Youngstown, Ohio- PCG LLC is a Youngstown, Ohio-based small company that produces 3D printed antennas in a range of different metals for use in drones for the Automatic Dependent Surveillance- Broadcast (ADS-B). PCG is a spin out of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI)-led geometrically complex 3D printed sensors project that was funded by Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN).
PCG was formed to pursue the cutting edge of 3D printed electromagnetic devices in materials. While its OFRN-funded project was underway, YBI had an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to produce geometrically complex 3D printed radiating structures from various accessible metals. YBI took that opportunity and formed PCG.
PCG’s goals go beyond production of 3D antennas to need-based tailored designs.
“Our goal is to produce any geometrically complex antenna that a customer might need for a particular application,” said Edward R. Burden, chief executive officer at PCG LLC. “The design of the antenna will depend on application requirements such as wide radiating beam or a narrow beam.”
In addition, the shape and design of 3D-printed antennas depends upon the materials used and on the application.
“Given our knowledge and ability, we are trying to move into diverse materials and other structures, like general dielectric structures, spatially varying dielectric lenses and filters, and others. We want to produce individual materials and individual components custom level to tier one and tier two,” said Burden.
OFRN, a science and technology enhancement program managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with the Ohio State University and funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, helped PCG establish connections with academic institutions and federal agencies in Ohio, including Youngstown State University (YSU), Kent State University and NASA Glenn Research Center. OFRN also assisted PCG with facilitating the necessary conditions to test the PCG technology.
“OFRN has been a great help with forming critical connections, with providing funding, and with understanding the problems we've had. The OFRN’s willingness to work with us on the delays we faced due to issues with access to testing facilities was very helpful,” said Burden.
PCG’s current customers include the transportation and defense sectors. The company is in the process of applying for Small Business Innovation Research awards for antennas and materials application.
“We're looking to branch out so we have more opportunities and more products that we can try to produce and bring it to market eventually,” said Burden.
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About Parallax Advanced Research
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that tackles global challenges by accelerating innovation and developing technology and solutions through strategic partnerships with government, industry and academia across Ohio and the Nation. Together with academia, Parallax accelerates innovation that leads to new breakthroughs. Together with government, Parallax tackles critical global challenges and delivers new solutions. Together with industry, Parallax develops groundbreaking ideas and speeds them to market.
About the OFRN
The OFRN has the mission to stimulate Ohio’s innovation economy by building statewide university/industry research collaborations that meet the requirements of Ohio’s federal laboratories, resulting in the creation of technologies that drive job growth for the State of Ohio. The OFRN is a program managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with the Ohio State University and is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
About YBI
The Youngstown Edison Incubator Corporation, operating as YBI, is a 501(c) 3 charitable, non-profit corporation. With a physical presence in downtown Youngstown, it is an active collaborator and resource provider in a 21-county region of northeast Ohio, but most specifically in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
About PCG
PCG is a Youngstown, Ohio based small company that produces 3D printed antennas in a range of different metals for use in drones for the Automatic Dependent Surveillance- Broadcast (ADS-B).