MEP-Assisted Technology and Technical Resource Plus (MATTR+) Service

Are you a manufacturer or organization enabling manufacturing facing technical challenges? Are you committed to implementing Industry 4.0 technologies such as additive manufacturing, but having difficulties with operations? Do you need help solving a recurring quality problem or machine maintenance issue? The MATTR+ service may be able to help!

MATTR+ is a way to help manufacturers find suitable solutions to their real-world problems. MATTR+ provides direct access to the wide-ranging expertise of the NIST labs to help address technical issues with manufacturing products or processes.

Any manufacturer or organization enabling manufacturing in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, can submit a request for MATTR+ assistance. At no cost, organizations can seek assistance from NIST scientists and engineers to solve challenges and overcome barriers to company success.

Capabilities

It is difficult to capture the full range of NIST expertise available through MATTR+. Possible topics include:  

Innovative Technology Development

U.S. manufacturers or organizations enabling manufacturing can work with NIST scientists and engineers through the MATTR+ service to better understand manufacturing methods like metal-based additive manufacturing (or 3D printing). They can also learn practical applications of the technology.

Materials Research and Characterization

Material characterization is the process of measuring physical, chemical and mechanical properties of materials. NIST researchers are experts in experimental determination of materials’ properties for manufacturing applications, and can help in technique selection for comprehensive analysis.

Interconnected Systems and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Applications

The IIoT and interconnected systems gather and analyze real-time manufacturing data across an entire production operation. NIST researchers can help develop trustworthy connected manufacturing systems and networks. They contribute to creating IIoT standards needed for current and next-generation challenges.

Information on NIST Standard Reference Materials® and Standard Reference Data

NIST supports accurate and compatible measurements by certifying and providing over 1,300 Standard Reference Materials with well-characterized compositions and/or properties. These materials are used for instrument calibrations as part of overall quality assurance programs. They’re also used to verify the accuracy of specific measurements and to support the development of new measurement methods.

In addition, NIST produces and maintains standardized reference data (SRD). SRD is quantitative information related to a measurable physical or chemical property of a substance. For example, SRD can characterize the properties of structural steel. The data is critically evaluated to verify its reliability.

How to Engage With the MATTR+ Service

To learn more about MATTR+ or to request assistance, please submit an inquiry via this form. Requestors agree to being contacted by both NIST staff and the MEP Center in their state. NIST MEP may share your information with pertinent NIST staff and your local MEP Center to facilitate answering your request.