Pixargus
PiXARGUS GmbH, founded 1999 in Würselen, Germany, builds turnkey optical inline inspection systems for surface defect detection and dimensional measurement of extruded profiles, tubes, hoses, cables, and webs, serving enterprise manufacturers in automotive, medical, construction, and composites across 35 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersWürselen, Germany
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pixargus does
PiXARGUS GmbH, founded in 1999 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen's Institute of Plastics Processing and headquartered in Würselen, Germany, designs and manufactures turnkey optical inline inspection systems for surface defect detection and dimensional measurement of extruded products. The company's product portfolio centers on the ProfilControl 7 platform (with XLine cost-optimized and iProfilControl basic tiers), AllRounDia DualVision for round products (tubes, hoses, cables), WebControl Surface for films/foils/nonwovens (including a CarbonFiber variant for CFRP webs), and specialized systems for corrugated tubes, wood-plastic composites, single-piece inspection, and compound roughness analysis. Core technology combines multi-camera CMOS sensor arrays, camera-based laser triangulation, proprietary image processing algorithms, and DualVision architecture that integrates surface and dimensional inspection in a single sensor head, achieving measuring accuracy better than +/-10 micrometers and 100% inline defect detection at production line speeds.
The business sells custom-configured systems via enterprise field sales (including dedicated sales managers and technical support) plus a global channel partner network spanning Europe (France, Benelux, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czech/Slovakia/Hungary), North America (iNOEX LLC), and Asia (Japan, Korea, China). Revenue streams combine hardware system sales, recurring optional software modules (Defect Density Management, Drill Hole Control, Flock Inspection, Saw Control), and worldwide service and support contracts. Customers are predominantly enterprise manufacturers in automotive (sealing profiles, cables), medical (ultra-thin tubing), construction profiles, composites, and consumer goods, with 1,300+ systems installed and 620+ customers across 35 countries. The company operates as part of the CiTEX Group alongside sister companies iNOEX, iBA, iDOO, and 360° Extrusion, which collectively offer integrated sensor and line solutions for the extrusion industry. Leadership comprises co-founders Dr. Jürgen Philipps and René Beaujean as Managing Directors.
Pixargus firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pixargus
- Legal name
- PiXARGUS GmbH
- Website
- https://pixargus.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- PiXARGUS GmbH, founded 1999 in Würselen, Germany, builds turnkey optical inline inspection systems for surface defect detection and dimensional measurement of extruded profiles, tubes, hoses, cables, and webs, serving enterprise manufacturers in automotive, medical, construction, and composites across 35 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pixargus industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Optical Inspection Systems
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Inspection, Checkweighing & Detection Systems (Vision, Metal, X-ray) (IMALAOAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Industrial Quality Inspection & Metrology (Machine Vision) (IMAIAMAF), Industrial Vision & Quality Inspection (HDAAAEAG), Metrology & Inspection Systems (CMM, Laser Trackers, Optical Comparators) (IMAAAHAC), Machine Vision & Inspection Lighting (Ring lights, bar lights, backlights, strobed illumination) (IMAGAIAG)
Keywords
Where Pixargus is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Würselen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
Pixargus business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Optical Inspection Systems (Hardware): Sale of turnkey inline inspection systems including ProfilControl 7 series, AllRounDia DualVision, WebControl Surface, and related hardware. Systems are custom-configured per customer requirements.
- Service and Support: Worldwide service support including installation, calibration, maintenance, and technical support. Service teams available in Germany, USA, and through international representations.
- Software Modules and Upgrades: Optional software modules including DDM (Defect Density Management), Drill Hole Control, Flock Inspection, Shiny Surface, Multi Extrusion, Groove Detection, Saw Control available for additional purchase.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quotation based on system configuration |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Pixargus product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PiXARGUS manufactures and sells turnkey inline optical inspection systems for automated surface inspection and dimension measurement of extruded products. Its systems use proprietary image processing technology combined with multi-camera CMOS sensors, camera-based laser triangulation, and LED illumination to deliver 100% real-time defect detection and geometry measurement with accuracy better than ±10 micrometers for profiles, tubes, hoses, cables, corrugated tubes, medical tubing, webs, films, foils, and carbon fiber composites.
