The MikroMontage conference presents itself as a platform for process and plant engineering in the micro sector

Interesting lectures

Mr. Kreck, IPA

Networking

Mrs. Hahn, Carl Hanser Publishing

For the third time, around 60 representatives from companies and scientific institutions gathered to exchange ideas and learn about the latest developments in process and plant engineering. The venue on Wednesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 20, 2013, was the Parkhotel Stuttgart, Messe-Airport, in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. Air-conditioned rooms ensured a pleasant atmosphere, while outside, temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius, causing the air to shimmer.

The MicroAssembly Conference has been organized annually since 2011 by the Munich-based Carl Hanser Publishing, which maintains a department for trade fair and conference organization on topics from its publishing program. This department also hosts events such as "Lightweight Construction in Casting" in Saarbrücken, the "Coolant Lubricant Forum" in Fellbach near Stuttgart, and the "Stamping Technology Forum" in Landshut, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation IPA, Stuttgart. A five-member expert advisory board, composed of representatives from industry and research, decides each year which topics will be the focus of the presentations and which speakers will be invited. This year, 17 technical contributions were scheduled, including those from employees of AFT Automation & Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Colandis GmbH, Infineon Technologies AG, and Reinhausen Plasma GmbH.

Additionally, purity and cleaning technology was included in the program for the first time. Topics such as the requirements for clean manufacturing in cleanrooms, assembly under sterile conditions exemplified by medical product assembly, as well as precision cleaning and cleaning validation, were discussed. "The topic was brought to us," says Sylvia Hahn, responsible for seminars and conferences at Carl Hanser Publishing. No wonder, as the conference participants come from fields such as medicine, laser and solar technology, semiconductor and automotive industries, and optics.

"After each event, we receive a questionnaire from the participants, which serves as our quality control," Hahn explains. "We want to stay flexible, respond to the wishes and needs of the participants, and continually adapt the format."

The quality of the contributions, speakers, and topics is of utmost importance to Hanser. "We do not see ourselves as competitors to other conferences and trade fairs," says product manager Hahn. "We consider ourselves a niche event with a clear focus on micro-assembly. And as a network and platform for companies in this field to exchange ideas and experiences." The first evening, during the "Get together," was dedicated to networking and making contacts. The second day was concluded for the first time with a visit to another company, the microelectronics manufacturing plant of Baluff AG in Neuhausen.

Voices on MicroAssembly 2013:

"The conference is unmatched; the focus on micro-assembly is unique. Innovation is always required in this field, and the industry is constantly evolving." Dirk Schlenker, Fraunhofer IPA and Conference Director of MicroAssembly

"Here, a good mix of industry and science representatives meets. You learn a lot. During breaks, there are many discussions, and contacts are refreshed." Matthias Burgard, Fraunhofer IPA.

"Many presentations are specifically focused on micro-assembly, but there is also a look beyond the horizon — which I find very important. The problem in our industry is that we always operate within the same circles with the same topics. But at this conference, I see a variety. Many different issues are addressed, sprinkled with selected presentations and product information. It’s also very pleasant that these are not sales shows." Ismar Spuler, Fisba Optik AG

"Networking is an important topic. I am always looking for new methods and here I do a bit of technology scouting or market observation for our company." Jürgen Schweigardt, Bürkert Werke

"Our company is not really set up for microproduction. But I was invited as a speaker to talk about 'Automation of 3D Measurement Systems in Assembly.' It’s very interesting for me to get updates on current industry topics. The presentations are almost like lectures with many practical examples." Reto Wyss, CTO, Swiss company ViDi Systems SA