Edmund Optics launches startUP program to help new optics firms

04 May 2016

Program provides fledgling photonics companies with engineering, product, and marketing expertise and cut-price kit.

Diverse optical components developer Edmund Optics has announced the launch of its startUP initiative, an integrated, customizable program that provides optics and photonics startups with assistance during their development. startUP members can benefit from a wide range of services including the company’s engineering expertise, discounted pricing on products, and marketing support.

“For years Edmund Optics has worked closely with young companies, often in life sciences, and now because of the dramatic growth in startups and incubators, we see the need to develop an official program to help these companies grow their businesses – on their own terms and at their own pace,” said Andrew Lynch, Senior Manager of Inside Sales. “Whether they’re just starting to build a prototype, want a small manufacturing run, or are ramping up to full production, startUP can provide engineering, technical and purchasing solutions tailored to each unique situation.”

startUP provides companies with access to Edmund’s multidisciplinary engineering team. Program members can collaborate with more than 250 optical, mechanical, design, and manufacturing engineers to supplement their in-house resources. In addition, 24-hour technical support is available via phone, email and online chat, adds the Barrington, NJ-headquartered firm.

Participating companies can also benefit from “instant discounts” on all Edmund Optics products. The launch statement says, “Once companies move beyond the prototyping phase, they will continue to receive volume pricing with typical discounts of 10-20%. EO’s Modify Stock Optics service is an ideal option, especially during the proof-of-concept or prototyping phase, for startups looking for affordable, custom, small volume manufacturing of optical components with a two-to-three week lead time.”

Since many new companies begin at the university or incubator level, startUP is an extension of EO’s existing Educational Award program, which promotes innovative research in optics and photonics. Kirsten Bjork-Jones, Director of Global Marketing Communications, comments, “With nearly 75 years of direct marketing experience, Edmund Optics knows what young companies must do to get their technology in front of the right audience and drive demand. We can help get startups noticed.”

‘Techspec’ lenses

The company has also announced the launch of its Techspec UC Series fixed focal length lenses. These are designed to work with all smaller-format camera sensors and optimized for machine vision working distances and resolution requirements. The company says the ultra-compact lenses are suitable for a wide range of applications including factory automation, inspection and biomedical instrumentation.

Designed for pixels that are ≤2.2μm, the Techspec UC lenses provide high levels of resolution (>200 lp/mm) across the sensor. The RoHS-compliant lenses are available in five focal lengths from 4 mm through 25 mm. Although the lenses are optimized for 1/2.5 in sensors, a number of focal lengths support sensors up to 1/1.8 in. Techspec UC lenses are compatible with all standard C-mount cameras to facilitate integration, and feature locking iris and focus adjustment with recessed set screws to prevent unintentional lens adjustments.