Product overview
PiXARGUS offers a comprehensive portfolio of turnkey optical inspection systems for automated surface inspection and geometry measurement of extruded products. The product line centers on three main platform families: ProfilControl 7 (premium systems), ProfilControl 7 XLine (cost-optimized series), and iProfilControl (basic entry-level systems). ProfilControl 7 DualVision combines surface and dimensional inspection in one sensor head, while dedicated variants serve medical tubing (MedicTube), corrugated tubes, WPC composites, and single-piece inspection. AllRounDia DualVision provides compact round-product inspection combining surface and diameter measurement. WebControl Surface systems inspect web materials including specialized CarbonFiber variants for CFRP. ProfilControl 7 Roughness enables compound quality analysis upstream in the production chain. All systems leverage proprietary multi-camera sensor technology and image processing algorithms, with optional software modules for Defect Density Management, Drill Hole Control, Flock Inspection, and Saw Control.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ProfilControl 7 Latest-generation inline inspection system platform for surface inspection, dimension measurement, or combined DualVision capability for profiles, tubes, hoses, cables, and corrugated products. Uses multi-camera CMOS sensor technology (up to 8 cameras) with proprietary image processing algorithms.
- ProfilControl 7 XLine Cost-effective inline inspection system series combining uncompromising performance with a highly attractive price-performance ratio. Includes ProfilControl 7 PlastX for plastics extrusion and ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX for rubber extrusion, with scalable 4-6-8 camera configurations.
- AllRounDia DualVision Compact two-in-one inspection system combining surface inspection with diameter and ovality measurement for round products. Uses camera-based laser triangulation with LED surface inspection for 360-degree gapless inspection of tubes, hoses, and cables, achieving 100% defect detection.
- WebControl Surface Web surface inspection system for detecting defects in film, foil, fleece, paper, fabric, and technological web materials. Features automatic adaptation to surface structure and color, detecting flaws against irregular backgrounds via an intelligent surface-structure masking algorithm.
- WebControl Surface CarbonFiber Specialized inspection system for carbon fiber webs and fiber-reinforced composite materials. Transmits light through CFRP webs to detect weaving defects, gap width errors, and material flaws at speeds up to 600 m/min with measuring accuracy under 10 micrometers.
- iProfilControl Cost-optimized basic inspection system series using proven ProfilControl 7 technology in downsized configurations. Scalable from 4 to 6 or 8 cameras for profile inspection of geometries and surfaces at attractive price points.
- ProfilControl 7 Inspection Automat (Free Fall Inspection) Optical single-piece inspection system for cut-to-length or die-cut micro tubing and small parts. Operates in inclined freefall mode at rates up to 1,000 pieces per minute with 100% 360-degree inspection.
- ProfilControl 7 WPC Specialized inline inspection system for wood-plastic composite (WPC/NFC) decking boards. Checks contour, geometries, and deep grooves during the extrusion process for precise shape and perfect quality.
- ProfilControl 7 Surface Corrugated Tube Unique inline surface inspection system for corrugated and spiral tubes. Inspects the entire ring structure including peaks, valleys, and transition areas with 8 cameras using specially developed algorithms.
- ProfilControl 7 Roughness Automatic particle size distribution analysis system for extrusion compounds. Uses lab-scale extruder test strips and high-resolution cameras to evaluate compound quality ahead of production.
- Optional Software Modules (DDM, Drill Hole Control, Saw Control, Flock Inspection, Shiny Surface, Multi Extrusion, Groove Detection) Recurring software add-ons for PiXARGUS inspection systems, including Defect Density Management (DDM), Drill Hole Control, Flock Inspection, Shiny Surface, Multi Extrusion, Groove Detection, and Saw Control. Available for additional purchase to extend system capabilities.
- Worldwide Service and Technical Support Worldwide service support package including installation, calibration, maintenance, and technical support for PiXARGUS inspection systems. Service teams are available in Germany, USA, and through international representations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Achieves measuring accuracy better than +/-10 micrometers for profile geometry measurement
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Pixargus
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Pixargus technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature7 records
Pixargus partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Comercial DoumacorePiXARGUS partnered with Comercial Douma as sales representative for the Spanish market. Comercial Douma is a third-generation family-owned technology service provider with nearly 40 years of experience in plastics and rubber extrusion. Based in Barcelona, they specialize in innovative solutions for mechanical engineering and represent leading international companies including iNOEX, Battenfeld-Cincinnati, and Exelliq. The partnership includes six sales managers and dedicated technical support team.
