive requests from our customers to help them find a manufacturing solution for their product, it seems as though it is always on the edge of what is possible. Our R&D group is focused on developing advanced manufacturing technologies to keep us ahead of the competition, and meet our customer needs.

Thanks, Potomac Photonics! For more on Potomac Photonics, see the links below. Stay tuned for more profiles of bwtech@UMBC companies coming up! Next up: Grip Boost.