A few minutes at the heart of MesoFocus' product development
August 18, 2021
It’s probably one of the most important launches of the year for Comet: The MesoFocus technology. Take a look behind the scenes of a game-changing product. Find out more in an interview with Marcel Odermatt, the man behind it all.
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About Marcel OdermattAfter proving himself in project management in the area of electronics engineering, Marcel joined Comet in 2017 as a program Manager, before turning to product management in 2019. He’s been leading the MesoFocus project along with other great innovations still to come.
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The result of an entirely new kind of collaboration
With focal spot sizes ranging between the conventional minifocus and the open microfocus, the MesoFocus tube is not only a game changer from a technological perspective, but also in terms of customer-centric product development.
Marcel Odermatt, Product Manager at Comet X-Ray, tells us that this new product is the result of a rich collaboration and deep knowledge between Comet and its customers. More agile than ever, this time the team has implemented what they call “the early move”, involving partners very early in the product development process by delivering feature-limited products to check viability. Marcel is convinced by this method: “We involve customers early on to gather feedback and finalize the product so that we can deliver exactly what the customers need.” He adds, “What makes this product even more interesting is that as the customer feedback comes in, we plan to release new and even better versions”.
When speed matters
It’s been a success. Since its launch in June 2021, interest from customers for the MesoFocus technology has continued to grow, and for good reason. MesoFocus strikes the right balance between precision (conducts dimensional analysis down to 25 µm) and the easy maintenance of a sealed tube. Marcel is convinced beyond any doubt:
“It’s the best of both worlds in terms of x-ray technology and usability”.
The new most versatile tube from Comet X-Ray can be used for in-line electromechanical assembly, in the automotive or aerospace sectors, for its speed and resistance to harsh production environments, as well as in smaller structures such as R&D labs, thanks to its easy "Plug & Play" handling. MesoFocus also stands out for being ideally suited to new, highly specialized emerging applications such as additive and battery manufacturing.
Related article: Comet is now part of the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers.
Innovation and reliability
According to Marcel, innovating at the cutting edge of X-ray technology also involves great challenges. “Users like innovation but rely on existing and proven platforms. In an environment where security is crucial, experience and proven products are key for customers”. Here, the user can rely on the well-known Comet iVario high-voltage generator platform on which MesoFocus is based.
In addition, the team decided to set up a training programme aimed at teaching customers and end-users about the capabilities of MesoFocus. This involves on-site and online training, exceptional customer support, but also interactive webinars. “Comet’s added value is its in-depth knowledge of X-ray technology, and we want to share it with those around us. This is especially important for a product as innovative as MesoFocus”, Marcel says.
And the audience was there: During the first four webinars (recordings at the bottom of this page), the team answered a wide variety of questions, indicative of the clear interest in the latest product from Comet X-Ray.
Related page: Most frequent asked question about MesoFocus
Great team spirit leads to great products
The Comet team is proud of MesoFocus. Not only because the interest has been positively overwhelming, but also because it is the culmination of a trusting collaboration at Comet X-Ray. “We work really well together. Each of us brings a new perspective, and we respect each other’s vision. We talk freely about our ideas... and that creates great products”, Marcel says.
He goes on to talk about why working at Comet is unique: “Working at Comet, especially in areas connected to the product development, is all about learning things you never see in school: It’s about collaborating with colleagues to develop cutting-edge technology that tests the limits of physics. All the time.”
Want to know more?
Couldn't join the last MesoFocus webinars?
No worries, you can find recordings of the sessions with Marcel and Anthony here.
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