Latest news with #FDM
Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Altaline Announces Strategic Growth Investment in Brazos Safety Systems
LOS ANGELES & FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 2, 2025-- Altaline Capital Management, LLC ('Altaline' or the 'Firm'), a newly launched Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on partnering with lower-middle market companies in the technology, business services, and financial services sectors, today announced a strategic growth investment in Brazos Safety Systems, LLC ('Brazos' or the 'Company'), a leading provider of flight safety technology and analytics solutions for the global aviation industry. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: The Brazos Safety Systems team. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Brazos Safety Systems (formerly Truth Data Insights) delivers state-of-the-art Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) analytics to a diverse range of rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Brazos serves critical sectors including emergency medical services, oil and gas, executive transport, logistics, and law enforcement, supporting more than 300 aircraft and analyzing data from over 200,000 flights. 'Brazos Safety Systems has established itself as a trusted partner to aviation operators by delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance flight safety and operational efficiency,' said Brian Maher, Principal at Altaline. 'We are excited to support Brazos in its next phase of growth as the company expands its technology platform and broadens its impact across the aviation industry.' Brazos Safety Systems is recognized for its highly configurable technology, enabling operators to implement customized FDM and FOQA programs that meet rigorous regulatory and operational requirements while powering improved flight safety. The company's team of avionics experts, software developers, and flight data analysts is dedicated to providing actionable insights and tailored support to its clients. 'This partnership with Altaline marks a significant milestone for Brazos,' said Peter Henrikson, President of Brazos Safety Systems. 'With Altaline's support and strategic guidance, we are well-positioned to accelerate innovation, enhance our solutions, and deliver even greater value to our customers as we continue our mission to improve flight safety worldwide.' 'Brazos has all of the attributes we look for at Altaline, including a data-rich and mission-critical solution, strong client momentum, a leading position in its market segment of focus and strong customer loyalty and satisfaction,' added Rafael Telahun, Managing Director at Altaline. 'We look forward to collaborating with the Brazos team to expand on the Company's mission to leverage technology to improve flight safety globally.' Baker & Hostetler LLP, Elliott Davis LLC and Payne Enterprises LLC acted as legal, financial and commercial advisors to Altaline, respectively. AvStrategies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor while Cole Bryan PC served as legal advisor to Brazos. About Altaline Altaline is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on buyouts and growth investments in lower middle-market companies across the technology, financial services, and business services sectors in the U.S. and Canada. Founded by former executives from TA Associates, H.I.G. Capital and KKR, the firm combines deep-sector expertise with an operationally oriented approach to support transformational growth and value creation. Learn more about Altaline at About Brazos Safety Systems Brazos Safety Systems, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in aviation safety technology, specializing in data-driven insights and analytics that enhance flight safety. The Company provides market leading Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) solutions for rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Learn more about Brazos at View source version on CONTACT: Media Contacts: Altaline Dylan McElligott [email protected] Safety Systems Kendall Sellers [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AEROSPACE DATA ANALYTICS MANUFACTURING OTHER TRAVEL TRAVEL PUBLIC RELATIONS/INVESTOR RELATIONS FINANCE COMMUNICATIONS BANKING SATELLITE AIR TRANSPORT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSET MANAGEMENT OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE SCIENCE SOURCE: Altaline Capital Management, LLC Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/02/2025 12:06 PM/DISC: 07/02/2025 12:06 PM
Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Altaline Announces Strategic Growth Investment in Brazos Safety Systems
LOS ANGELES & FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Altaline Capital Management, LLC ('Altaline' or the 'Firm'), a newly launched Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on partnering with lower-middle market companies in the technology, business services, and financial services sectors, today announced a strategic growth investment in Brazos Safety Systems, LLC ('Brazos' or the 'Company'), a leading provider of flight safety technology and analytics solutions for the global aviation industry. 'Brazos has all of the attributes we look for at Altaline, including a data-rich and mission-critical solution, strong client momentum, a leading position in its market segment of focus and strong customer loyalty and satisfaction.' Share Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Brazos Safety Systems (formerly Truth Data Insights) delivers state-of-the-art Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) analytics to a diverse range of rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Brazos serves critical sectors including emergency medical services, oil and gas, executive transport, logistics, and law enforcement, supporting more than 300 aircraft and analyzing data from over 200,000 flights. 'Brazos Safety Systems has established itself as a trusted partner to aviation operators by delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance flight safety and operational efficiency,' said Brian Maher, Principal at Altaline. 'We are excited to support Brazos in its next phase of growth as the company expands its technology platform and broadens its impact across the aviation industry.' Brazos Safety Systems is recognized for its highly configurable technology, enabling operators to implement customized FDM and FOQA programs that meet rigorous regulatory and operational requirements while powering improved flight safety. The company's team of avionics experts, software developers, and flight data analysts is dedicated to providing actionable insights and tailored support to its clients. 