GD Optics
GD Optics is a German precision glass-molding manufacturer producing micro-optics, aspheres, lens arrays, DOEs, and LiDAR optics for B2B customers in metrology, sensor, medical, automotive, laser technology, and LiDAR verticals, using proprietary processes from its Sinn, Hesse facility.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersSinn, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What GD Optics does
GD Optics, legally GD Optical Competence GmbH, is a privately held German manufacturer of high-precision micro-optical components headquartered in Sinn, Hesse, in the Wetzlar optical cluster. Founded around 2003 and operating as a GmbH, the company employs more than 40 qualified specialists and runs a vertically integrated production site where its proprietary precision glass-molding (PGM) processes — including the in-house developed Stabpressverfahren / RGM — are used to manufacture the world's smallest lens (radius of curvature below 0.2 mm), micro-optics, aspheres, acylindrical (FAC) lenses, lens arrays, diffractive optical elements (DOEs), free-form optics, line generators, and LiDAR optics.
The business operates a B2B contract-manufacturing model: customers reach out via direct contact ([email protected]) and trade fair meetings, products are quoted on a project basis, tooling and molds are charged proportionally on the initial order and stored for up to 10 years, pricing is EXW Sinn with 30-day net terms, and serial production runs from prototype through to mass production. Its end markets are organised by vertical — primary segments are metrology, sensor technology, medical technology, automotive, laser technology and LiDAR, with secondary exposure to energy (photovoltaic/solar thermal), telecommunications, and security technology. Multilingual marketing (DE/EN/ZH), HubSpot-driven CRM and email outreach, and active exhibiting at SPIE Photonics West, W3+ Fair Wetzlar, CIOE Shenzhen, and Laser World of Photonics Munich support its worldwide shipping operation.
In 2023 GD Optics opened a new, sustainability-focused headquarters in Sinn that doubled production, R&D, and optical-coating capacity, and it was recognised as a TOP 100 Innovator in the same year. It participates in two publicly funded research projects — the federal SPOrE programme with RWTH Aachen on energy-efficient silicon-photonics interconnects for AI data centres, and the Hessian state-funded ALQUA project with THM Mittelhessen on automated lens production and quality assurance — both of which extend the technology pipeline beyond the current optical-component portfolio.
GD Optics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GD Optics
- Legal name
- GD Optical Competence GmbH
- Website
- https://gdoptics.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- GD Optics is a German precision glass-molding manufacturer producing micro-optics, aspheres, lens arrays, DOEs, and LiDAR optics for B2B customers in metrology, sensor, medical, automotive, laser technology, and LiDAR verticals, using proprietary processes from its Sinn, Hesse facility.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GD Optics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Optical Components
- NAICS
- Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335132)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL) (HDAHALAL), Injection Molded Optical & Transparent Parts (Lenses, Light Guides) (IMANAFAL), Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)
Keywords
Where GD Optics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sinn
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
GD Optics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Custom optical component manufacturing: Core revenue stream from manufacturing customer-specific optical components (microlenses, lens arrays, asphere, acylindrical lenses, diffractive optics, free-form optics, line generators, LiDAR optics) in serial production. Pricing EXW (ex works); packaging, insurance, freight, and VAT excluded unless otherwise agreed. Market-conform prices apply where no price agreement exists.
- Tooling and mold fabrication (Werkzeuge): Custom-made tools, molds and devices for customer products are charged to the customer as part of the initial order (proportional invoicing). Tools remain property of GD Optics and are stored for up to 10 years after the last order.
- Custom engineering and work services: Custom design, calculations, assemblies, and other work performances performed on customer request; charges may include advance payments or prepayment for first-time customers, foreign-domiciled customers, or where doubt over payment exists.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote / project-based pricing (B2B contract manufacturing) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
GD Optics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GD Optics manufactures high-precision optical components including microoptics, aspheres, acylinder lenses, lens arrays, diffractive optics (DOEs), laser beam shaping optics, and LiDAR optics using proprietary Precision Glass Molding (PGM) and the in-house developed Stabpressverfahren (RGM) for scalable serial production. The components serve industrial customers across metrology, sensors, medical technology, automotive, telecommunications, security, laser technology, and LiDAR applications.
