Time travel - more than 150 years of precision and innovation
From Gustav Heyde to Steinmeyer Mechatronik
Go on a journey through time and enjoy the company history of Steinmeyer Mechatronik, which started as Gustav Heydes "Mathematical-Mechanical Institute and Optical Precision Workshops". Interesting insights and links to further pages await you
1872
Foundation of the „Mathematisch-mechanisches Institut und optische Präzisionswerkstätten Gustav Heyde“
1885
Construction of the first automatic circular dividing machine for circle diameters up to 1 m
Manufacturing program
- astronomical Instruments
- Astronomical observatory domes
- Geodetic instruments
- Circular dividing machines
- Precision optics
1912
Program expansion
- Reflectors with parabolic shape (Cassegrain type)
- Heydesch image measuring theodolite according to Hugershoff (1910)
- Comparator for measuring plane image point coordination (1910)
- Position thread micrometer
- Observation ladders
- Zenith telescope
- Clockworks
- Astronomical clocks
1919
Hugershoff autocarograph for mechanical mapping of aerial photographs
Related literature (external link): https://image.isu.pub/191123070057-c9ff2636b14f033d6d0f9c0ebb0ce2ef/jpg/page_15.jpg
1920s
Production of designs of Aerotopograph GmbH
- Autocartograph
- Aircraft measurement cameras
- Aerocartopgraph
- Automatic series image measuring camera
- Flight path artist
- Airplane speedometer
- Stereo autoatachygraph
1928
Program expansion to include test equipment for bituminous materials
- Penetrometer according to Richardson
- Penetrometer according to Holde
- Dukilometer according to DOW
- Center of gravity determination apparatus according to Krämer-Sarnow
- Klinkmann falling sphere viscometer
1930s
Program expansion
- Ripper mills for vertical operation (1930)
- Length dividing machines (1935)
- High precision and production dividing machines
- Automatic circular and drum dividing machine (1938)
1948
Modernization and program expansion after transition to VEB Optik Feinmess Dresden (OFD)
Production program
- Traditional products with circular and length cutting machines
- Geodetic products such as levels, theodolites, forestry bussoles, tilting rules
- Optics for glasses, telescope systems, prisms
- Asphalt, bitumen and tar testing equipment
1954
Program expansion
- Micrometer dividing machine MT100
- Production circular dividing machine TK750
- Circular fine dividing machine TKF1000
1959
Program expansion
- Circular fine dividing machine TKF950 S with float relief of the main axis
- Interference attachment according to Trumpold for interference surface measuremen
- Hollow glass thickness gauge HDS 6/12
Nivelliere of the 50s
- Construction level BN20 (1951)
- Engineer's level IN30G (1953)
- Travel Bussole Tacheometer RBT18 (1959)
1966
Development of the FM optical contact wire measuring device for track electrification of rail vehicles
1969
Automatic penetrometer with integrated control for the determination of viscosities e.g. bitumen, fats, dough with different attachments
1973
Further development of the fine reading systems
- Left picture: Fine reading device FAE1 (1961)
- Right picture: FAE4 (1973) with millimeter scale for reading the workpiece position with an accuracy of 0.01 mm.
The FAE4 was distributed until the mid-1990s.
![[Translate to English:] Zweipunktmesskopf](/fileadmin/_processed_/2/f/csm_heyde-steinmeyer-mechatronik-messkoepfe_a9d977598b.png "[Translate to English:] Zweipunktmesskopf")
1975
Production start and further development of electronic measuring controllers for grinding machines
- Electronic measuring controller MS1
- Electronic measuring controller MS2 for interrupted grinding
- Two-point measuring head ZP1S for outside diameters
- Two-point measuring head ZP3 for (I) inside and optionally (A) outside diameter
1992
Modernization and program enlargement after transition to the Steinmeyer Group
Development and production program:
- Parts, assemblies and contract production
- Electronic measuring controller
- Laser inferometer
- Optical positioning devices
- Contact wire measuring devices
1992 - 1994
Further development of the program of electronic measuring controller for the ball bearing industry:
- Modular measuring controller SG601 (1992)
- Sorting controller SG611 for the classification of part diameters
- Single-point measuring head EP8 for the production of special ball bearings for the aerospace aerospace industry (1994)
1994
Development of the first motorized linear positioning system
Positioning systems specialization
Development and diversification of numerous modular standard axes by customer specific development projects:
- PMT160-DC (1994)
- DT65-NM (1997) with piezo drive for smallest increments
- PMT160-DC (2000) with motion controller and customized software modules (command interpreter)
- MT105-NM-HV (2002) micro stage as magnet-free vacuum version (up to 10E-8 mbar)
Related link (internal): Overview modular standard axes
Related link (internal): Overview customer specific systems
1999
Medical and Biotechnology
Development of an automated handling system of biological samples for incubators with a loading capacity of 30 microtiter plates
Related link (internal):Positioning systems laboratory / analytics
Cleanroom systems
Development of the first cleanroom system for high-precision motion tasks in semiconductor technology with air bearing and integrated controller for wafer inspection
Related link (internal): Positioning systems semiconductor technology
2001
Development of complex multi-axis systems with several degrees of freedom for the inspection of displays
8-axis positioning system
- with coaxial rotation system that tilts a camera and the lights around a common center
- customer-specific series production for more than 20 years
