General Info:
Ballistic Fluid Technologies, L.L.C, founded in 2004 by Kempton F. Philbrook, is dedicated to providing quality liquid jetting devices to existing applications or to R & D efforts. BFT is also available to provide custom Ink Jet printing devices to institutions and industries involved in technology development wherein jetting devices of all descriptions may be required.We have extensive experience in jetting phase change materials as well as room temperature materials for custom applications. BFT has 20 years of experience in this field during which time our founder has had key roles in the fundamental technology ranging from developing innovative injection molding processes to establishing manufacturing facilities for the processing of phase change materials.Mr. Philbrook began his career in Ink Jet application in 1984 when he went to work with Howtek, Inc, as a Plastics Engineer. During his tenure at Howtek, Mr. Philbrook became involved in the development of the first injection molded ink jet nozzle. This development made it possible for Howtek to commercialize their Pixel Master line of ink jet printers.The most unique aspect of the Pixel Master printer was its use of phase change materials as inks. The printed product from the Pixelmaster had a 3D embossed tactile feel about it. It wasn't long before someone had the idea to build three dimensional ( 3D ) models using the same idea. Thus was born the ink jet based Rapid Prototyping technology. Mr. Philbrook continued with Howtek being involved in their jet development until January, 1991 when he then joined Sanders Design International, Inc, in February of that same year.Mr. Philbrook's efforts have earned him recognition for his contribution by having been awarded three patents, two U.S. and one European, in the field of Rapid Prototyping. These patents have been the basis for the formation of two companies involved in this field, Sanders Prototype and Sanders Design International, IncSanders Prototype, Inc, was founded in 1993 by Royden C. Sanders, former founder of Sanders Associates, and other companies. Sanders Prototype reorganized in 2002 and became Solidscape, Inc Sanders Design International, Inc, founded in 1982 was the original developer of Sanders Prototype, Inc patents, but assigned ownership of them to Sanders Prototype, Inc upon their formation in 1993. Sanders Design International, Inc continued under a license agreement from Solidscape, Inc to work in the field and further develop the technology until retiring from the RP industry in late 2004.The ideas and techniques developed at Howtek evolved from older technologies developed by Seimens and Exxon ( later to become DataProducts/Hitachi ). The embellishments and developments contributed by Howtek have provided a legacy to succeeding companies involved in the Ink Jet Rapid Prototyping industry. These contributions have been crucial for Ballistic Particle Manufacturing, Inc, Sanders Design International, Inc, Sanders Prototype, Inc./Solidscape Inc., and now Ballistic Fluid Technologies, L.L.CWhile there are others still involved in this endeavor, it is our intention to honor this technology by acknowledging those that have made significant contributions and to further their efforts in advancing the technology to its full potential. It is our obligation to educate those interested to learn and use the technology to promote knowledge.