Product overview
GD Optics (GD Optical Competence GmbH) operates a single, vertically integrated portfolio of high-precision optical components manufactured in-house at its Sinn, Germany facility using proprietary precision glass-molding (PGM) processes — including its own molding processes and high-speed production lines. The offering is structured as a core portfolio of product families rather than a platform-plus-modules software architecture: Microoptics, Aspheres, Lens Arrays, Acylinder Lenses, Diffractive Optics (DOEs), Laser Beam Shaping optics, and LiDAR Optics form the main product groups, supported by specific engineered offerings such as Line-Generator optics (5°/15°/30°/45°/60°) and double-sided glass microlens arrays. These families feed industries including metrology, sensors, energy, medical technology, automotive, telecommunications, security technology, laser technology and LiDAR. Two federally funded research efforts — ALQUA (automated lens production and quality assurance) and SPOrE (Silicon Photonics Optical Engine for next-generation datacom interconnects) — extend the portfolio with automation and silicon-photonics capabilities targeting data-center energy efficiency for AI workloads.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Microoptics Precision glass-molded micro-optical components enabling miniaturised high-tech applications. Individual lenses can be as small as 1 mm; lenses on arrays can be 0.01 mm, with radius of curvature ≥ 0.18 mm. Includes the world's smallest lens produced by GD Optics. Used in industrial metrology, sensors, medical technology, and laser applications.
- Aspheres
Quantifiable outcome
- World's smallest lens with radius of curvature < 0.2 mm
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use GD Optics
Customer profileSegments9 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
GD Optics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
GD Optics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, operational and minor.
- RWTH AachencoreUniversity collaboration partner for the federally funded SPOrE project (Silicon Photonics Optical Engine for Next Generation Datacom Interconnects). GD Optics works closely with RWTH Aachen on process improvement, automation of parts handling (in/out press, sawing attachment, removal, inspection, packaging), and quality control for high-tech production. The collaboration supports energy-efficient data infrastructure relevant for AI applications.
- Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) / Technical University of Central HessecoreUniversity collaboration partner for the Hessian state-funded ALQUA project (Automatisierte Linsenfertigung und Qualitätssicherung - Automated lens production and quality assurance). Collaboration focuses on automation of lens production and quality assurance including automated error control systems.
- HubSpot (HubSpot Ireland Limited / HubSpot Inc.)operationalIntegrated marketing, CRM and customer service software platform used by GD Optics for email marketing (newsletters, automated mailings), social media publishing and reporting, contact management and segmentation, landing pages, and contact forms. HubSpot is EU-US Data Privacy Framework certified; Standard Contractual Clauses used for other third-country transfers. Data processed under GDPR Art. 6(1)(a) consent or (1)(f) legitimate interests.
- Google (Google Analytics - Google Ireland Limited)operationalWeb analytics tool used to evaluate visitor information for website optimisation. Demographic and interest reports enabled. Data processed under GDPR Art. 6(1)(a) consent (via cookie popup). Google's servers are primarily in the US; EU Standard Contractual Clauses (Art. 46(2)(3) GDPR) apply for third-country transfers.
- SPIE (Photonics West)minorTrade fair partner and venue for SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco (Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2024, German Pavilion booth). SPIE Photonics West is the gathering place for the photonics and laser industry on the US West Coast.
- W3+ Fair (Wetzlar Network)minorRegional two-day high-tech exhibition (March 13-14, 2024 in Wetzlar, Hesse) covering future technologies in optics, photonics, electronics and mechanics. GD Optics exhibits at booth C13a; appointments booked by email.
- CIOE (China International Optoelectronic Exposition)minorParticipation in CIOE in Shenzhen (23rd edition in 2021) - the world's leading optoelectronic trade fair with 3,200+ exhibitors and up to 90,000 trade visitors. Used to showcase innovation strength to global audiences.
- Messe München (Laser World of Photonics)minorTrade fair partner for Laser World of Photonics in Munich (June 24-27, 2025). Trade fair offers comprehensive insight into diverse photonics themes in industry and research.
