BYK-Gardner USA, a subsidiary of the specialty chemicals conglomerate ALTANA, has successfully acquired perisens GmbH, a company based in Feldkirchen near Munich. This strategic move enables BYK to significantly enhance its array of measurement and testing instruments, specifically incorporating perisens' sophisticated solutions for automotive radar sensors and their protective covers, known as radomes.
This acquisition strategically bolsters ALTANA's BYK division, broadening its offerings in precision measurement and testing. The integration of perisens introduces innovative radar measurement technologies into BYK's product lineup. Founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, perisens will now operate under BYK-Gardner, headquartered in Geretsried, Bavaria.
Advancing Automotive Radar Measurement Technology
The newly integrated measurement and testing systems are vital for quality assurance in painted plastic components used in autonomous vehicles. These systems guarantee that the paint layers do not excessively weaken radar signals, thereby preserving the radar's operational integrity. Such technology is essential for the reliability and safety of autonomous driving systems, which depend heavily on accurate environmental perception.
perisens' product lines, including the RMS-C and RMS-D series of Radome Measurement Systems, offer comprehensive solutions for radar radomes, from initial development to continuous quality control in mass production. These systems, deployed globally since 2014, serve prominent automotive manufacturers, radar sensor producers, plastic component providers, and paint and pigment manufacturers. The patented technology from perisens is adaptable for both laboratory instruments and automated measuring cells on robot-controlled production lines, enabling precise process management for coated plastic automotive parts.
Strategic Integration and Future Outlook
As part of this acquisition, all perisens employees will transition to BYK, ensuring the continuity of expertise and innovation. Dr. Jörg Hinnerwisch, Division President of BYK, emphasized that perisens' radar measurement instruments perfectly complement BYK-Gardner's existing color and gloss measurement devices, representing cutting-edge technology with considerable future potential. Dr. Jörg Krames, Managing Director of BYK-Gardner, highlighted that this integration allows the company to extend its motto, 'Measure the visible and beyond,' by offering a critical advancement in its product portfolio to automotive and coatings clients, recognizing that radar measurement will be indispensable for the progression of autonomous driving.
Dr. Florian Pfeiffer, Managing Partner at perisens, expressed that joining BYK-Gardner will accelerate the development of their testing and measurement instruments, amplify brand recognition, and consistently propel innovation. This collaboration is set to drive forward critical advancements in measurement technology, supporting the evolution of autonomous vehicles and related industries. The synergy between BYK-Gardner's established market presence and perisens' specialized radar technology promises a robust future for advanced measurement solutions in the automotive sector.