The people behind measurement technology – 45 years of Micro-Epsilon

The Bavarian sensor specialist Micro-Epsilon celebrates its 45th anniversary. Since it was established in 1968, a three-man operation has become a global group of companies that develops and produces high-precision sensors and measurement systems.

After Micro-Epsilon was founded in 1968, the company initially sold high-temperature sensors for nuclear power plants, turbine and motor manufacturing, offshore technology and pipeline monitoring. Just a few years later, development and manufacturing were introduced. Technological highlights include developing the first digital measurement system (1984), the smallest eddy-current sensor in the world (1988), the first triangulation sensor (1992) and the world’s smallest confocal-chromatic sensor (2006), an automated paint inspection system for automotive production, as well as a flat, temperature-resistant coil for eddy-current and capacitive systems (ECT method). In 2012, the first spectral inline color measurement system was introduced and in the last few months multicopters have been flying over solar installations, carrying ultra-lightweight infrared cameras from Micro-Epsilon. The company's own development departments and numerous research collaborations enable Micro-Epsilon to develop and manufacture customised sensors as well as standard catalog products.

One key contributing factor for continued growth and technical innovation is the low staff turnover (less than 1%), which helps to build up experience, skills and knowledge over decades. The family-run company has the slogan “More precision”, which stands not only for measurement accuracy and high quality products, but also to providing professional technical advice from service consultants, taking into account the customer's technical and financial situation.