Conoptica

What Conoptica does

Conoptica AS is a privately held Norwegian precision-metrology company, founded in 1985 by Dr. Ing. Gudmund Slettemoen and headquartered in Klæbu near Trondheim, that designs and manufactures camera-based optical measurement systems for the metalworking industry. The company's product portfolio is organised around two verticals: a Wire & Cable franchise spanning the CU4 entry-level die measurement system, CU6 Series 3D profiling, CU11 Series asymmetric die measurement, CU20 large-die measurement, and the ADFS automated die feeding/sorting module, plus a Machine Tool franchise built on the proprietary CU2 sensor platform with CU2 Tool (milling), CU2 Track Wire EDM, CU2 Tool – Turning, and the CU2 Track ACC customised caliper. Core technology is proprietary image processing combined with patented Digital Cleaning filters that maintain 6σ repeatability and ±0.4 μm accuracy even under coolant, oil and chip contamination inside CNC machine enclosures.

Conoptica monetises primarily through one-time hardware sales of measurement systems, one-time software licences for application-specific measurement packages, and recurring Full Service and Calibration-only service contracts that extend the 20+ year operational life of an installed base of more than 1,000 systems across 46 countries. Distribution is hybrid: a network of regional channel partners — Somar Istanbul (Turkey, since 1993), Anhui Tianbei (China), Zenkoh (Korea), TOHO International and Fukuda Corporation (Japan) — covers Asia and EMEA, while direct sales from Norway handle enterprise accounts and OEM co-development. A notable commercial model is the "Conoptica Inside" embed with Willemin Macodel, where the CU2 Tool is integrated into the 701S milling machine with customised software, alongside deep integrations with the major CNC control vendors (Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi, Okuma, Agie, Makino, GF, Sodick).

The customer base spans wire and cable manufacturers, wire-die producers (Fort Wayne Wire Die, Paramount Die), copper/aluminium conductor producers (Er-Bakir, Gerdau), precision mold makers (E-WHA), and ultra-precision machine tool builders (Hembrug, Willemin Macodel). The company maintains active academic ties with NTNU, the Technical University of Denmark, and the EUSPEN precision-engineering community, and continues to extend its product line — most recently with the 2021 launch of CU2 Tool – Turning and the 2022 appointment of a new Head of Wire & Cable Division — while operating as an independent, founder-aligned private company without disclosed external control.

Name

Conoptica

Legal name

Conoptica AS

Website

https://conoptica.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Conoptica AS is a Norwegian precision-metrology company that designs camera-based optical measurement systems — including the CU2 platform for machine tools and the CU series for wire drawing dies — serving wire & cable manufacturers and machine tool OEMs globally with sub-micron accuracy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Metrology Equipment

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMAGAFAC

Test & Measurement Equipment (Oscilloscopes, DAQ, signal analyzers, calibration benches)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Electrical Equipment & Industrial Electronics/Sensors, Instrumentation & Measurement (Industrial sensing, metrology, test)

Keywords

• Industrial metrology equipment
• Optical measurement systems
• Wire drawing die measurement
• Machine tool measurement
• Precision camera-based inspection

Headquarters

HQ city

Klæbu

HQ country

Norway

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Measurement Systems: Sale of camera-based measurement hardware including CU2 Tool, CU2 Track, CU4, CU6 Series, CU11 Series, CU20, and ADFS systems. Equipment is sold directly and through distribution partners globally.
2. Service and Maintenance Packages: Two service packages offered for Wire and Cable die measurement tools: Full Service (includes calibration, cleaning, re-lubrication, part replacement) and Calibration-only option. 30% discount available for services ordered within 13 months of recent inspection. 12-month warranty included, extendable.
3. Software Applications: Range of software applications to extend flexibility and deliver specific measurements. Options include Drawing Die Profile, Shaped Die, Enameling Die, Wire/Pin/Needle, X-cut section applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Conoptica designs, manufactures and sells camera-based optical measurement systems for the metalworking industry. Its two main product lines are the Wire and Cable portfolio (CU4, CU6 Series, CU11 Series, CU20, ADFS) for measuring wire drawing dies, and the Machine Tool portfolio (CU2 Tool, CU2 Track Wire EDM, CU2 Tool Turning, CU2 Track ACC) for in-process and on-board measurement of cutting tools and workpieces inside CNC machines. The company also provides associated software applications and recurring service/maintenance packages with traceable calibration.