- iNOEX LLCcoreiNOEX LLC, a CiTEX sister company, represents PiXARGUS for North America (USA, Canada, Mexico). Led by Jeff Foster, Vice President Business Development, with 18 years of inline metrology and automation experience. iNOEX specializes in x-ray and radar-based measuring systems for round products with focus on tube wall measurements.
- Technical University RWTH AachenminorPiXARGUS was established in 1999 as a spin-off of the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) of the Technical University RWTH of Aachen, Germany. The company's extensive image processing know-how originated from university research.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pixargus competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- SICK AG: German manufacturer of sensors and machine vision systems for factory, logistics, and process automation. Overlaps with PiXARGUS in quality inspection and dimensional measurement of industrial goods.
- Cognex Corporation: Global leader in machine vision and industrial barcode reading. While Pixargus is a specialist in extrusion inline inspection, Cognex offers vision systems usable across many industrial inspection tasks, including surface defect detection on continuous materials.
- Mahr Group: German manufacturer of precision measurement and metrology equipment for industrial production. Comparable to PiXARGUS in dimensional measurement of industrial parts, while having a broader metrology portfolio.
- Keyence Corporation: Major Japanese supplier of industrial sensors, measurement systems, and machine vision equipment. Competes with PiXARGUS in optical inspection and dimensional measurement of industrial products, with broader product breadth.
Emerging players
- EVK / Perception Park: Austrian hyperspectral imaging specialist focused on industrial sorting and material inspection. Comparable to PiXARGUS in machine-vision-based inline inspection.
- LAP GmbH Laser Applications: German supplier of laser-based measurement and projection systems for industrial process control. Tangentially comparable to PiXARGUS in laser-based inspection and dimensional measurement.
Direct peers
- ISRA / Vision Tools (Andritz Coanda): Process-line inspection and surface inspection systems for extrusion, paper, and converting industries within the Andritz group. Overlaps with PiXARGUS's extrusion line inspection offerings.
- ISRA VISION (now part of Atlas Copco): German machine vision specialist offering surface inspection and quality control systems for industrial production, including web, sheet, and extrusion applications. Directly competes with PiXARGUS in inline surface inspection for flat and web materials.
- Wintriss Engineering (OEE/Profinity Vision): US-based supplier of web inspection and surface defect detection systems for materials such as film, foil, paper, and textiles. Direct overlap with PiXARGUS's WebControl Surface line for web/film inspection.
- BST eltromat (BST Group): German specialist in web inspection, color measurement, and inline quality control for printing, converting, and film/web extrusion. Direct competitor to PiXARGUS in web and surface inspection.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pixargus social profiles
Digital presencePixargus compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Pixargus financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pixargus leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Pixargus subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Pixargus funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pixargus M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pixargus
What does Pixargus do?
PiXARGUS manufactures and sells turnkey inline optical inspection systems for automated surface inspection and dimension measurement of extruded products. Its systems use proprietary image processing technology combined with multi-camera CMOS sensors, camera-based laser triangulation, and LED illumination to deliver 100% real-time defect detection and geometry measurement with accuracy better than ±10 micrometers for profiles, tubes, hoses, cables, corrugated tubes, medical tubing, webs, films, foils, and carbon fiber composites.
Is Pixargus a public or private company?
Pixargus is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Pixargus founded?
Pixargus was founded in 1999. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Pixargus based?
Pixargus is headquartered in Würselen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Pixargus make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Optical Inspection Systems (Hardware) is the primary driver. The others are service and Support and software Modules and Upgrades.
Who are Pixargus's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are SICK AG, Cognex Corporation, Mahr Group and Keyence Corporation. Emerging players are EVK / Perception Park and LAP GmbH Laser Applications. Direct peers are ISRA / Vision Tools (Andritz Coanda), ISRA VISION (now part of Atlas Copco), Wintriss Engineering (OEE/Profinity Vision) and BST eltromat (BST Group).
Does Pixargus have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pixargus.
What industry is Pixargus in?
Pixargus's product category is Industrial Optical Inspection Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAOAH, Inspection, Checkweighing & Detection Systems (Vision, Metal, X-ray), with a secondary code of IMAIAMAF, Industrial Quality Inspection & Metrology (Machine Vision). Its NAICS code is 3345 and its SIC code is 3823.