Related link (internal): Combinations of laboratory axes
![[Translate to English:] Off-Axis-Unit (2002) Leibnitz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam zum Einsatz im LBT (Large Binocular Telescope)](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/6/csm_heyde-feinmess-ofd-steinmeyer-mechatronik-off-axis-unit-aip-lbt-Large-Binocular-Telescope-observatory_17bc904347.png "[Translate to English:] Off-Axis-Unit (2002) Leibnitz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam zum Einsatz im LBT (Large Binocular Telescope)")
2002
Positioning solution for the Large Binocular Telescope
Development of the Off-Axis-Unit for the Leibnitz-Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam for use in the LBT (Large Binocular Telescope)
Related link (external): Research Project AIP https://www.aip.de/en/research/projects/lbt/
Related Link (internal): Press release "Precise positioning for the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT)"
2003
Series development of an aperture adjuster for computer tomographs with continuous improvement of new axis generations
Related link (internal): Systems in imaging for medicine and biotechnology
Related link (internal): Press release aperture positioned | computed tomography, diagnostics
2005
Positioning solution for the SUNRISE Solar Observatory
Development of a 3-axis system for the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research for use in the balloon-borne solar observatory SUNRISE
Related link (external): Sunrise project of the MPS www.mps.mpg.de/sonnenforschung/sunrise
Related link (external): Sunrise Science Blog www2.mps.mpg.de/projects/sunrise/scienceblog/
2006
PLT series as the base for large, modular multi-axis architectures
- Precise linear stages for heavy duty applications
- Suitable and modular for industrial use
- Motor variants: AC servo, DC motor, stepper motor, linear motor
Related link (internal): Standard linear stages of the PLT series
2011
Vacuum multi-axis system for the RICXS experiment
(Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering) at Bessy for an application in synchrotron radiation research
- Pivoting of a camera around supermagnets 1.7T at 10E-8 mbar
- Adjustment of viewing distance, apertures in ahead, samples in magnets
Related link (internal): Overview multi-axis systems vacuum
Related links (external):
- About the Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering at www.helmholtz-berlin.de
- Publication about the device at https://api-depositonce.tu-berlin.de
2012
Positioning solution for polarization filters in telescopes
Development of a double rotary stage for the Leibnitz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam for polarization filters in telescopes
Related link (internal): Systems for astronomy and aerospace
2014 Steinmeyer Mechatronik GmbH / Steinmeyer Group
2016
Integrated, miniaturized series assemblies
Advanced development of customer specific controller and software solutions (e.g. electronic design, firmware, etc.) for integrated, miniaturized assemblies
- Linear Rotary Actuator (2016)
- Adjuster (2017)
- Software Terminal (2021)
Related Links (internal): Positioning systems alignment, assembly and test
Related Links (external): Press publication linear-rotary-actuatorr
2017
X-2(YZ Phi) assembly system with nanometer stability for solid-state lasers operated in satellites
- two independently operating processing heads (Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2, Phi1, Phi2) on one common X-axis
- 3D position stability of 0.05 µm
- UV compatibility
- Clean room compatibility class ISO 5 (DIN EN ISO 14644)
Related links (internal): Press release Submicrometer precision for lasers in space
2020
Positioning solutions for the VLT (Very Large Telescope) from ESO
Development of positioning systems for the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics for the GRAVITY+ instrument of the ESO-VLT (Very Large Telescope)
- XY-Positioning System (2020)
- Beam compressor stage (2021)
Related links (external):
- GRAVITY and VLT at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics
- Project https://www.mpe.mpg.de/ir/gravityplusGRAVITY+at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics
2022
Highly compact 8-axis UHV mirror stage at SwissFEL
Development of a highly compact UHV mirror stage for use at the Furka Endstation of the SwissFEL (Switzerland's X-ray free-electron laser) at the Paul Scherrer Institute
- 8-axis system
- 10E-10 mbar (UHV)
- piezo motors
- lubricant-free
- spring-loaded mirror clamping
The content of this page was made from our large collection of photos and documents and supplemented by questioning as well as participation of some of our long-time employees. We have tried to fill gaps in our knowledge with internet research and sometimes just common sense. In the process, a large number of external sources have been incorporated, which are indicated accordingly. Some contexts could only be presented in a simplified way. If you find errors in the content or can supplement it with your own knowledge, please get in touch with us at: 150years(at)steinmeyer.com
We are pleased to share our documents with interested persons and institutes for scientific and non-commercial purposes, hoping for networking and complementing our knowledge.
Press and innovations Steinmeyer Mechatronik
Precision for computer tomography | med. diagnostics
Steinmeyer Mechatronik has supplied a high-precision, <link…
Microtiter scanning system | Laboratory automation
For fast and precise processing of microtiter plates, Steinmeyer Mechatronik has developed a <link…
Submicrometer precision for lasers in space | Astronomy
The Fraunhofer ILT has designed a laser for measuring methane concentrations, which will be used in 2021/2022 in the German-French satellite Merlin.…