The Precision Fair 2024, held on November 13 and 14, 2024, at the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, was a significant event in the field of precision technology. This fair served as a crucial platform for the entire precision technology value chain, emphasizing the importance of this technology as a stable foundation for many devices and components in our daily lives. 

Precision technology involves the development, production, and assembly of complex products requiring very high accuracy. Think, for example, of products such as microchips, microscopes, measuring equipment, and robots.

During its 22nd edition, the Precision Fair facilitated meetings, collaborations, and knowledge sharing, which are essential to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. 

The event featured six main topics: Mechatronic Engineering Systems, Metrology, Vacuum & Clean, Micro Processing, Motion & Laser Photonics, and Production for High Precision. These topics allowed visitors to engage with experts and explore solutions in these cutting-edge areas.

The Precision Fair has consistently played a pivotal role in bringing together various stakeholders in the precision technology sector to collaborate on the next generation of technological innovations. The event was organized by Mikrocentrum and supported by various media partners, underlining its significance in the industry.

Highlights from the Precision Fair 2023

Highlights from the 2-day event included:

Innovative Deburring Machines 

Dieter Munz, Director of Ultratec Innovation GmbH, presented deburring machines equipped with a robotic system for 24/7 workpiece loading. This innovation highlighted the strides in automation and manufacturing efficiency.

European Semiconductor Market Insights

Dr. Theresa Spaan-Burke from VDMA EMINT provided valuable insights into the European semiconductor market, discussing its business climate and future outlook, which is crucial for understanding industry trends.

Digital Transformation in Precision Machines

Mauro Fusco, Senior Application Engineer at The MathWorks BV, discussed the integration of digital technologies in precision machines, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in enhancing machine performance.

The Power of Precision

Frank Loobeek from Mifa Aluminium BV highlighted the significance of precision in manufacturing, focusing on how precision impacts product quality and performance.

Advancements in Metal Additive Manufacturing

Rob van Loon from KMWE Precision BV explored the challenges and solutions in metal additive manufacturing, particularly focusing on the impact of tolerances on manufacturability and cost.

Data-Driven Design Improvement

Dr. Willem Dijkstra from VDL ETG presented on the use of data analytics in improving the design and reliability of precision components, showcasing the potential of data-driven approaches in precision engineering.

Young Talent Award Winners

New innovations will be driven by the next generation, which is why Mikrocentrum offers young talent and their budding technology projects a stage there through its Young Talent Program. 

Start-ups and student teams send in a 30-second pitch about their technology or product and hold a three-minute pitch on the day itself. A jury composed of Bert-Jan Woertman, the Director of Mikrocentrum, and Richard Hulskes, Co-founder of Wevolver, among others, decide the winners based on factors such as the design and substantiation underpinning the presented innovation.

2024 Young Talent Award Winners 

Mikrocentrum presented the Young Talent Award to Project MARCH and Wevolver to Team POLAR. Both teams make real social impact with their solutions.

Project March creates exoskeletons that enable people with spinal cord injuries to have a greater range of motion and movement.  help people with spinal cord injuries. 

Concept of the exoskeleton. Image: Project March. 

Team Polar aims to venture into the unexplored territories of the Antarctic with an autonomous and sustainable vehicle. They want to enable global accessibility of Antarctic research via a modular research platform, detecting new routes, and doing this all in an economical, safe and environmentally-friendly way. 

Team Polar won $5000 worth of media support from Wevolver. Stay tuned for more articles about this innovative group soon!