"Optics is the Champions League of Precision"
Employee Portrait with Patrick Gierlinger from the production. Read about how much experience is needed to guarantee the high-precision of the best UV projectors in the world.
Accurately machined mechanical parts are the basis for the precision of every optical system, this is where every hundredth millimeter counts. Employees like Patrick Gierlinger, who has been working at In-Vision for 3 years, know exactly how to achieve the accuracy that every part of our UV light projectors needs to be the best in the world.
INV: For this conversation I went to the in-house production at our company to meet our interview partner. Hi Patrick. Good to see you.
Patrick: Hello, thank you for having me.
INV: When entering the production hall and meeting you at the machine, we find you very concentrated and in your element. Can you tell me about your connection to the machine?
Patrick: I am excited about the possibilities it can offer. Not only can it produce all workpieces with a wide variety of shapes, but it makes it possible to achieve highest precision. In conjunction with optics, this factor is vital. All these parts have very tight tolerances. Workpieces must be designed such that the physical calculations of light refraction remain constant within the tolerances and are not affected by inaccuracies.
Except for the technical limitations due to the processing methods and the material, there are no limits. If you learn to use it correctly, you can create so much with it.
To deliver highest precision, you have to understand the machine to be able to respond to the behavior of the material.
INV: How did you learn to operate the CNC Milling-machine correctly?
Patrick: I was trained as an operator and miller and had already gained experience in mechanical engineering and with various materials. When I started at In-Vision, the company set itself the goal to optimize the milling shop. In-Vision invested in new machines and milling programs were reworked. As a result, the parts’ accuracy was improved. We have reworked and optimized all workpieces. In this way, my feeling for the machine has also developed. Furthermore, the company gave me the possibility to travel to Pfronten, the DMG Mori production facility, to perfect my skills.
INV: What makes a good turning and milling operator for you?
Patrick: A good turning and milling operator knows his machine. To deliver highest precision, you have to understand the machine to be able to respond to the behavior of the material. He knows that it's not just about his part, but also about working with other departments. In my case, with the design department, to ensure the best possible preparation for quality testing. The interplay of expertise, experience and research is essential for our high-technology projectors. Optics is the Champions League of precision, because each inaccuracy of the mechanics is amplified by the optics. The part must be manufactured in a single run, as it cannot be re-mounted to be re-machined if we want to meet these high tolerance requirements. The tolerances are finer than a human hair. This is challenging and exciting.
Every component is adapted to the customer's wishes and I really enjoy being part of the challenge that this precision requirement brings.
INV: Can you explain your job in more detail?
Patrick: In-Vision develops the projectors according to customer requirements. Therefore, there is a new drawing for each projector. Mechanical production is in constant exchange with the designers, who discuss and coordinate the respective requirements with us. After this operation I need to program the machine accordingly and I manufacture the component with our DMU50 Universal Milling Machine according to the requirements needed. The use of the chain magazine makes it possible to manufacture these complex workpieces in one clamping operation and to maintain constant precision and quality. After the production of the workpiece is done, it is inspected and approved by the quality department.
INV: That sounds like a challenging job. What do you do in your free time to recharge your batteries?
Patrick: My passion for milling is also reflected in my spare time. I like to go to my own workshop on the weekends and do some handicraft work with different materials. I'm passionate about art that includes materials. You can also create great design objects with a milling machine.
INV: You seem to have found a job that involves your passion. What do you like most about your work at In-Vision?
Patrick: Yes, that's true. I especially appreciate the open communication with the employees and the working atmosphere at In-Vision. Every component is adapted to the customer's wishes and I really enjoy being part of the challenge that this precision requirement brings.
INV: Thank you Patrick for your insightful descriptions.
Patrick: Thank you. I'm already looking forward to more projects.
