Quality, innovation and sustainability.

The 7th International Conference on Quality, Innovation and Sustainability (ICQIS 2026) will take place from 10–12 June 2026 at SETU-South East Technological University’s Cork Road, Waterford campus. The event is expected to attract researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners from across Ireland and internationally.

SETU Campus, Waterford, Ireland.

The conference aims to create a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, with a particular focus on how businesses can apply the latest thinking in quality management, innovation, and sustainable practice to drive competitiveness and growth.

Chaired by Dr Patrick Lynch, the conference will feature keynote contributions from internationally recognised experts including Professor Peter Hines and Richard Dawson.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Lynch said the conference offers a valuable opportunity for regional enterprises to connect with global expertise; “ICQIS 2026 will bring world-leading insights directly to the South East. For regional businesses, this is an opportunity to engage with new ideas, share experiences, and explore practical approaches to improving performance, embracing innovation, and advancing sustainability.”

The conference programme is designed to ensure strong industry relevance, with highlights including keynote talks, an industry panel discussion, parallel sessions, and an industry-focused excursion.

On Thursday, 11 June, delegates will visit Lean Industry 4.0 (LI4) and an industry partner to see innovation and quality systems in practice, offering tangible insights for businesses looking to enhance their own operations.

The conference will also include networking opportunities with academics, industry experts, and policymakers, helping to strengthen connections between SETU and the regional enterprise base.

The opening evening will take place at Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum, while the conference gala dinner will be held at the Tower Hotel Waterford.

ICQIS 2026 will explore a wide range of topics relevant to industry, including lean management, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, circular economy, and smart management systems. Regional businesses interested in innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth are encouraged to attend.

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@SETUIreland #ICQIS #Conference #Ireland

Moisture analyser line expanded.

AMETEK Process Instruments has introduced two new additions to its next-generation line of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) moisture analysers, the 3050-SLR and 3050-DO. Building on the advanced features of the recently introduced 3050-OLV, these versions are designed to provide precise, reliable measurements in the most demanding industrial applications.

The 3050-SLR and 3050-DO are purpose-built for ultra-low moisture applications. To ensure accurate, stable results with minimal maintenance, both models incorporate an integrated Zero Module and an advanced purge system. Together, these features reduce baseline noise and drift by minimising the effects of ambient humidity, electronic noise, vibration, and other environmental factors.

As with the 3050-OLV, operators can monitor data and alarms in real time using a user-friendly optical keypad and integrated display without requiring a hot-work permit. Built-in NIST-traceable self-verification supports confidence in analyser performance while reducing the need for external validation and downtime.

“The launch of the 3050-SLR and 3050-DO reinforces our commitment to delivering robust solutions for the most demanding moisture measurement applications,” said Ryan Cumpston, gas analysis product manager. “These versions combine the latest innovations in QCM technology with unmatched performance for ultra-low moisture detection, setting a new standard for accuracy and reliability in the industry.”

The 3050-SLR and 3050-DO expand the 3050 moisture analyzer portfolio, giving industrial customers new options for stable, ultra-low moisture measurement backed by the latest QCM innovations.

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 @AMETEKPI @AMETEKInc @codacomms  #PAuto 

Imaging camera is best.

The Flir Si1 LD acoustic imaging camera has been named “Product of the Year 2026” in the Measurement Technology category by the respected German industry publication Computer & Automation.

Launched in March 2025, the Flir Si1 LD has quickly become a trusted tool for maintenance teams worldwide. Its advanced acoustic imaging technology enables fast, reliable detection of hidden compressed air leaks, helping organizations reduce energy waste, cut operating costs, and bring greater transparency to their maintenance workflows.

Best In Class Leak Detection Technology.

The Si1 LD stands out for its unique combination of performance, easy operability, and integrated analytics:

High Sensitivity Acoustic Imaging

A high performance MEMS microphone array captures ultrasonic signals with exceptional clarity, delivering accurate leak detection even in loud industrial environments.

Bandpass Filtering for Precision

Smart filtering isolates selected ultrasonic frequencies to remove background noise and ensure reliable results.

Designed for Fast, Safe Adoption

Lightweight and ergonomically balanced for one handed operation, the Si1 LD requires minimal training and is easy to use across maintenance teams.

Integrated Analytics & Reporting

Users can quantify leaks in real time and generate detailed reports through Flir Thermal Studio or connected cloud services, simplifying documentation and supporting fast, data-driven decision-making.

A Milestone Award for the Si-Series
Since entering the market, the Si1 LD has helped organizations identify and prioritize leak repairs, measure true cost savings, and elevate the overall efficiency of compressed air systems. This award highlights the meaningful impact the technology has already had across manufacturing, processing plants, and industrial facilities.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Cold traps.

The Vacuum Technology Division of Jakob Antriebstechnik, offers a wide range of accessories for vacuum applications, including high-performance cold traps. These systems utilise liquid nitrogen in the cooling chamber to reliably prevent the backflow of harmful operating fluid vapors through condensation.

These cold traps significantly extend the service life of pumps and operating fluids by effectively protecting sensitive components from process-related vapors. They thus provide an economical and sustainable solution for demanding industrial and research applications.

The new series is available in various designs and can be flexibly adapted to different requirements. Furthermore, Jakob offers customised special cold traps in virtually any size and configuration – including for use with diffusion pumps.

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@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #jakobantriebstechnik #Manufacturing #Pauto

Agreement for fibre-to-chip connectivity.

