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Mikroniek February 2026: High-Tech Systems

The February issue of Mikroniek is devoted to the theme of High-Tech Systems. The main theme article promotes understanding of datums as one of the most important concepts in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Next, the layered V-model is introduced as a conceptual framework that separates governance, design logic, and iteration, to resolve one of the biggest issues of the classical V-model, i.e., equivocality.
Click here for a first impression. (Cover image courtesy of cosine)

The Mikroniek of February is now available online

DSPE Knowledgeday about Cryogenic.

Date: March 18th 2026
Location: Leidse Instrumentmaker School (Lis) Leiden

Cryogenic Solutions: Innovation at Extreme Temperatures. Increasing knowledge of materials and constructions for Cryogenic conditions for the members of the DSPE. The program will combine technical presentations with real-world case studies, offering a clear overview of how cryogenic solutions are applied across industries such as high-tech systems, medical technology, research, and advanced manufacturing. Experienced speakers from industry and academia will share their knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices. Read more

Invitation DSPE General Meeting (online)

Date: March 16th 2026

The DSPE is pleased to invite its members to the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM, ALV in Dutch)
During this meeting, we will review the past year including financials, discuss key developments within the industry, and outline our activities and financial for the year ahead. Members will also have the opportunity to share insights, ideas and ask questions. Read more

Young DSPE (formerly YPN) visits VDL ETG

Date: March 25th 2026

The Young DSPE organizes events for young professionals and (PhD) students in precision engineering.
This time, we are excited to be hosted by VDL Enabling Technologies Group (ETG) in Eindhoven for an inspiring company visit on Wednesday, March 25th. Read more

Lunch lecture March hosted by Astron (online)

Date: March 2th 2026

Title: From Concept to Cryogenic Validation: The METIS Derotator Journey
Spreker: Daan Zaalberg (Mechanical Engineer) & Mirka Maresca (FEM Specialist)
One of the key mechanisms of the Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) is its cryogenic K-shaped derotator, designed to maintain accurate sky and pupil alignment on the detector during observations. Operating at 67 K within a tightly constrained envelope, it must deliver slow, precise rotation while meeting stringent lateral stability and optical performance requirements for bundle diameters up to 140 mm. Over the past few years, NOVA has developed and tested this mechanism, addressing challenges in thermal stability, mirrors manufacturing, assembly, and alignment. This talk presents key design solutions and results from the cryogenic test campaign.
Read more

Café Eureka

Date: April 9th 2026
Time: 4:30pm till 7:00pm
Location: Effenaar, Dommelstraat 2 5611 CK Eindhoven
Special Guest: follow soon
Read more
Understanding datums per ISO 5459

Datums are one of the most important concepts in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). When they are poorly or ambiguously defined, manufacturing and inspection are forced to make assumptions about how the part should be located. Read more
Sensor for picometer-scale positioning in vacuum

As technology reaches the atomic and quantum scale, sub-nanometer motion control is no longer optional – it is a necessity, often in vacuum environments where even the smallest disturbances are effectively suppressed. Read more
Beyond the V-Model: a layered conceptual framework

Despite the widespread and disciplined use of the V-Model as a central framework in systems engineering, many projects experience late-stage integration problems that cannot be fully explained by technical uncertainty, insufficient testing, or lack of process compliance. Read more
Historical view on determinism and precision engineering design

Paralleling the historical beginnings of modern science, assessing and addressing variation in physical systems constitutes the foundation of precision engineering. Tycho Brahe gave us the measurement data to analyse the heavens. Read more
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