Three Key Strengths

Crystal Group Inc. is uniquely comprised of three business strengths rolled into a single entity. We are a rugged server manufacturer, a systems integrator, and a custom design and manufacturing services provider. The three strengths create a unique partner in the computer industry and allow Crystal to excel at the delivery of innovative and robust systems tailored to specific customer needs. These capabilities result in lower costs and shorter development schedules for our customers.  Successful customers are our passion.

Crystal provides server, switch, display, storage, and embedded computer architectures and related integration services for mission critical installations worldwide. We design, manufacture, integrate, and support rugged computer-based systems for intelligence, communications, reconnaissance, navigation, surveillance, and critical control applications in government and industrial segments. 

Rugged Manufacturer

Crystal combines leading edge COTS utilization and custom electrical design and development to produce open architecture systems tailored to specific customer needs. Engineers at the company have perfected techniques in extending the performance of high reliability COTS computational architecture. These techniques include stabilizing components that are susceptible to damage from shock and vibration, increasing air flow to hot components, and even improving the conductive and convective heat transfer mechanisms of the components to extend the thermal limits of the COTS motherboards. Using these techniques combined with skilled structural chassis design enables superior environmental and electromagnetic performance. These techniques can extend a ROTS server to 6GRMS vibration, 40G crash safety shock, and full performance in a 71°C ambient temperature. We routinely design and test to MIL-STD-810F, MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD-1275D, MIL-STD-704F, MIL-STD-167-1A and MIL-STD-461E, FCC Part 15 Class A/B, and RTCA DO-160. 

Systems Integrator

Crystal Group excels in the integration of seemingly disparate technologies into advanced technological systems. Our team of Technical Directors and Systems Engineers are skilled in quickly integrating pieces of technology to meet customer requirements. Crystal will specify, procure, inventory, integrate, test, deliver, install, support and upgrade integrated systems. Crystal provides:

• Transit case integration including custom breakout panels, cabling, and shelves.
• Integration and management of third party or customer-supplied application software including customer-defined testing criteria and revision management.
• Integration and management of third party or customer supplied hardware including customer-defined test criteria, inventory management, and serial number tracking.
• 7 X 24 tier-one support of all third-party hardware and software
• Layout, assembly, wiring, testing, shipping and installation of rack systems
  Site surveys and field installation support including physical, thermal, and electrical consulting.
• Server upgrade programs to accommodate changing operational requirements 

Custom Design and Manufacturing Services

Crystal Group is staffed with a talented team of program managers, engineers and technicians that are able to design and develop computer, display, storage elements, routers, switches, and transit case appliances for your exact needs. The company is ISO 9000:2001 certified and employs a rigorous Quality Operating Procedure in development activities. 

Project Management:
Our Systems engineers work closely with the business development managers to accurately capture your requirements and oversee the projects. We employ a system of reviews and check points to ensure the customer gets exactly what they want and need. These include systems requirements review (SRR) , preliminary design review (PDR), critical design review (CDR), and production readiness reviews (PRR). Programs are managed in Microsoft Project and Risk Management techniques are employed to ensure optimal use of resources and decision making results. 

Mechanical and Electrical Design:
Our mechanical engineers and designers use AutoCad Inventor® to accurately model and develop designs in 3D. Using solid modeling allows the designers to create new structures, pull in existing components from previous designs, perform fit checks, and analyze tolerances quickly and effectively. These models are uses extensively in the PDR phases of the program to communicate the design intent to the customer as well as the internal departments within the company. Thermal analysis is done using in-house thermal imaging and Therotron® chamber equipment or external contracting of Flotherm®. 

Our electrical engineers and technicians use Visio for block diagrams and Altium® for both schematic capture and board layout. Design reviews are required prior to ordering printed wiring boards and these reviews involve personnel from the SMD assembly technician to the VP of Operations to ensure a functional and producible circuit board design. 

Manufacturing:
All electrical assembly techniques conform to IPC-A-610. Crystal Group uses the following in-house production equipment to build and test circuit boards:Speedline MPM/SPM Solder

• Paste Screen Printer (Tin-lead or Lead Free)
• Two Phillips GEM Topaz Automated Chip Shooters
• Phillips GEM Emerald Automated Large BGA Machine with Mag Changer
• Heller Six Stage IR Reflow Oven
• Aqueous Technologies Board Washer
• NUERA JR Tech Devices Wave Solder
• ERSAScope BGA Optics
• Mancorp BGA Repair Iron
• Various Custom Test Equipment Units
• Metal machining and inspection is completed on any one of six machines by trained personnel:
  • DoALL Model C305 CNC Saw
  • 30HP HAAS VR3, 10KRPM, 20 Tool Changer with Dual Pallet Changer
  • 30HP HAAS VR4, 10KRPM 20 Tool Changer
  • 30HP, Fadal Model 904, 10KRPM 21 Tool Changer
  • 10HP, HAAS Model TM1, 4.8KRPM, 10 Tool Changer
  • Brown and Sharp CMM

These in-house capabilities ensure rapid and comprehensive custom development and testing for unique customer needs.

Business Commitment 

Crystal Group Inc. is a veteran owned S-corporation. We are heavily capitalized and vertically integrated for quick response and superior customer service we are positioned to manage through our economy’s ups and downs. We provide a level of service and product quality that exceeds our customer’s expectations. We invite you to learn more about Crystal by calling 800.378.1636 or +1 319.378.1636.