Product overview

Conoptica offers camera-based optical measurement solutions for two main industries: Machine Tools and Wire and Cable. The Machine Tool portfolio centers on the CU2 platform with CU2 Tool (for milling), CU2 Track Wire EDM (for wire EDM machines), CU2 Tool – Turning (for turning machines), and CU2 Track ACC (customized measurements). The Wire and Cable portfolio includes the CU series: CU4 (entry level), CU6 Series (3D profile), CU11 Series (asymmetric measurement), and CU20 (largest dies), plus ADFS automation and software applications. All systems provide high-accuracy, traceable measurements backed by service packages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CU2: Camera-based measurement system product line for machine tools, including CU2 Tool, CU2 Track, CU2 Tool Turning, and CU2 Track ACC
• CU4
• CU6 Series
• CU11 Series
• CU20
• ADFS
• Die Profiler

Products and services

• CU2 Tool (for Milling) Camera-based machine tool measurement system for milling machines that provides rapid scanning and real-time processing for measuring radius, length, tool angles, cutter variation, and deviations inside the machine. Includes patented digital cleansing that removes contamination influence and maintains 6σ repeatability.
• CU2 Track Wire EDM Camera-based workpiece geometry measurement system for Wire EDM CNC machines that enables manufacturers to maintain production integrity and optimize processes by measuring workpieces in-situ during cutting.
• CU2 Tool - Turning Camera-based insert measurement solution for turning machines that provides non-contact measurement of turning machine inserts from inside the machine, measuring sub-micron X and Z positions and radius for diamond tools and CBN.
• CU2 Track ACC (Automated Custom Caliper) Customized machine tool measurement solution adapted to support a wide variety of complex measurements, capturing holes, arcs, Z-distance, complex contours, edges, and custom forms with nanometer-scale accuracy and network capability for factory optimization.
• CU4 Entry-level solution for accurate measurement of drawing die diameter and ovality for the Wire and Cable industry.
• CU6 Series 3D die profile measurement system offering world-leading accuracy and build quality for round and shaped wire drawing dies.
• CU11 Series 3D asymmetric wire drawing die measurement system with unique bearing asymmetry measurement capability, covering inclination and variation data.
• CU20 High-capacity wire drawing die measurement system for the largest dies, with casings up to 160mm and 10kg; measures die bearings from 7mm to 54mm with 3D profile capture.
• ADFS (Automatic Die Feeding and Sorting System) Automatic Die Feeding and Sorting System for die shop automation, processing 720 dies/hour with 15kg hopper capacity and 8x10 output grid for sorting by diameter; 2-second measurement time.
• Wire and Cable Service Packages Two service packages (Full Service and Calibration-only) for Wire and Cable die measurement tools, offering cleaning, recalibration, adjustments, and extended warranty to maximize performance and protect investments. 12-month warranty included, extendable. 30% discount if services are ordered within 13 months of recent inspection.
• Software Applications (Wire and Cable) Range of software applications extending Wire and Cable measurement tools including Drawing Die Profile, Shaped Die, Enameling Die, Wire/Pin/Needle, X-cut section, and Automatic Die Feeding options, with Microsoft Excel export and database integration.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sub-micron accuracy - measurements within ±0.4 µm from true value
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration19 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Somar Istanbul LimitedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Turkey covering copper and steel wire industry, cable manufacturers, and welding sector. Established in 1993 with over 30 years of experience representing Conoptica in the Turkish market.
• Anhui Tianbei Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for China. Privately-owned import/export agent dealing in wire, cable, and metal-related technological products. Located in Tianchang City, Anhui Province.
• ZenkohcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProfessional import and export trading company specializing in wire industry products. Based in Busan, Korea. Conoptica instruments are evaluated as one of the best items among their product offerings.
• TOHO International InccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading company supplying high tech material and special alloys for wire and cable industry. Based in Osaka, Japan. Imports advanced wire and cable technology from around the world.
• Fukuda CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorImport trading company specializing in high precision machine technology. Solution provider for Japanese market with over 70 years of experience. Offers products, services and solutions to customers.
• Willemin MacodelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner producing machine tools for watchmaking, jewelry, dentistry, medical and aviation sectors. CU2 Tool is embedded ('Conoptica Inside') in their 701S milling machine. Customized software developed specifically for their plunge milling tools.
• SiemensmajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC system integration partner. CU2 Tool integrates with Siemens CNC controls for seamless operation in milling machines.
• HeidenhainmajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC system integration partner. CU2 Tool and CU2 Track systems integrate with Heidenhain CNC controls.
• FanucmajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC system integration partner. CU2 Tool integrates with Fanuc CNC controls for automated measurement operations.
• BeckhoffmajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC system integration partner. CU2 Tool integrates with Beckhoff controls for automated measurement.
• MitsubishimajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC system integration partner. CU2 Tool integrates with Mitsubishi CNC controls.
• OkumamajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC system integration partner. CU2 Tool Turning integrates with Okuma CNC controls.
• NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with one of Europe's leading universities. Team members are graduates from NTNU. The university attracts students from around the world. Benefits include access to bright minds, best-educated engineers, and thriving innovation scene.
• Technical University of DenmarkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership. CU2 Tool was included in a research project led by the university exploring 'A comparison of the performance of tool pre-setting optical systems: On- and off-machine tool assessment'.
• EUSPEN (European Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association membership and conference participation. Community of influencers drawn from industrialists, researchers, and authorities advancing arts, sciences and technology in precision engineering, micro-engineering and nanotechnology.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Renishaw: Renishaw is a global leader in machine tool probing, in-process measurement, and industrial metrology. Overlaps directly with Conoptica's CU2 Tool/Track line in providing on-machine measurement for CNC machining centers.
• Marposs: Marposs provides dimensional measurement, in-process gauging, and tool monitoring solutions for machine tools and metalworking — a directly comparable offering to Conoptica's in-machine CU2 platform, serving overlapping OEM and end-user customers.
• Zumbach Electronic: Zumbach specializes in non-contact dimensional and quality measurement for the wire, cable, and tube industries — a directly comparable peer to Conoptica's wire & cable drawing die measurement portfolio (CU4/CU6/CU11/CU20).
• Dr. Heinrich Schneider Messtechnik: Schneider Messtechnik builds optical and contact form-measurement systems for rotationally symmetric parts, including gear and cutting tool measurement — closely comparable niche to Conoptica's drawing die and cutting tool metrology.

