Nortech Announces New Patent for Non-Magnetic Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Cable Technology

Nortech Systems (“Nortech” or the “Company”), a global leader in digital connectivity solutions and data management engineering, proudly announces its latest innovation—a groundbreaking patent for non-magnetic expanded beam fiber optic cables. This revolutionary technology platform reimagines connectivity as lighter, faster, and more sustainable while ruggedized for superior performance in the most demanding environments.

The patented non-magnetic expanded beam technology introduces a hybrid solution that seamlessly integrates optical and electrical elements, making it the ideal choice for industries requiring precision, durability, and reliability. From medical imaging systems to aerospace and military applications, this innovation sets a new benchmark for high-speed, high-performance data transmission.

Revolutionizing Connectivity with Expanded Beam Technology

Unlike traditional physical contact connectors, Nortech’s expanded beam fiber optic cables utilize advanced lenses to expand, collimate, and refocus light beams. Key benefits include reduced contamination impact, enhanced reliability, and improved insertion loss performance. Built with robust precision-lens technology and non-magnetic materials like aluminum, titanium, and silver, the solution achieves outstanding durability with reliable performance in high magnetic-field environments such as MRI systems.

“Our non-magnetic expanded beam fiber optic patent redefines innovation in connectivity,” said Jay D. Miller, President and CEO at Nortech Systems. “With capabilities such as over 100,000 mating cycles, reduced contamination sensitivity, and unparalleled data integrity, this technology is transforming industries that demand the very best from their digital connectivity. We’re very bullish on the future of Nortech and continue to make R&D investments to accelerate long-term growth.”

The imposition of tariffs may significantly impact contract manufacturers with facilities in China and Mexico, including Nortech. “While the Company continues to invest in new technologies, such as non-magnetic expanded beam technology, we are closely monitoring any potential changes that could affect our operations and the operations of our customers.” added Miller. “Much of our production work globally takes a near-shoring approach to build products in-country, for-country. This allows Nortech to better serve customers with reduced shipping costs and time, while limiting the adverse impact of tariffs.”

Key Features

Nortech’s patented design includes the following standout features:

• Hybrid Cabling Solution – Simultaneously delivers electro-optical signals, control, data, and timing.

• Non-Magnetic Components – Ensures peak performance in environments with high magnetic interference, such as medical imaging systems.

• Extended Mating Cycle Reliability – Exceeds 100,000 cycles for low-maintenance, long-lasting connections.

• Resilient Performance – Innovative optical designs minimize the impact of dust, contaminants and vibration.

Applications Across Industries

This non-magnetic expanded beam fiber optic technology offers unmatched versatility, serving critical industries including:

• Medical Imaging – Reliable, interference-free data transmission for MRI systems and other advanced imaging applications.

• Aerospace and Military – Robust, vibration-resistant communication systems for challenging environments.

• Industrial and Oil & Gas – Durable connections that withstand harsh conditions and extreme temperatures.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

Nortech’s new patent represents a significant step toward sustainability. By reducing maintenance needs while improving durability and performance, this technology is lighter and faster than copper-interconnect solutions, significantly contributing to environmentally conscious engineering practices while helping Nortech's customers reduce their overall carbon footprint. Through constant innovation and commitment to sustainability, Nortech continues to set new standards in the fiber optic and data connectivity industries.

About Nortech Systems Incorporated

Nortech Systems is a leading provider of design and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical devices, electromechanical systems, assemblies, and components. Nortech primarily serves the medical imaging, medical device, aerospace & defense, and industrial markets. Its design services span concept development to commercial design, and include medical device, software, electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. Its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities are vertically integrated around wire, cable, and interconnect assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, as well as system-level assembly, integration, and final test. Headquartered in Maple Grove, Minn., Nortech currently has six manufacturing locations and design centers across the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. Nortech Systems is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol NSYS. Nortech's website is www.nortechsys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including without limitation statements regarding future financial results, gaining approval of customers relating to moving production from one facility to another Company-owned facility, strengthening of customer relationships, achieving long-term strategic goals, effects of restructuring and consolidating manufacturing facilities, sustained long-term health and growth, ability to scale our business, reducing cost structure and optimism about customer pipeline. While this release is based on management's best judgment and current expectations, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (1) commodity cost increases coupled with challenges in raising prices and/or customer pressure to reduce prices; (2) supply chain disruptions leading to shortages of critical components; (3) volatility in market conditions which may affect demand for the Company's products; (4) increased competition and/or reduced demand; (5) changes in the reliability and efficiency of operating facilities or those of third parties; (6) risks related to the availability of labor; (7) the unanticipated loss of any key member of senior management; (8) geopolitical, economic, financial and business conditions; (9) the Company's ability to steadily improve manufacturing output and product quality; (10) the impact of global health epidemics on our customers, employees, manufacturing facilities, suppliers, the capital markets and our financial condition; or (11) challenges with customers with respect to moving production from one facility to another Company-owned facility. Some of the above-mentioned factors are described in further detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our annual and quarterly reports, as applicable. You should assume the information appearing in this document is accurate only as of the date hereof, or as otherwise specified, as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such date. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

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“Our non-magnetic expanded beam fiber optic patent redefines innovation in connectivity,” said Jay D. Miller, President and CEO. "We’re very bullish on the future of Nortech and continue to make R&D investments to accelerate long-term growth."