Mechatronics and optics, seemingly completely foreign fields, nevertheless have something to say. Members of the Czech Optical Cluster and the Mechatronics Cluster were able to see for themselves at a joint event that took place on March 26 in the Prague Technology Center.
The program revolved around additive technologies with which companies from both clusters work. Concrete examples of the use of additive technologies in various industries from the food industry to shipbuilding were presented by representatives of the 3Dwiser company. Examples of what research and development is focused on in the field of 3D printing were prepared by the research organization COMTES FHT and the Czech Technology Platform for Additive Manufacturing. Even representatives of the optical cluster were not left behind. The companies Hilase and IQS nano showed how they use additive technologies in their daily activities. The workshop thus showed the full-scale potential of additive technologies – from large-volume printing of concrete benches to the production of miniature mounts for fine optical cables.
Since even innovations sometimes need encouragement, representatives of the Technology Center have added to the program their offer of support for small and medium-sized enterprises, e.g. in reducing the energy consumption of operations. And the whole day was finished with a practical demonstration of 3D scanning. However, significant time was devoted to getting to know each other and establishing contacts between the members of both clusters. Opening up new opportunities for cooperation is the main added value of cluster organizations. Thanks to their cooperation, even apparently completely disparate disciplines can meet and together find new impulses for future cooperation.
The MECHATRONIKA cluster functions as a functional platform for the cooperation of companies, research organizations, schools and regional institutions to increase the competitiveness of companies and for the sustainable development of the region. It organizes networking events to share experiences and make new contacts. He has been cooperating with cluster organizations throughout the Czech Republic, Europe and especially in Bavaria for a long time. The MECHATRONIKA Cluster also includes the Czech technology platform for additive manufacturing, which supports the transfer of knowledge and technology in the field of 3D printing.
The Czech optical cluster is established for the purpose of improving the conditions for the development of the optical industry in the Czech Republic in the form of cooperation between businesses, the public sector and the educational sector in the entire value chain of the field of optics, optomechatronics, photonics, optoelectronics and fine mechanics, including related production, technology development and services in supplier and customer sphere.
