ACOP – Aachen Center for Optics Production

Defect-free manufacturing of high-precision components requires seamless interaction between individual process steps throughout the entire process chain. Efficiency is achieved not only by optimizing individual processes, but also by aligning the interfaces and interdependencies between them. This creates significant potential for process and process-chain optimization, particularly in the optics industry.

The Aachen Center for Optics Production (ACOP) at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT works with industry partners to develop solutions for the industrial manufacture of optical components. Its aim is to measurably improve quality, resource efficiency, and process stability along the entire optics production chain.

ACOP covers key stages of industrial optics manufacturing, from the shaping of glass and polymer optics to protective coatings, precision metrology, assembly, and digital process integration.

Current research priorities include improving the efficiency of optics manufacturing, developing new materials for optical applications, and designing robust coating systems that perform reliably under industrial conditions. ACOP supports companies in developing high-performance, reliable manufacturing processes for optical components.

Infrastructure and technologies for optics production

The Fraunhofer IPT’s research and development infrastructure is the technological foundation of ACOP. This infrastructure enables the physical and digital integration of manufacturing steps, material characterization, metrological analyses, and targeted scrap reduction in optical production.

This allows processes, materials, and optical components to be investigated and developed further under real-world conditions.

Benefits for industry partners

Since its establishment in 2022, ACOP has conducted over 30 research and development projects in optical manufacturing in collaboration with industry partners. 

Partner companies select research topics, contribute their own questions, and benefit from Fraunhofer IPT's infrastructure and expertise. The solutions developed are designed to integrate into existing manufacturing processes.

As ACOP partners, companies can address specific production challenges and translate research results into industrial applications.

Your partner for industrial optics manufacturing

Are you looking for a partner specializing in optics manufacturing, coatings, advanced metrology, assembly, or digital process integration? ACOP combines application-oriented research with industrial implementation to support companies in further developing their optics production.