Ametek acquires Amptek and Luphos, expands metrology and analysis capabilities

Aug. 13, 2014

Continuing its recent growth, Ametek has completed two photonics-related acquisitions: Amptek, a maker of x-ray detectors, and Luphos, which uses laser interferometyr to measure aspherical lenses and optical surfaces. In April 2014, Ametek had acquired Zygo, a maker of optical metrology equipment and precision optics.

Conard Holton

Continuing its recent growth strategy, Ametek (NYSE:AME; Berwyn, PA) has completed two photonics-related acquisitions: Amptek (Bedford, MA), a maker of x-ray detectors, and Luphos (Mainz, Germany), which uses laser interferometyr to measure aspherical lenses and optical surfaces. In April 2014, Ametek acquired Zygo, a maker of optical metrology equipment and precision optics.

“Both Amptek and Luphos are highly strategic additions to our Electronic Instruments Group," says Frank Hermance, Ametek Chairman and CEO. "These businesses allow us to expand our presence in materials analysis and dimensional metrology, two attractive growth platforms."

Amptek provides instrumentation and detectors used in non-destructive materials analysis. The manufacturer has annual sales of approximately $30 million. Amptek makes x-ray detectors used in portable and laboratory instrumentation utilizing x-ray fluorescence, electronics for nuclear and spaceflight instruments, and gamma-ray detectors for security and nuclear emissions monitoring.

Luphos has technology utilizing multi-wavelength laser interferometry to make nanometer level measurements of complex lenses and optical surfaces. Hermance says, “The acquisition of Luphos provides us with exciting technology that is highly complementary to our Taylor Hobson and Zygo dimensional metrology businesses.”

Source: Ametek

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.