Precision sensor manufacturer
Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik has opened a new production centre for micromechatronics at its headquarters in Ortenburg, Germany. Here, ‘miniaturised mechatronic systems’ for semiconductor machine construction and aerospace applications are manufactured in a ground area of 36 x 36m, giving an extra 3,800m
2 on three levels.
The competence centre offers the conditions required for producing miniaturised mechatronic systems, including sensors and systems for the latest generation of semiconductor lithography machines, as well as sensors for use in aircraft and space applications.
Micro-Epsilon sensors contribute to the high levels of accuracy in a wide range of equipment, including that required for making future generations of microchips. To manufacture such high-tech sensors, a clean room that offers optimal environmental conditions is required. These conditions not only relate to optimal levels of cleanliness but also constant humidity and temperature.
Other applications include sensor-actuator solutions for laser-based satellite communication. Here, fast-tilting mirrors enable precise positioning of the laser beam to the nearest satellite, which could be at a distance of several hundred kilometres. Also, high-precision sensors for the world’s largest reflector telescope — a large-scale project requiring several thousand inductive position measuring systems. In the telescope, these sensors are used for the exact positioning of the 798 individual mirror segments.
Thomas Wisspeintner, Micro-Epsilon’s managing director, said: “The new production area increases production capacity and enables us to produce advanced products with the highest levels of quality and precision. These are used in high-tech applications and make a significant contribution to more innovation and technological progress for the world of tomorrow.
“In this way, precise measurement in ongoing production can save material and reduce rejects while increasing quality and performance. More than 50 years of continuous investment in the development, production and support of innovative sensor and system solutions from Micro-Epsilon offer our customers more precision for their applications.”
The investment in buildings, technology and equipment for the competence centre amounts to a total of 10 million euros. The company area at the Ortenburg site now stands at about 15,000m
2, with the new centre for micromechatronics alone offering space for over 100 employees. Micro-Epsilon currently employs around 450 people in Ortenburg and has more than 1,400 employees worldwide at 24 locations within the Group.