Zeiss Industrial Metrology buys into Steinbichler Optotechnik

16 Jun 2015

Company is 'accelerating its entry' into the optical 3D digitization sector.

Zeiss Industrial Metrology has announced it is “accelerating its entry” into the optical 3D digitization sector through the planned acquisition of a majority interest in Steinbichler Optotechnik, a leading provider of systems for digitization with optical 3D sensors and in surface inspection on car body and sheet metal parts.

Steinbichler Optotechnik, Neubeuern near Rosenheim, southern Germany, has a broad spectrum of competencies in photogrammetry and laser scanning which are featured in products of the COMET and T-Scan series with an extensive installed base. In addition to these mobile systems, the ABIS surface inspection systems and the COMET sensors are also installed with robots as complete solutions.

The company is also a leading developer of interferometric tire inspection systems. These products of the INTACT series guarantee nondestructive testing and quality control by using shearography and are used worldwide for car/truck/aerospace and F1 tire inspection.

Targeting the car body metrology market, Zeiss Industrial Metrology recently presented its new, fast Zeiss Eagle Eye II triangulation laser scanner for its Pro horizontal measuring machines; this development was jointly initiated in 2014 by Zeiss and Steinbichler and it “demonstrates the many years of close collaboration and outstanding capabilities of the two companies,” said Zeiss.

The Zeiss statement, released this month, continued, “The interaction of the Steinbichler portfolio with the Zeiss software range, such as the Zeiss PiWeb platform and surface measuring programs, will generate synergies and potential that we will be able to offer through our global distribution and service organization for the benefit of customers.”

Strengthening business

Dr. Rainer Ohnheiser, Head of Zeiss’s Industrial Metrology business group, commented, "This acquisition will further strengthen our business group in the field of optical measuring technology, promote digitization and position us as a solutions provider in the area of quality processes in car body production. In the future, Zeiss will therefore cover the entire process from the CAD data model and digitization right up to car body shell inspection."

Dr. Marcus Steinbichler, Managing Partner of Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH, added, “The competencies and positioning of the two companies are the perfect match. Access to the Zeiss global distribution and service organization will enable us to reach even more customers and address additional, new sectors.”

Subject to the approval of the authorities, the transaction is due to be finalized by mid-summer of 2015. The company's headquarters will remain in Neubeuern, and Dr. Marcus Steinbichler will also head the new company as its Managing Director over the long term.

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.