'This partnership with Altaline marks a significant milestone for Brazos,' said Peter Henrikson, President of Brazos Safety Systems. 'With Altaline's support and strategic guidance, we are well-positioned to accelerate innovation, enhance our solutions, and deliver even greater value to our customers as we continue our mission to improve flight safety worldwide.' 'Brazos has all of the attributes we look for at Altaline, including a data-rich and mission-critical solution, strong client momentum, a leading position in its market segment of focus and strong customer loyalty and satisfaction,' added Rafael Telahun, Managing Director at Altaline. 'We look forward to collaborating with the Brazos team to expand on the Company's mission to leverage technology to improve flight safety globally.' Baker & Hostetler LLP, Elliott Davis LLC and Payne Enterprises LLC acted as legal, financial and commercial advisors to Altaline, respectively. AvStrategies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor while Cole Bryan PC served as legal advisor to Brazos. About Altaline Altaline is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on buyouts and growth investments in lower middle-market companies across the technology, financial services, and business services sectors in the U.S. and Canada. Founded by former executives from TA Associates, H.I.G. Capital and KKR, the firm combines deep-sector expertise with an operationally oriented approach to support transformational growth and value creation. Learn more about Altaline at About Brazos Safety Systems Brazos Safety Systems, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in aviation safety technology, specializing in data-driven insights and analytics that enhance flight safety. The Company provides market leading Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) solutions for rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Learn more about Brazos at
Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Brazos Safety Systems Announces Strategic Growth Investment from Altaline
LOS ANGELES & FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Altaline Capital Management, LLC (' Altaline ' or the ' Firm '), a newly launched Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on partnering with lower-middle market companies in the technology, business services, and financial services sectors, today announced a strategic growth investment in Brazos Safety Systems, LLC (' Brazos ' or the ' Company '), a leading provider of flight safety technology and analytics solutions for the global aviation industry. 'With Altaline's support and strategic guidance, we are well-positioned to accelerate innovation, enhance our solutions, and deliver even greater value to our customers as we continue our mission to improve flight safety worldwide.' Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Brazos Safety Systems (formerly Truth Data Insights) delivers state-of-the-art Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) analytics to a diverse range of rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Brazos serves critical sectors including emergency medical services, oil and gas, executive transport, logistics, and law enforcement, supporting more than 300 aircraft and analyzing data from over 200,000 flights. 'Brazos Safety Systems has established itself as a trusted partner to aviation operators by delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance flight safety and operational efficiency,' said Brian Maher, Principal at Altaline. 'We are excited to support Brazos in its next phase of growth as the company expands its technology platform and broadens its impact across the aviation industry.' Brazos Safety Systems is recognized for its highly configurable technology and exceptional analytics services which enable operators to implement customized FDM and FOQA programs that meet rigorous regulatory and operational requirements while powering improved flight safety. The company's team of avionics experts, software developers, and flight data analysts is dedicated to providing actionable insights and tailored support to its clients. 'This partnership with Altaline marks a significant milestone for Brazos,' said Peter Henrikson, President of Brazos Safety Systems. 'With Altaline's support and strategic guidance, we are well-positioned to accelerate innovation, enhance our solutions, and deliver even greater value to our customers as we continue our mission to improve flight safety worldwide.' 'Brazos has all of the attributes we look for at Altaline, including a data-rich and mission-critical solution, strong client momentum, a leading position in its market segment of focus and strong customer loyalty and satisfaction,' added Rafael Telahun, Managing Director at Altaline. 'We look forward to collaborating with the Brazos team to expand on the Company's mission to leverage technology to improve flight safety globally.' BakerHostetler, Elliott Davis LLC and Payne Enterprises LLC acted as legal, financial and commercial advisors to Altaline, respectively. AvStrategies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor while Cole Bryan PC served as legal advisor to Brazos. About Altaline Altaline is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on buyouts and growth investments in lower middle-market companies across the technology, business services and financial services sectors in the U.S. and Canada. Founded by former professionals from TA Associates, H.I.G. Capital and KKR, the firm combines deep-sector expertise with an operationally oriented approach to support transformational growth and value creation. Learn more about Altaline at About Brazos Safety Systems Brazos Safety Systems, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in aviation safety technology and analytics, specializing in data-driven insights and analytics that enhance flight safety. The Company provides market leading Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) solutions for rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Learn more about Brazos at
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra review: Pro-grade resin prints in smart, fast package
