We have produced vacuum metrology in Germany since 1970. From the very start, innovative spirit was our driving force for exceptional technological achievements which repeatedly created new impulses in the vacuum measurement and control technology. Numerous patents proof the technological edge of our developments.
What makes Thyracont special is a mixture of tradition and innovation.
Continue reading in order to learn more about our company history – from the beginnings to the latest innovations.
Already from an early age, enthusiasm for technology led to various handcrafted objects. This is, for example, how a machine in a sturdy cardboard box or a small VHF transmitter for the neighbourhood were made.
After studying electrical engineering in Muncih and after six years of gaining professional experience as a development and consulting engineer, Dipl. Ing. Heinz Plöchinger founded the company Thyracont in 1970.
The first “factory”: A car garage, located at Mauth, Bavarian Forest, hometown of Heinz Plöchinger
THYRACONT?
The name „THYRACONT“ consists of „Thyristor“ and „controller“, in a power controller for freeze dryers. The first customer asked for an innovative solution for his measurement and regulation tasks. The young engineer rose to the challenge to develop a stable, non-breakable vacuum sensor for the novel plants.
Innovation VSP21
Opposite to common sensors with a stretched measuring thread, an elastic tungsten filament is used for the first Thyracont vacuum sensor VSP21. Beside the robust housing made from stainless steel, the filament contributes to a trouble-free use for decades. Users of our Pirani gauge profit from this idea even today.
Analog and indestructible
The fitting measuring bridge for the new Pirani sensors for vacuum measurement is also geared towards longevity.
Paperwork
Laboriously typed by the General Manager himself: The first invoice.
The first invoice as well as the ancient typewirter can still be found by visitors in our in-house museum – a part of the Headquarters that is dedicated to the company history.
Nowadays, processes at Thyracont are mostly digitalised.
Innovation
Special vacuum controllers for freeze dryers: By means of inductive scanning of a aluminium banner on the long indicator, switching operations at the predifined nominal values can be released.
Innovation
Vacuum gauge VSP122 with small flange; controlled version with constant filament temperature
Innovation
Micro processor controlled program controller PGR for regulation of vacuum and temperature profiles and pressure increase measurement.
Innovation
Eutectic monitor: Device for determination of the eutectic temperature in lyophilization applications.
Innovation
First digital vacuum controller for solvent recovery “Environmental protection that pays off”
Innovation:
Battery operated compact vacuum meter VD85 for fine and rough vacuum:
"Electronics instead of mercury"
Development and presentation of first combination sensor for fine and rough vacuum, with continuous transition of the output signals (Symposium Mikrosystemtechnik Regensburg 1993, later Achema Frankfurt)
A sensor concept of Mr Plöchinger is awarded with the 1. AMA-innovation award and is product of the year of the journal „Elektronik“.
Mr. Plöchinger receives the R & D 100 award in Chicago for an inclination and acceleration sensor.
EP1409963 and DE10115715 are granted: Sensor and process patent are the basis for the impulse Pirani VSP62 (Wikipedia - gepulster Pirani-Transmitter) where measurement of a gasses heat conductance is attributed to time and frequency changes. This new development arouses great interest amongst experts.
Patent: EP 0818223, the process and device patent on which the vacuum controller DC1S VacuFox is based on has been granted. The box contains steady valves for vacuum and ventilation as well as the necessary sensors and electronics for plug-and-play. The controller is used in rotary evaporators, distillation plants or as control unit in front of central vacuum systems.
Patent:
US 6,675,656 is granted, a capacitive pressure sensor.
Patent DE 19860500 is granted and is a basis for the development project “vacuum measurement with reduced dependency on gas type".
Patent DE102005029114 is granted; it describes a process to reduce measurement errors of combination vacuum transmitters due to optimized value harmonization.
Patent DE102004040003 for a new inclination and acceleration sensor according to thermodynamic principle is granted. The measurement of the acceleration is based on the change of power consumption in order to hold a steady convection zone.
Thyracont receives top rating:
„A+“ according to Standard & Poors and „A1“ according to Moody´s rating.
VD8 compact vacuum meters are launched in a modern design and with new functionalities like a data logger functionality and a USB interface.
Patent: US 9,606,074 B2 fluid property sensor with heat loss compensation and operating method thereof was granted in 2017. For our proven Pirani sensors (principle Heat conduction), this property right will cause further improvements regarding accuracy and resolution.
All parts for space travel have to be tested in large facilities for space vacuum.
After a successful audit, the Chinese space calibration institute chooses Thyracont Vacuum Instruments as their partner.
Industrial Ethernet: Thyracont offers its well-proven digital vacuum gauges of the Smartline product family with a further interface option. Customers can now also choose EtherCAT additionally to the RS485 interface.
A pleasant working environment, perceptible innovative spirit in all areas and many more advantages of Thyracont as an employer lead to low fluctuation.
Therefore, the best example is our production manager Egon Hasenöhrl who will celebrate his 40 year anniversary at Thyracont in 2019.
As a pioneer in the field of vacuum metrology, Thyracont now also offers a Profinet option. The Ethernet interface extends the well-proven Smartline product family which is also available with RS485/0-10 V and EtherCAT.