An agreement to acquire Teramount Ltd., the developer of detachable fibre-to-chip connectivity solutions optimized for high-volume Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and other silicon photonics applications has been announced by Molex. Teramount’s TeraVERSE® platform, based on its universal photonic coupler and wafer-level self-aligning optics, provides a pragmatic, field-serviceable interface between optical fibre and silicon photonics chips and was recently announced as part of the Molex one-stop CPO solution at OFC 2026. TeraVERSE is an innovative, passively-aligned solution that enables faster data rates necessary to support AI adoption while consuming less energy to reduce power and cooling demands in hyperscale data centers.

“Teramount’s TeraVERSE technology fills a crucial gap in the CPO stack, offering an advantaged and strategic complement to our optical solutions portfolio. With a practical, detachable fibre-to-chip interface we are afforded a foundational element to realize mainstream CPO adoption,” said Aldo Lopez, president, Datacom Solutions, Molex. “Combining Teramount’s IP and engineering talent with Molex’s innovative portfolio, manufacturing scale, supply-chain expertise and systems know-how gives customers an integrated, high-volume path to deploy scalable CPO.”

Their passive, detachable coupling approach supports large assembly tolerances and semiconductor-grade wafer-level processes. Compared with active alignment methods, passive alignment is materially more scalable as CPO moves toward volume production. Molex will combine Teramount’s IP and engineering expertise with its optical capability and global manufacturing scale to deliver industry-leading performance specifications and accelerate production of TeraVERSE.

“Harnessing Molex’s global scale and system-level expertise with Teramount’s innovation expertise and detachable, wafer-level coupling technology creates a real pathway for scalable, high-density CPO,” said Hesham Taha, CEO and co-founder of Teramount. “Joining forces with Molex will enable us to accelerate delivery of a manufacturable, serviceable fibre-to-chip interface that meets the pressing needs of AI and hyperscale data centers.”

The addition of TeraVERSE to Molex’s comprehensive optical interconnect portfolio provides customers with greater support across their CPO and silicon photonics architectures. As a leader in high-speed communications interconnects, Molex is uniquely positioned to deliver industry-leading copper and optical solutions.

Teramount will remain a design and engineering center in Jerusalem (IL) supported by Molex’s global optical capabilities. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. 

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@MolexConnectors  @TeramountLTD @NapierPR #PAuto

A micrometer win.

The QuantuMike MD-E, from Mitutoyo, is a high-speed, high-accuracy digital micrometer, has been selected as a winner of the iF Design Award 2026 in the Product Design category.

The iF Design Award is one of the most respected international design competitions, evaluated by an independent panel of design experts. Receiving this award highlights Mitutoyo’s ongoing commitment to innovation, design excellence, and the continuous development of products that meet evolving customer needs. It recognises not only the technological achievements of the QuantuMike MD-E, but also Mitutoyo’s dedication to advancing precision measurement solutions for modern industry. The QuantuMike MD-E integrates cutting-edge measurement technology with outstanding usability. Its design delivers:

• High-speed measurement, with a spindle feed of 2 mm per revolution, four times faster than conventional micrometres, significantly increasing productivity in repetitive inspection tasks.
• Exceptional precision, with ±1 μm accuracy, ensuring reliable results in demanding industrial quality control environments.
• Compliance with the latest metrological standards, meeting Class 1 specifications according to the EN ISO 3611:2023 standard, ensuring the highest level of measurement reliability and conformity with current international requirements.
• Enhanced user support features, including approach speed warnings, calibration schedule alerts, and intuitive display functions for efficient tolerance evaluation.

At the core of the QuantuMike MD-E is its innovative high-speed spindle mechanism, engineered to maintain smooth operation and stable measuring force even at increased feed rates. This allows operators to perform faster measurements without compromising repeatability or accuracy. The advanced mechanical design reduces inspection time while supporting consistent measurement confidence.

The high-resolution digital sensing system ensures precise data capture across the entire measuring range. Combined with a robust and durable frame construction, the instrument is built to withstand intensive daily use in production environments. Its ergonomic form and optimised control layout provide comfortable handling, while the clear digital display improves readability and reduces operator error. In addition, the instrument’s metrological performance is designed to comply with the latest EN ISO 3611:2023 requirements, ensuring dependable and standardised measurement results.

The QuantuMike MD-E also supports bidirectional communication, enabling seamless integration into digital quality management systems and modern manufacturing workflows. This connectivity enhances traceability and supports data-driven production processes.

Engineered for industries where speed and accuracy are essential, including aerospace, automotive, medical technology, and general manufacturing, the QuantuMike MD-E is designed for professionals who demand reliable measurement tools that combine performance, durability, and ease of use.

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@mitutoyo @mepaxIntPR #TandM 

Reading code!

The CleverReader stationary 1-D/2-D code reader, from Pepperl + Fuchs, detects codes with maximum reliability, allows flexible configuration, and offers an excellent price-performance ratio. It is capable of high-speed reading and DPM code reading. Simple integration and intuitive operation make it the ideal solution in areas such as packaging, logistics, and microelectronics.

The output string can be formatted to match the ERP system.

 

The sensor technology reliably reads all common 1-D and 2-D codes, even on reflective surfaces and displays. With its compact design, an RS-232 interface, and a 24 V/5 V converter cable with trigger connection, it is easy and flexible to integrate. Parameterization is performed conveniently using control codes on the device or on the intuitive graphical user interface.

The output string can be adapted to feed the reading result directly into the ERP system. Additional functions such as automatic error image memory, match code, and various reading modes extend the range of applications. The high-performance version VOI1100 recognizes codes in motion up to 3.5 m/s as well as directly applied codes (Direct Part Marking, DPM); the basic version VOI1000 reads reliably in static applications. Its unique price-performance ratio makes the CleverReader a particularly cost-effective solution in its class.

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@PepperlFuchsUSA @mepaxIntPR #Pauto