A few months ago, I reviewed the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D printer, a seriously feature-rich printer with a beginner-friendly price point. After a couple of years using 3D printers, I've developed a solid understanding of hobbyist-level 3D printing. However, stepping into the world of resin printing with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra was a completely different experience, challenging, fascinating, and full of new learning curves. 3D printing for the masses Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra with the Elegoo Mars Mate Air Purifier. Picture: Elegoo. With FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), safety primarily depends on avoiding burns from the hotend and bed, and ensuring your printer is in a well-ventilated area. Resin printing, however, introduces a whole new set of concerns. The Saturn 4 Ultra is a powerful, high-resolution machine, but like any resin printer, it uses photopolymer resin that is toxic in liquid form. That means gloves and a respirator aren't optional; they're essential. The first time I opened a bottle of resin, I was hit with a chemical smell that instantly reminded me this wasn't PLA. I had to reassess my setup quickly. A well-ventilated room became mandatory, and I received an Elegoo Mars air purifier from them. I also wore nitrile gloves religiously during every step, from pouring resin to removing prints and cleaning the vat. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, alongside the Mercury XS Bundle, featuring cure and wash stations. Picture: Elegoo. Post-processing was another reality check. Washing prints in isopropyl alcohol and then curing them under UV light requires care and attention. Spills are easy to make and tough to clean if you're not prepared. I now keep a dedicated work surface covered in disposable pads, and I treat every step with caution. What I appreciate about the Saturn 4 Ultra is that Elegoo is clearly aware of these concerns. The carbon filter inside the unit helps mitigate some risks, but the user still bears the responsibility for handling the resin safely and adequately. Resin printing opens up incredible possibilities, but it demands respect. If you're coming from FDM like me, don't underestimate the learning curve, especially when it comes to safety. Protect your workspace, protect your health, and treat every print session with the seriousness it deserves. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D models printed in resin using the Saturn 4 Ultra. Pictures: Noel Campion; Elegoo includes a USB drive, resin tank, build plate, tools, and a quick-start guide. The Saturn 4 Ultra is of incredibly high build quality. It is sturdy, premium, and clearly well-engineered. Measuring 327 × 292 × 548 mm, it's not the largest resin printer available, but it strikes a balance between size and usability. The all-metal construction gives it durability and peace of mind, especially for those long overnight prints. At the heart is a 12K monochrome LCD, delivering an insane resolution of 11,520 × 5,120 with 19-micron X-axis accuracy. That means sharp details, crisp edges, and incredibly smooth surfaces. The amount of detail it captures, chainmail, facial expressions, and textures, is stunningly impressive. The tilting build plate is not typical on many resin printers, but it offers improved speed and reliability. After each layer, the plate tilts slightly, reducing peel forces. This enables faster printing (up to 150 mm/h), reduces stress on prints, and decreases failures, particularly for larger or more complex models. It also means fewer supports are needed, which is a huge win. Gandalf was printed on the Saturn 4 Ultra and hand-painted by Noel Campion. Picture: Noel Campion. The built-in AI camera enables remote monitoring of prints, detects failures mid-print, and cancels jobs as needed. Future firmware updates promise real-time notifications of failures. The camera is already a big help, especially during longer prints, where early intervention can save hours. However, I found the internal light wasn't great, and you can't see your print until it has been printed for a while. The printer has an industrial grey aesthetic. The laser-etched build plate drastically improves adhesion, and the dual Z-axis rails ensure minimal wobble. That stability is particularly evident in the surface quality, especially on taller models. The flip-back lid is excellent and certainly much better than lids that require removal and a designated storage space. However, there's no handle, and that does make opening it more difficult one-handed. I found a simple solution by printing a basic handle that I was able to stick to the front side with double-sided tape. If you've struggled with awkward lid placement during printing, you'll appreciate how convenient this is. The small vertical display works well, but I would have liked a landscape orientation a little better. The UI is also clean and functional, with a simple menu for print, tools, settings, and calibration. Speaking of which, resin calibration is handled brilliantly. Instead of running multiple test prints, the XP Finder tool allows you to print several exposure settings simultaneously, saving time and resin. Once you've identified the optimal exposure time for a particular resin, you won't need to do a calibration for it again. Finally, the redesigned COB + Fresnel light engine ensures even UV light distribution, eliminating blurry edges and uneven exposure. Combined with the 12K screen and stable Z-axis, this machine sets a new bar for mid-sized resin printers. It's fast, it's smart, and it prints stunning detail. Honestly, for a printer in this class, the Saturn 4 Ultra is seriously impressive. While the workflow can be messy, with multiple steps involved in the process, the level of detail it achieves on well-designed 3D models is remarkable. Print quality Using the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra has been a game-changer for me in terms of print quality. Coming from FDM, I was used to seeing layer lines and having to sand and prep models just to get them ready for painting. But the Saturn 4 Ultra outputs detail so sharp and clean that it's genuinely addictive. The first time I pulled a model from the build plate, I just stared at it, tiny textures in cloaks, facial expressions, chainmail, things that would have been muddy or lost entirely on FDM just came through effortlessly. One of my favourite prints so far was a mini diorama of Gandalf and Gimli, and the quality was so crisp that it instantly pushed me to take more time