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For over a decade, Atik Cameras has served as a camera supplier for a major life sciences instrumentation manufacturer, delivering approximately 800-900 cameras annually while maintaining the flexibility and support that large-scale production demands.
This case study demonstrates how Atik can successfully partner with global industry leaders, providing customized solutions that integrate seamlessly into complex instruments sold worldwide.
The Challenge: Beyond Off-the-Shelf Solutions
The relationship began when the life sciences company tested standard Atik cameras for their new laboratory instrument development. While the initial product showed promise, their application required significant customization, namely reduced back-focus distance to accommodate filter wheels between lens and camera, faster frame rates, and a sealed optical system preventing contamination and guaranteeing cooling subsystem performance over years of operation.
The company was developing a completely new product line that would be sold to laboratories worldwide: a high-stakes project requiring a camera supplier capable of engineering custom solutions while scaling to production volumes.
Engineering Partnership from Concept to Production
Rather than offering minor modifications to existing products, Atik engaged in comprehensive engineering collaboration.
Camera Platform Selection
After analyzing requirements, Atik recommended transitioning from the initially tested model, addressing the frame rate limitations identified during testing.
Mechanical Customization
The back-focus challenge required innovative engineering:
- Complete removal of the front housing to minimize sensor-to-lens distance
- Custom optical window mounting using adhesive bonding instead of traditional retaining rings
- Extensive material testing to identify adhesives meeting long-term reliability requirements
- Custom cable routing and connector positioning to match the instrument’s internal architecture
Sealing Technology Development
Perhaps the most critical technical challenge involved ensuring hermetic sealing for years of maintenance-free operation. This required:
- Comprehensive investigation of sealing materials and methods
- Development of proprietary sealing techniques that became core intellectual property
- Rigorous testing protocols to validate long-term performance
- Solutions for preventing outgassing that could contaminate the cooled sensor
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Early in the partnership, a condensation issue emerged on a handful of sensors during the client’s internal development. Rather than defensive posturing, Atik responded with transparency and urgency. That included immediate investigation through an external laboratory, root cause identification (the condensation wasn’t water based but volatile compounds from a specific assembly material) and a permanent solution: complete process redesign eliminating the problematic material.
Besides fully documenting the issue and its resolution, the company implemented preventive measures: outgassing control procedures to mitigate residual volatiles thereafter.
Quality Systems and Manufacturing Capability
To support the partnership’s growth, Atik Cameras implemented industrial-grade systems.
ISO Certification
Proactively pursued ISO 9001 certification during early partnership stages, demonstrating commitment to quality management systems before being required.
Production Infrastructure
Established dedicated assembly processes for customized cameras, improved component coding structure and warehouse management, upgraded SOP versioning management system and created traceability systems tracking every component through production.
Supplier Audits
Successfully passed client supplier audits with primarily positive observations and recommendations.
Logistics Optimization
During this process even shipping schedules were optimized collaboratively. The shipment days were aligned with client’s receiving procedures, establishing consistent delivery cadences and supporting just-in-time manufacturing.
The customs and documentation processes were streamlined while maintaining flexibility to adjust volumes week-to-week based on demand fluctuations.
Results: A Decade of Partnership Success – Production Metrics
Volume Consistency
- Peak production: 60 cameras per week
- Typical production: 30-40 cameras per week
- Total cameras supplied: Approximately 10,000+ units over the partnership
- Weekly shipments maintained for over a decade
Quality Performance
- Exclusive supplier status maintained throughout product lifecycle
- Zero supply chain disruptions despite global challenges
- Rapid resolution of any field issues through collaborative troubleshooting
- Consistent performance across all units enabling reliable end-product quality
Business Impact
For the Client:
Reliable camera supply supporting global instrument sales, custom solution perfectly integrated into product design, responsive technical support reducing time-to-resolution for any issues, and flexibility accommodating production planning changes.
For Atik Cameras:
Developed proprietary sealing and assembly techniques applicable to other products, increased its capability to support major OEM partnerships and validated its ability to scale production while maintaining quality.
Client Testimonials
«Atik Cameras has always been an exceptional and reliable camera supplier who offers more than products – they provide tailored imaging solutions, dependable quality, and collaborative support that advances innovation across every application.», declared the Sourcing Manager for this project.
While the Mechanical Design Engineer leading the project from the client side stated that «having worked with countless vendors, Atik is one of top few companies that have showcase exemplary professionalism, knowledge and support.
I would recommend them to anyone who has any demand for cameras of any kind in their projects. I also wish them continued success.»
Conclusion
Over more than a decade, Atik Cameras has demonstrated that specialized manufacturers can successfully serve as strategic partners to global industry leaders. The partnership with this leading life sciences company – delivering 10,000+ custom cameras while maintaining exclusive supplier status – proves that technical excellence, responsive support, and collaborative problem-solving overcome the perceived advantages of larger competitors.
For OEM partners seeking imaging solutions that require customization, consistent quality, and genuine partnership commitment, this case study demonstrates Atik’s proven capability to deliver at scale while maintaining the agility and responsiveness that complex technical projects demand.
The partnership continues to expand with new product generations, validating that initial success has translated into lasting competitive advantage and mutual trust: the foundation of exceptional OEM relationships.
