OptiSense GmbH & Co. KG was founded in early 1998 with the aim to develop, manufacture and distribute optical process measuring technology for industrial applications. The main idea that our self-set tasks are based upon is the integration of optical measuring techniques by the consistent utilisation of the most modern technology into industrial products and the supplying of our customers with measuring equipment suitable for the economic control of their modern production methods. The decisive factor was the utilisation of novel materials and coating methods, which could not be measured adequately with conventional measuring technology.

The main emphasis is on measuring equipment for the non-contact measuring of coating thicknesses, based on photo-thermal measuring methods. When using them for the first time, novel product properties were able to be achieved, with which, in particular, the automotive industry, as advanced technology users, were able to realise their targets. Our customers are enabled in this way to distinguish their products from those of their competitors and to set new quality benchmarks. Brand awareness is defined by quality and modern technology at customer-friendly prices and can in this way be strengthened effectively.

Our competences are in the areas of optics, electrical engineering, informatics and micro-engineering. In a young, dynamic team of well-motivated employees, we face the challenges presented to modern process measuring technology. The constant development of electronics, optics and informatics is for us an inexhaustible source for the realisation of future requirements. On account of our proximity to the Ruhr-University Bochum, we are able to benefit from up-to-date scientific developments, and we have access to very well trained specialists.

After its foundation, OptiSense concentrated on the development of photo-thermal coating thickness measurement. This was carried out in collaboration with our partners and customers and the result was the PaintChecker Compact. Initially, the reliable realisation of the measuring method was the focus. Dürr, as a painting installation manufacturer, and Audi, as a car manufacturer, have had a decisive influence. This has allowed us to perfect our measuring technology to such an extent that it can be used in the most difficult of industrial environments for the robot-aided measuring of car bodies. Other applications have benefited decisively from this. With increasing experience, we have been able to improve the product continuously and add further features. Within two years, we managed to drastically shrink the size of our appliances from the size of a switch cabinet to the size of a table top. In parallel, the components were optimised, which allowed the price to be halved. The result is the PaintChecker modular product series, which concentrates on a modular approach to the technology and makes integration into existing coating installations much easier. This has allowed us to win more customers in the automotive supply industry.

Our vision and aim is to transfer the photo-thermal coating thickness measuring technology to hand-held appliances, and in that way to make a handy tool also available to medium-sized companies and customers. Important targets in this direction have already been reached. However, further developments are needed until this aim is achieved.