Goodfellow Acquires Potomac Photonics: your questions answered

This FAQ relates to Goodfellow's acquisition of Potomac Photonics and the exciting new opportunities it creates for our valued customers. For FAQs relating to Goodfellow services please click here.

 

1. What is Potomac Photonics?

Potomac Photonics, now a proud member of the Goodfellow family, is a leading provider of advanced With over 40 years of experience, Potomac excels in transforming complex designs into reality, specializing in crafting intricate components with micron-level precision.

 

2. What is Goodfellow and why did they acquire Potomac Photonics?

Goodfellow is a global supplier of highly specialized materials, with over 170,000 products in their portfolio ranging from metals and alloys to ceramics and polymers. This acquisition strategically integrates Potomac’s microfabrication expertise with Goodfellow’s vast material selection. This creates a unique and powerful synergy, enabling Goodfellow to offer customers a comprehensive solution from material sourcing to precision micro-manufacturing globally.

 

3. What does Goodfellow's acquisition of Potomac Photonics mean for me?

This strategic alliance significantly expands both Goodfellow and Potomac Photonics’ capabilities and strengthens our commitment to providing you with cutting-edge scientific materials and manufacturing solutions. You will benefit from:

• Expanded Product and Service Portfolio: Access a wider range of advanced materials alongside Potomac's renowned microfabrication expertise, including laser micromachining, 3D printing, and micro-molding.
• Enhanced Support: Benefit from an expanded team of experts and state-of-the-art facilities, offering comprehensive support throughout your product development lifecycle.
• Streamlined Solutions: Source both materials and microfabrication services through a single, trusted provider, simplifying your supply chain and accelerating your projects.

 

4. What specific new services are now available?

Goodfellow now offers an extended suite of microfabrication ser

• Small Hole Drilling: Precision drilling down to 1 micron.
• Laser Micromachining: Intricate designs and features on a microscopic scale.
• Laser Cutting: High-precision ablation for fine-feature fabrication.
• Micro Laser Welding: Joining diverse materials, including polymers.
• Laser Marking Services: Precise marking with spot sizes down to 1 micron.
• Laser Patterning: Intricate patterns on various coatings, including Kapton.
• Micro-CNC: High-precision machining for prototyping and small-scale production.
• Micro-3D Printing: Additive manufacturing with layer thicknesses down to 16 microns.
• Hot Embossing: Cost-effective replication of micro-features.
• Bonding & Assembly: Advanced techniques for joining diverse materials and components.

 

5. What is Potomac Photonics' expertise in microfabrication?

Potomac Photonics is a leading provider of advanced microfabrication solutions, boasting a 40-year track record of innovation and customer-focused service. They specialize in:

• Versatile Material Processing: Handling a wide range of materials with micron-level accuracy.
• Custom-Built, Flexible Systems: In-house development of specialized equipment for tailored applications.
• Broad Range of Tools and Capabilities: A comprehensive suite of technologies to address diverse customer needs.
• Agility and Market Responsiveness: Rapid adaptation to evolving market demands and customer requirements.
• Ongoing Innovation and Development: Continuous pursuit of new methodologies and solutions.

 

6. What industries does Potomac Photonics serve?

Potomac Photonics serves a diverse range of industries, including:

• Medical Devices: Microfluidic devices, implants, diagnostic tools, etc.
• Electronics: Sensors, microchips, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems).
• Aerospace: Lightweight components, precision instrumentation.
• Optics: Micro-optics and photonics devices.

 

7. Can Goodfellow now provide microfabrication services for the materials I already purchase?

Yes, absolutely! Goodfellow's acquisition of Potomac Photonics enables us to provide microfabrication services across our extensive range of materials, including polymers, ceramics, and glass. This seamless integration opens up new possibilities for your research, development, and production needs.

 

8. I'm a current Potomac Photonics customer. Will anything change regarding my existing orders and projects?

You can continue to expect the same exceptional service and expertise you've come to rely upon from Potomac Photonics. Your existing orders and projects will continue seamlessly under the Goodfellow umbrella. The acquisition brings added benefits, such as access to Goodfellow's vast material selection and global resources.

 

9. What are the long-term benefits of this acquisition for customers?

This strategic alliance represents a long-term commitment to providing you with the most innovative and comprehensive materials and manufacturing solutions. Benefits include:

• Accelerated Innovation: Combined expertise fostering the development of new materials, processes, and applications.
• Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency: Streamlined sourcing and production processes through a single, trusted partner.
• Unparalleled Technical Support: Access to a larger pool of experts with deep knowledge across materials science and microfabrication.

 

10. How do I learn more about the combined capabilities of Goodfellow and Potomac Photonics?

You can explore the expanded range of materials and services on the Goodfellow website or contact your account manager for personalized guidance and support. Our team is eager to discuss your specific requirements and demonstrate how we can contribute to your success. Contact our team with your requirements today.

 

11. What can I expect from Goodfellow and Potomac Photonics in the future?

This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both organisations. You can anticipate continued innovation, expanded capabilities, and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional value and support as we work together to advance material science across the globe. Sign up to receive news from Goodfellow and Potomac below.