HTS-110 wired for success

The IRL spin-off company develops magnetic solutions using high-temperature superconducting wire for a range of industrial applications around the world.

It has recently had to take on new staff to cope with repeat orders from satisfied industrial and academic customers in Asia and the US.

HTS technology enables the conduction of electricity without resistance or the loss of energy and can be used in the development of smaller and more efficient machines than can be achieved with existing copper wire technology.

It can also be used to generate very strong magnetic fields such as those required in Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines in hospitals as well as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysers, which accurately analyse the chemical composition of materials.

HTS-110 product manager Tijs Robinson says WelTec will play a crucial role in enabling the company to meet future demand “The HTS magnet industry is so specialised that until recently we’ve been concentrating on customised units built to the specifications of clients.

“WelTec’s expertise in scaling up production will be invaluable as volumes grow. We have been working closely with WelTec to look at specific product lines where we are seeing the most growth. We will be incorporating these learnings into product design and processes so that we can manufacture high quality products more quickly, cost effectively and accurately.”

Tijs Robinson says while the steep growth curve represents an opportunity, it also poses significant challenges.

“Because this is such a step change in our growth we need to make sure we are able to stay ahead of the curve without compromising in performance and quality – areas that are critical to our success to date.”

Also key to staying ahead of the curve is the continuing research into HTS technology at IRL.

“HTS is a cutting-edge discipline in which there is still much to be understood. We are one of the few companies in the world that make added-value commercial products using HTS, and staying at the forefront is helped by continued innovation from IRL’s HTS platform. We are clear that part of our future competitive advantage will be due to their continuing research programme,” says Robinson.

WelTec Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons is pleased that companies such as HTS-110 benefit from WelTec’s capability.

“WelTec’s applied research capability assists companies to exploit their export potential, apply new processes or make organisational adjustments arising from the impact of new technologies. The provision of services like this, that connect expertise with specific needs, makes it easier for companies to take advantage of knowledge, applied research and technologies that would otherwise not be open to them to exploit,” she says.

HTS-110’s expertise was on show in August at the WelTec, GNS and IRL Innovation and Technology Expo in Wellington.