Networking project CAM-SYS-4.0 | Kunststoff-Institut (2024)

The use of plastic optics is attractive because plastics have numerous functional, manufacturing and, not least, economic strengths:

– Comparatively simpler molded part production due to the injection molding process

– Lower weight, smaller dimensioning

– High functionality due to production of complete systems including fastening elements in only one work step

– Elimination of finishing by grinding or polishing

– Extensive design freedom

– Significant cost advantages compared to glass

However, the challenges in terms of precision and quality of plastic optical systems are enormous.

The full optimization potential offered by the use of plastics in optical technologies can only be tapped with a precise knowledge of the challenges and their possible solutions. The plastic optical systems are largely responsible for the subsequent quality of the camera and are manufactured using plastic injection molding coupled with complex automation.

The production of miniaturized plastic lens systems is dominated by the Asian market, with no manufacturer in Europe. The market leader is a Taiwanese company, which has a market share of around 80% in the telecommunications sector. The market volume continues to rise.

The aim of the ZIM innovation network CAM-SYS-4.0 is to further develop the identified need for plastic micro-optics systems in research projects and to identify possible solutions.

All information about the network can be found by clicking on the following cross-references:

• 1st place competition: "Competence Network 2009" Best Network in Germany, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology for "Sustainable Growth"
• 1st place in benchmarking of German networks, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology
• Gold Label "Cluster Organization Management Excellence Label (Quality Label)" awarded by ESCA - European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis on behalf of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI) (03/2013)
• Recertification Gold Label in 2015, 2018 and 2021
• Award for the top 5 innovative and efficient regions in Germany in recognition of outstanding achievements in the use of networks in the areas of innovation and material efficiency in 2013/2014.

• Everything from a single source – from subcontracting to in-house sample production
• Professional advice and support (usually free of charge!)
• Damage analysis combined with process knowledge
• Direct interaction with OEMs, active DIN membership in various committees
• Development of customer-specific test plans and new tests
• Own R&D activities for the further development of test methods

1. Speed, flexibility and cost-consciousness: we create our own digital solutions to minimize administrative activities.
2. Customer-Success is our goal: To achieve this, we use/optimize lean, robust, effective processes and are personally available to you at all times.
3. We act sustainably: We actively protect the environment and climate, and our social and ecological standards are at the highest level.

• 1st place competition: "Competence Network 2009" Best Network in Germany, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology for "Sustainable Growth"
• 1st place in benchmarking of German networks, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology
• Gold Label "Cluster Organization Management Excellence Label (Quality Label)" awarded by ESCA - European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis on behalf of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI) (03/2013)
• Recertification Gold Label in 2015, 2018 and 2021
• Award for the top 5 innovative and efficient regions in Germany in recognition of outstanding achievements in the use of networks in the areas of innovation and material efficiency in 2013/2014.