Danobat's Ideko becomes Zeiss Ultraprecision Centre

Ideko, based in Elgoibar, Basque Country, specialises in the machine tool sector and manufacturing technology, and with this development becomes the Zeiss reference centre for ultraprecision in the Iberian Peninsula. Ideko will be strengthening its knowledge and equipment in the area of ultraprecision manufacturing, while Zeiss will be reinforcing its position in Spain, adding the centre in Elgoibar to the two already existing and dealing with Tomography (TCTP Plastic Technology Centre), Barcelona, and the Automotive Sector (Metrología Levante), Valencia. The Zeiss Ultraprecision Centre boasts the only Zeiss F25 ultraprecision three-dimensional CMM in Spain, together with a Zeiss EV-40 electronic microscope. It also boasts a panel of experts in metrology and machining which together will enable it to become an international point of reference in ultraprecision measuring, it is claimed. The operation is part of Ideko’s HIMACH project - a project to research and develop new manufacturing processes - which has led Ideko to double the size of its facilities in Elgoibar with the construction of a second building occupying more than 3,000 sq m, an 800 sq m prototype workshop and a 400 sq m ultraprecision laboratory. Ideko’s total investment in HIMACH is in excess of €5.5 million, of which €0.5 million has been spent on equipping the Zeiss Ultraprecision Centre.