LightManufacturing LLC

LightManufacturing LLC is an American disruptive technology company specializing in applying solar thermal energy to industrial processes and architectural applications. They manufacture the H1 Heliostat, and developed Solar Rotational Molding (SRM) systems to mold large plastic objects sustainably and at low cost. The company developed and is seeking patents for a solar method of Rotational molding, which harnesses heat from the sun through the use of heliostats. The company was founded in 2009.
Product
H1 heliostat
The H1 heliostat is a computer-controlled mirror which keeps the sun focused on a specific target as the sun moves. The H1 delivers over 2000 watts of energy to a target under optimal conditions. When multiple heliostats are combined, they make a powerful heat source that can be moved from target to target and are useful for numerous applications in manufacturing as well as residential and facility heating. The heliostats employ tensioned, metalized PET membranes instead of more expensive glass or aluminum mirrors. The units incorporate mesh-node wireless networking, allowing for remote control and targeting of large heliostat arrays.
Solar Rotational Molding (SRM™) system
LightManufacturing developed turn-key plastic molding systems which use concentrated solar thermal energy to replace the fossil-fuel heated ovens used in traditional rotational molding.
In the SRM process, a rotating, thin-walled metal mold is radiantly heated to several hundred degrees by an array of the firm's H1 heliostats. Polymer Powder inside the mold is melted by the heat, and sticks to the inner wall of the mold, which is then cooled. The mold is opened, and the finished plastic part is taken out and new plastic powder placed inside, and the process restarted. The firm's SRM systems do not require a factory building, or an external supply of electricity or fuel, greatly reducing both operating costs and purchase / installation costs as compared to traditional rotomolding.
The SRM process emits no greenhouse gasses, as no hydrocarbon fuel is consumed - all heat for molding the plastic is supplied by the heliostat array, and motors for mold rotation are powered by a photovoltaic panel.
The heliostats and rotational molding devices are compact, making it feasible for the units to be transported to rural parts of the world.
Applications for SRM include commodity molding, LEED-certified architectural components, recycling and remanufacturing, green consumer goods, and in incentivized markets (carbon-emission pricing, legislated sustainability).
Future
The company is working on expanding solar heating to other processes, including injection molding and blow molding. They are also working on applying solar thermal energy to agricultural drying, plastic recycling, and process heat / steam generation.

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