“We test one million sensors per test center per year”
Nico Landeck
Hoffmann + Krippner GmbH & Co. KG – Buchen, Germany
Sensors tested/year
1 mio. per test station
Cycle time
10 seconds per tested component
Stroke length
150 mm
Installation height
45 mm
In a nutshell
At Hoffmann + Krippner, quality control is all about precision and efficiency. With a custom-built testing cell, over one million sensors are automatically tested each year—both electrically and optically. At the heart of this solution are drylin belt axes from igus, which are maintenance-free, durable, and intuitively controllable. Instead of manual testing, a robot handles the movement of components—a smart solution that saves time and ensures top-tier quality.
The challenges: reliable testing and precise movement of sensitive components
Hoffmann + Krippner is a medium-sized company from the Odenwald region and a leading manufacturer of input systems and printed electronics. For internal quality control, the company relies on an automated solution: a testing cell with a robot and drylin belt axes from igus.
Variety in application – and every movement precise
The testing cell operates in a complex environment where sensor films and electronic components are tested. The tasks are demanding and delicate:
- Electrical and optical testing of printed electronics
- Precise positioning with high repeatability
- Movement of sensitive components without damage
- Automated sorting instead of manual inspection
Efficiency meets flexibility
The decision to use the igus solution was driven not only by its technical advantages but also by the significant time savings and maintenance-free operation. The testing cell was custom-designed and is ideal for companies with high quality standards.
The solution: automated sensor testing with igus linear technology
To optimize testing processes and reduce manual labor, an automated testing cell was developed. At its core is a robot that moves components between electrical and optical testing stations. Movement is handled by drylin belt axes of the ZLW-1040 and ZLW-1080 series from igus. These are maintenance-free, lubrication-free, and offer high precision with easy control. The installation height is just 45 mm, and the stroke length is freely selectable.
Thanks to the drylin D1 motor controller, various motors can be intuitively controlled—regardless of axis length. The solution is modular and can be flexibly expanded. Cable management is handled by an igus energy chain.
The automated testing cell improves ergonomics, reduces errors, and saves time. It is quick to implement, cost-efficient, and ideal for medium-sized companies with high quality demands and limited resources.
Key facts
System Type
Automated test cell
Repeatability
±0.5 mm
Control system
Drylin D1 motor controller
Technology Used
Drylin ZLW-1040 / ZLW-1080 belt axes
Conclusion
Automation is not just about technical progress—it also brings noticeable changes to everyday work life. The introduction of the testing cell shows how targeted innovation speeds up processes while creating space for new tasks. Where manual testing once required time and personnel, a system now takes over that impresses with precision and maintenance-free operation.
The decision to implement this solution was strategic: moving away from labor-intensive testing processes toward flexible resource utilization. The result is a more robust operation that remains stable even during staff shortages—and a team that can focus on what truly matters.