Challenge
IntraMicron, Inc., formerly, MicroMetal Fibers, Inc. (MMF) was a small specialty fibers start-up company. What distinguished the company was the ability to make MultiLobal metal fibers from most metals, such as stainless steel, nickel, Hastalloy, copper and titanium as fine as 1.5 microns in diameter. Fibers, yarns and tows were soft and flexible, similar to any synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester and do not kink like metal wire. It was felt IntraMicron fibers and yarns could be processed on conventional fiber and fabric equipment and be sintered in certain specialty market applications.

Process Very few companies in the world make fine metal fibers for nonwoven fabrics and textiles and filtration media. To create a business, IntraMicron contacted companies to process fine metal fibers and yarns, who were already customers of foreign producers and secondly, potential customers accustomed to processing only synthetic fibers. Having many unique properties, IntraMicron's MultiLobal fibers provided product differentiation and new market opportunities in both customer categories. The challenge, however, was to demonstrate meaningful market and growth opportunities.

Solution
The first step was to establish interest in a domestic supplier of quality fine metal fibers. This was achieved by identifying specific uses and customers seeking a vendor able to provide superior performance and service to what was then offered. Subsequently, further efforts began with companies who could process these MultiLobal™ fibers in a variety of standard industry forms for new applications. Primary forms for the fibers and yarns were airlaid nonwovens, wetlaid, woven and knitted textiles. Through matching capabilities and customers needs, in performance applications, sales and market penetration grew leading to the acquisition of MicroMetal Fibers, Inc. by IntraMicron, Inc. and a specialty fiber growth business.