- 16 Meter GmbHminorFull-service creative agency based in Düsseldorf (40468 Düsseldorf) credited with concept and realisation of the GD Optics website.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
GD Optics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Edmund Optics: Global optics manufacturer and distributor with strong catalogues in micro-optics, aspheres, lens arrays, and laser optics. Comparable product families to GD Optics across metrology, laser, and sensor end-markets; broader catalogue and global field sales give it incumbent status.
- Jenoptik: Large German photonics group with a Light & Optics division covering micro-optics, laser optics, and LiDAR optics across the same verticals as GD Optics (automotive, semiconductor, medical). Listed as a broad incumbent because of its much larger scale and broader portfolio, but directly competes in precision glass molding and micro-optics.
- Thorlabs: US-headquartered broad-line photonics supplier with in-house manufacturing of lenses, aspheres, micro-optics, and laser optics. Overlaps with GD Optics in microlenses, acylindrical (FAC) lenses, and aspheres for laser/sensor applications, with global distribution reach.
- II-VI / Coherent: Large US-headquartered photonics platform (Coherent after II-VI merger) with deep exposure to datacom interconnects, LiDAR optics, and laser components — overlapping with GD Optics' SPOrE/fibre-coupling and LiDAR optics roadmaps. Functions here as a broad incumbent with much larger scale.
- SCHOTT AG: German specialty glass and optics giant with deep expertise in optical glass materials, micro-optics, and now Berliner Glas. Comparable as a German 'Made in Germany' optics brand with much broader vertical integration and global manufacturing footprint.
- Lumentum: US-headquartered supplier of optical components and lasers for telecom, datacom, and 3D sensing/LiDAR. Directly comparable end-market exposure to GD Optics' telecom and LiDAR optics lines, with much greater scale and a global sales footprint.
- Berliner Glas (SCHOTT subsidiary): Berlin-based precision optical components manufacturer (now part of SCHOTT) serving semiconductor, medical, and metrology customers. Comparable in custom precision-optic manufacturing and tooling process; differentiated primarily by scale and SCHOTT backing.
Emerging players
- Focuslight Technologies: China-based emerging supplier of laser optics, FAC lenses, and micro-optics for LiDAR and automotive applications. Comparable in FAC/cylindrical and micro-optic products targeting LiDAR and laser customers, with a regional focus on China and cost-competitive positioning.
- OptoSigma (Sigmakoki Group): Japan-based manufacturer and distributor of optical components including micro-lenses, aspheres, and laser optics. Comparable product overlap in micro-optics and laser beam shaping; primarily regional (Asia) player with growing global footprint.
Direct peers
- Asphericon: Germany-based specialty manufacturer of precision-molded aspheres and free-form optics. Most direct comparable: similar size, similar proprietary molding technology, overlapping customer verticals (laser, metrology, medical, automotive), and overlapping product family (aspheres, micro-optics).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GD Optics social profiles
Digital presenceGD Optics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
GD Optics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GD Optics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
GD Optics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GD Optics 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 GD Optics
What does GD Optics do?
GD Optics manufactures high-precision optical components including microoptics, aspheres, acylinder lenses, lens arrays, diffractive optics (DOEs), laser beam shaping optics, and LiDAR optics using proprietary Precision Glass Molding (PGM) and the in-house developed Stabpressverfahren (RGM) for scalable serial production. The components serve industrial customers across metrology, sensors, medical technology, automotive, telecommunications, security, laser technology, and LiDAR applications.
Is GD Optics a public or private company?
GD Optics is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was GD Optics founded?
GD Optics was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is GD Optics based?
GD Optics is headquartered in Sinn, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does GD Optics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Custom optical component manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are tooling and mold fabrication (Werkzeuge) and custom engineering and work services.
Who are GD Optics's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Edmund Optics, Jenoptik, Thorlabs, II-VI / Coherent, SCHOTT AG, Lumentum and Berliner Glas (SCHOTT subsidiary). Emerging players are Focuslight Technologies and OptoSigma (Sigmakoki Group). Asphericon is listed as a direct peer.
Does GD Optics have an API?
No public API is recorded for GD Optics.
What industry is GD Optics in?
GD Optics's product category is Precision Optical Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAJAF, Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors), with a secondary code of HDAHALAL, Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL). Its NAICS code is 339115 and its SIC code is 3827.