Broad incumbents

• Walter (United Grinding / Sandvik): Walter is a major cutting tool and tool management brand within Sandvik/United Grinding. Comparable as a broader tool-industry incumbent that intersects with Conoptica's cutting tool measurement and CNC integration use cases.
• Mitutoyo: Mitutoyo is a global incumbent in precision measurement instruments, including optical comparators, form measurement, and tool inspection — overlapping with Conoptica's tool and workpiece measurement categories at a much larger scale.
• KEYENCE: KEYENCE is a global incumbent in industrial sensors, optical measurement, and machine vision for factory automation. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering optical measurement systems to manufacturing customers, sometimes at lower price points than Conoptica.
• Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: Hexagon MI is a global industrial metrology incumbent offering CMMs, optical systems, and in-process measurement for machine tools. It is a much larger player that overlaps with Conoptica's wire-die and in-machine measurement offerings as part of a much broader portfolio.
• Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology: Zeiss Industrial Metrology supplies high-end optical and CT-based measurement systems used across precision manufacturing. Comparable as a broad incumbent in optical industrial metrology where Conoptica's camera-based systems also compete.

Emerging players

• Jenoptik: Jenoptik provides optical and laser-based metrology and industrial imaging solutions. Comparable as an emerging/adjacent player in optical measurement technologies with potential overlap in precision manufacturing inspection applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/conoptica-as

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Conoptica