Category Archive: Metamaterials

Metamaterials are an exciting new classification of man-made composites that have tunable electromagnetic (EM) or acoustic properties. With calculated placement of elements less than 10x smaller than the operating wavelength, a material’s EM or acoustic response can be tailored to precise engineering specifications, or changed completely to yield values not found in nature, allowing for fantastic (sci-fi esque) possibilities, such as cloaking. For the most part, these materials are presently confined to scientific laboratories, however, they are poised to change the way we look at materials design in the future.

The Week in Advanced Manufacturing Funding – March 6, 2015

Japanese bioprinting firm, Cyfuse Biomedical, raises $11.7 million Series B; The intelligent money is on 3D printing of electronics

On 2 March, Cyfuse Biomedical K.K. announced they had completed a 1.4 billion JPY (approximately $11.7 million USD) Series B funding round, with participation from 12 investors, including venture capital funds and corporate investors as well as government support. The Japanese BioPrinting firm has now raised a total of 1.98 billion JPY, which includes a 422 million JPY (approximately $4.77 million USD) Series A back in January 2013.

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Metamaterials – The Ultimate Composites

On December 19th, metamaterials startup Echodyne announced a $15 million Series A investment round led by Bill Gates and Madrona Venture Group.  As the fourth spinout from Intellectual Ventures, Echodyne is seeking to commercialize novel metamaterials-based radar technology, whose origins trace back to research at Duke University and UC San Diego. The investment demonstrates the building of commercial momentum for the technology and is good impetus to define and discuss metamaterials, identifying why they will be important, especially in the context of advanced manufacturing:

Metamaterials: “Beyond Nature”

The exact definition for metamaterials can vary depending on the source, but it is important to realize that the term “metamaterial” does not refer to one specific material, but rather to a design concept for materials.

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