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On November 15 and 16, the 17th edition of the Precision fair took place in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. Its status as a unique international hotspot for precision technology was underlined by the record high visitor numbers: over 4000 visitors from 25 different countries found their way to NH Conference Centre Koningshof, Veldhoven.
A special insight into the world of ASML
A company that revolves around precision technology is ASML, the world market leader in lithography machines. The complete story of ASML was told by four experts. Jan van Eijk, director at Mice BV and involved in the first developments of lithography at Philips and ASML, gave visitors an introduction to this technology. René Raaijmakers, director of Techwatch, presented some highlights from his book: "The architects of ASML", about the history of ASML. Jelm Franse, Senior Director of Precision Mechanics at ASML, presented the current state of lithography machines and the associated mechatronic modules. In conclusion, Wilbert van Luenen, Senior Director of Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) at ASML, talked about the future plans with the EUV machine and what other developments are taking place within ASML in the coming years.
Big Science: further research is not possible without cooperation with the industry
The Precision Fair also offered a platform for current Big Science projects. During 8 lectures the audience was informed about the latest fundamental, international and groundbreaking research at CERN, NOVA, TNO and SRON. Projects such as ITER, ESRF, ELT and Athena were extensively discussed. The goal is to involve the high-tech industry in the realization of said projects and to strengthen the network. The importance of this was also endorsed by Sijbrand de Jong, President of the Council at CERN. During his lecture he spoke about the current applications of the knowledge gained from research into elementary particles. Sijbrand also explained the future plans of CERN for the realization of a new, annular particle accelerator of no less than 100 kilometers.
The opportunities for precision technology within astroparticle physics
Astroparticle physics offers opportunities for high-tech suppliers. This was also endorsed by keynote speaker Frank Linde, program leader for gravitational wave research at Nikhef Amsterdam. Frank introduced the public to the world of astroparticle physics and spoke about the ambitions of the European consortium that coordinates this research field (APPEC). In doing so, he explained the Dutch activities and opportunities in this research field. Infrastructure projects such as the Einstein Telescope, KM3NeT, XENON-nT and the Dutch roadmap for large-scale scientific infrastructure are of particular importance in this context.
Supply chain integration the key word during Link Magazine panel discussion
Especially within the precision industry, customer requirements are becoming increasingly extreme. This requires an ecosystem where there is better and more structured cooperation. Supply Chain Integration is the key word here. During the panel discussion in collaboration with Link Magazine, six experts addressed the various existing ecosystems and the creation of new regional, national or European ecosystems. At the end of this discussion they agreed: the intensive way of working together requires a long breath, a different mentality and mutual trust. That is not for everyone, but those who want to act at the highest technical level must accept that not all knowledge can be present in-house.
DSPE Award won by Sam Peerlinck of KU Leuven
The Precision Fair was traditionally concluded with the presentation of the Wim van der Hoek Award by the Dutch Society for Precision Engineering (DSPE). This award rewards the best graduation project in the field of precision mechatronics or the design of mechanical structures. This year, no fewer than 9 nominees were eligible. Sam Peerlinck, student at KU Leuven, won with his project: "Asymmetrically moving cilia for liquid propulsion at low Reynolds numbers: a physical model".
Precision fair 2018
The next edition is scheduled for 14 and 15 November 2018. We will keep you informed via the website www.precisionfair.com