Dutch United Instruments (DUI) in Delft (NL) develops instruments for contactless metrology of optical components such as lenses and mirrors. These are high-end products that are used in high-tech systems for sectors such as astronomy, space, medical, defense and semicon. DUI was founded in 2017 to commercialize TNO’s groundbreaking Nanomefos technology for ultra-precise metrology of aspherical and freeform optics. In close collaboration with technology partners such as TNO and Demcon, DUI has developed a range of machines to bring easy, fast and accurate metrology of complex optics to its customers’ optical workshops.
Demcon-TNO collaboration
DUI is the result of the successful collaboration between Demcon and TNO, says managing director Gerard van den Eijkel. “Together, they supported DUI in commercializing high-tech intellectual property in the field of optomechatronics. With DUI, we have now sold sixty machines, of which more than forty have already been installed at customers, mainly in Europe and China.”
Together offering a complete solution
DUI operates in a niche market where competition is fierce, explains Van den Eijkel. “If you want to grow further to fully realize the potential of the company, you have to broaden the product portfolio. QED supplies high-end polishing machines that perfectly match our high-end metrology machines. You need both machines to really help customers, because they are not interested in separate machines. Customers want a solution for their production of lenses and mirrors. Together, DUI and QED can offer a complete solution.”
Growth market in Europe and America
The two companies are a good match, concludes Van den Eijkel, because they complement and strengthen each other. “QED also supplies metrology systems themselves, so they understand the value of our technology very well. Every QED customer is a potential customer for us and vice versa. Our growth market is in the production of high-end optics. This market has traditionally been large in Europe and America. For strategic reasons, many potential customers only do business with a very reliable party that has been around for at least ten years. With DUI, we were still too young, but under the QED flag we can further tap into this market.”
QED Europe’s headquarters in Delft
DUI’s location in Delft will become the European headquarters of QED Technologies and will continue to be led by Van den Eijkel. “At DUI, I gained experience in building a scale-up. At QED, I will be building a further growing and diversifying company as part of their long-term growth strategy.” Rens Henselmans, the CTO of DUI, will lead the metrology branch of QED. He was at the cradle of the Nanomefos technology with his PhD research at the Eindhoven University of Technology. “After my PhD, I did not have the ambition to commercialize the machine; I am not much of an entrepreneur. But the tandem with Gerard worked wonderfully, and together with the employees we have built a great company. In my role as CTO, I remain very much involved with technology and look ahead to guide product development.”
Next-generation precision measurement
“Bringing Nanomefos – and more importantly, DUI – into our portfolio underscores QED’s commitment to innovation and the strategic growth of our metrology capabilities,” says Michael Mohammadi, President and CEO of QED Technologies. “With the Netherlands as a global hub for high-tech advancement, our new European HQ strengthens our position in optics and semiconductors. Just as importantly, we’re gaining an exceptional team whose expertise will drive next-generation precision measurement for customers worldwide.”
Successful investment
Demcon CEO Dennis Schipper takes pride in the sale of DUI to QED. “We invest in start-ups and growing companies that develop meaningful innovations and fit in with our technologies, our market knowledge and our mission. As a technology partner and co-investor, we have contributed to the development of DUI into a successful scale-up. Now, as the European headquarters of QED, they can realize further growth on the global market. We would like to remain involved in this as a technology partner.”
About Demcon
Demcon (1,100+ employees) develops, produces, and supplies technology and innovative products. The Demcon group has locations in Best, Delft, Enschede, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht (the Netherlands), Münster (Germany), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore. The company was born out of the founders’ passion for combining creativity and technical skills aimed at solving complex issues of a technological and social nature. In addition to developing technical solutions, Demcon is committed to stimulating entrepreneurship, and investing in talent and education.
About Dutch United Instruments (DUI)
DUI (25 employees) is located in Delft (NL) and develops instruments for non-contact form metrology of optical components. DUI was established in 2017 to commercialize TNO’s groundbreaking Nanomefos technology for ultra-precision asphere & freeform optics metrology. Working closely together with technology partners such as TNO and Demcon, DUI has developed a range of NMF products to bring easy, fast and accurate metrology of complex optics to its customers’ optical workshops. In addition, DUI can provide tailor-made solutions to meet specific high-end metrology requirements.
About QED Technologies International
QED Technologies International is a leading provider of advanced manufacturing and metrology solutions for precision optics. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Rochester, New York (USA), QED serves customers across the globe in industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, and research. Its technologies, including Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF®) and Subaperture Stitching Interferometry (SSI®), enable unparalleled accuracy and performance in optical fabrication. QED is a portfolio company of Quad-C Management, a private equity firm focused on middle-market companies.