Countdown to Optatec; 400 exhibitors to showcase optical manufacturing

24 Apr 2024

Event owner P.E. Schall announces details and previews Frankfurt optics show.

Experts involved in all aspects of photonics and optics are set to meet at the 16th edition of Optatec, the trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems, which will be held between May 14th and 16th. Nearly 400 exhibitors will explore the topic of light and its applications in hall 3.1 at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre. Attendees can also look forward to a supplementary programme covering the latest manufacturing and development topics.

Optatec covers optotechnology, image processing, manufacturing processes, and related machinery. It bridges the gap between research and industry and brings together optics professionals and enthusiasts from various sectors and numerous countries for three days.

Typical technologies on show and in the presentations include machinery and systems manufacturing, production automation, automotive engineering, microelectronics and optoelectronics, lighting technologies, and application areas such as pharmaceutical and medical products industry, laboratory automation and defense, and safety and security sectors.

Supplementary program

Optatec 2024 will be supported by a revised supplementary program. To begin with, the Germany-based Spectaris industry association for photonics will report on current market figures at the opening press conference on May 14th, followed by a range of specialized seminars on the following day.

“New developments in the DIN Standards Committee for Precision Mechanics and Optics (NAFuO)” will be discussed in German from 10.00 to 12.00 on May 15th. The technical seminar covering “Professional Software for the Development of Optical and Precision Mechanical Components” will take place in English from 13.00 to 15.00. The Fraunhofer IOF from Jena, Germany, will also be in Frankfurt for the event and provide information on topics including “Micro- and Nano-Optics – from the Street to Outer Space”.

The exhibitor forum at Optatec has been conceived as a communication platform targeted at expert visitors, intended to provide additional information about participating companies, as well as their technologies and their respective range of offerings. Speakers from research and science institutes will report on their innovations and experiences – in theory and in practice – thus providing attendees with an expanded knowledge base.

Photonics Master’s Programs from Hessen

Research and science also benefit from Optatec as a communication platform for all aspects of photonics – including an introduction to academic opportunities. Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Rhine-Main University of Applied Sciences and Central Hessen University of Applied Sciences will present this subject matter live at the trade fair and showcase their Master’s degree programs in “Optotechnology and Image Processing”, “Applied Physics” and “Optical Systems Engineering”.

The joint booth will offers an opportunity for interested parties to find out more about these specialised degree programmes. Everyone who has already completed a bachelor’s degree or vocational training in a technical/scientific field and would like to find out more about cameras, lasers, optics and light, is invited.

Optatec exhibitors comprise a range of manufacturers of optical components, systems, modules and complete solutions that utilise photonics and optics technologies for technical applications. Manufacturers of photonics components, production systems and hardware for the production of optical components are also represented. Exhibitors also include providers of analysis and evaluation software and tools. More than half of the exhibitors are from outside of Germany.

Bettina Schall, managing director of P. E. Schall, commented, “As the trade fair promoter, we’re proud to showcase the specialised topics of photonics and optical technologies. Optatec is a highly specialised platform and is recognised as a leading trade fair with high levels of internationality. It’s fitting that International Light Day, on 16 May 2024, coincides with Optatec. All light aficionados are more than welcome.”