What do noise reduction technology, chimney toppers and concrete chutes have in common? All are products of Iowa companies that have brought questions to Iowa State University Extension’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) and ISU’s Institute for Physical Research and Technology (IPRT).
Karen Stickels, technical consultant for Copperfield Chimney Supply Inc., turned to ISU after conducting exhaustive industry-wide and Internet searches for answers to a product issue. She was put in touch with IPRT metallurgist Paul Berge. Berge and IPRT scientist Glenn Norton analyzed Stickels’ problem and recommended a solution.
Stickels returned to Berge for help with a different product question, one that involved product integrity and product design.
“We wanted to make sure that our chimney top dampers were performing in the manner that we were promoting them,” Stickels said. “We wanted to verify the melting point of the fusible link and anchors, but we also wanted to know if there were design features that needed to be changed or if there was a better way of producing the product.”
Berge was able to verify the melting temperature of the product materials for the Fairfield manufacturer, but referred the design issues to CIRAS.
“John Roberts from CIRAS offered us different design options, discussed those options with us and helped us think about our product in new ways,” Stickels said. “He really gave us a whole different perspective of the product.”
Berge and Roberts say it is very common for the two units to work together on one company’s project. IPRT Company Assistance has access to expertise and equipment that address technical problems and research and development needs. IPRT also provides material assistance and nondestructive evaluation, and helps arrange contract research projects with Iowa companies. CIRAS provides assistance in engineering and product design, as well as process management practices, quality systems, government procurement and productivity improvement.
“Whether a manufacturer first contacts the vice provost for research, IMEP (Iowa Manufacturing Extension Partnership), CIRAS or IPRT, they are sure to get directed to experts who can help them find answers to their specific product questions,” Berge said. “IPRT and CIRAS work back and forth on projects on a regular basis to help Iowa businesses.”
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