with my painting. Usually, I'd rush the job, but seeing those details made me want to do them justice. I spent hours carefully layering washes and dry brushing to bring out the textures. It felt less like finishing a 3D print and more like painting a proper model kit. Honestly, I didn't expect a printer to reignite my artistic side, but here we are, I'm now actively hunting for new models just to see what this machine can do. FDM versus resin 3D printing Trying resin printing for the first time with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra really highlighted the differences between these two methods, not just in results, but in the entire user experience. FDM feels more mechanical. You're working with spools of filament, usually PLA or PETG, and it builds prints layer by layer using a heated nozzle. It's generally cleaner and simpler with less mess, no toxic fumes, and much easier post-processing. I could usually remove a print, peel off the supports, and that was it. Resin printing, on the other hand, feels more like a chemical process. You're pouring liquid resin into a vat, and your prints come out sticky and unfinished. Every print needs to be washed in alcohol and cured under UV light. The detail, though, is in a different league, especially with the Saturn 4 Ultra. You get finer resolution, smoother surfaces, and sharper features that FDM just can't match. But there's a trade-off: more safety precautions, more cleanup, and a steeper learning curve. FDM is ideal for creating functional parts and offers ease of use. Resin, however, is the go-to choice when visual quality is paramount. It's a shift in mindset and workflow. Verdict The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra delivers stunning print quality, smart features, and pro-level speed in a compact, well-built machine. It demands more care than FDM, but the results are worth every extra step. €498.99 (RRP) Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Centralised operational centre to deal with the FMD crisis set up
Farmers have welcomed the establishment of the centralised operational centre aimed at addressing the FDM crisis. farmers have welcomed the establishment of the centralised operational centre aimed at addressing the FDM crisis. Picture: CatherineAs foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to ravage the agricultural sector, farmers have welcomed the establishment of the centralised operational centre aimed at addressing the crisis. The centre will be activated today by Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) in response to the widespread of FMD outbreak which is threatening food security and jobs in the country. ALSO READ: Will SA run out of beef and chicken? Animal disease hits SA's top producer — what it means for consumers A plan to address FMD RMIS is a not-for-profit organisation mandated to safeguard animal and public health, expand market access, foster inclusive growth, and ensure long-term industry competitiveness. Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS, said the plan was to guide the organisation in addressing the FMD situation in South Africa, with a strong focus on protecting red meat role-players to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry. Olivier said a designated RMIS veterinarian would lead the centre and also oversee a team of veterinary professionals and industry representatives, along with a specialist public relations and public affairs agency, forming the FMD working group. 'The FMD working group will be mandated to develop and implement a structured, timebound response to the outbreak, with medium- to long-term goals, including a focus on vaccination among other key areas,' he said. 'This is critical not only for the red meat sector, but also for South Africa's broader agricultural economy, as the outbreak impacts the entire red meat value chain and poses a threat to the dairy industry and other sectors connected to red meat production.' Olivier said another key aim was to establish public-private partnerships at various levels to support the understaffed public veterinary sector by leveraging private sector expertise and capacity. 'This is a defining moment for the red meat industry. RMIS was established precisely for a time like this – to provide coordinated leadership, technical expertise and practical solutions in close collaboration with government and industry partners. Our unified efforts will shape a more secure, sustainable, and competitive future for the industry,' he said. ALSO READ: R72m foot-and-mouth vaccine delivery due mid-June A partnership to fight FMD Frikkie Mare, CEO of Red Meat Producers Organisation as one of the founding members of the RMIS, agreed with the establishment of the centre. Mare said it was important to note that FMD was a state-controlled disease and the envisaged centre would not be there to take over the role of government, but rather to assist it in gathering data, proposing action plans for the control of the disease and to digitalise animal movement permits. 'We believe this is a step in the right direction for more effective control of FMD with a partnership between the government and industry,' said Mare. TAU SA general manager Bennie van Zyl has also welcomed the establishment of the centre and said fighting FMD was essential because it was also threatening dairy farmers. 'This joint operation command centre is a very good thing and we support it' said Van Zyl. 'It is important that they actually have a well-functioning mechanism that can help the government to do what needs to be done. We hope that very soon the problem will be resolved. There is a need for everyone to play a role in addressing this problem.' Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said his department was aware that there was a great deal of anxiety around the various outbreaks of FMD in several provinces. Steenhuisen said the department was working around the clock to address the issue. 'All infected properties are placed under quarantine and no movement is allowed into, out of or through that particular area of the farm,' he said. 'Large areas where individual notices cannot be served have been gazetted as disease management areas. And, of course, the same restrictions apply.' He said the government was embarking upon a vaccination campaign and has set aside more than R70 million for FMD vaccines to inoculate about 900 000 animals. NOW READ: Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak rocks South Africa's cattle industry
