HM Solutions specializes in automated inspection and metrology systems for single- and multi-fiber connectors. Their technology combines high-resolution visual inspection, scratch and defect analysis, and 3D interferometric measurement to provide comprehensive characterization of fiber optic connector end faces.
A key aspect of HM Solutions' technology is the automation of connector inspection directly within fiber polishing devices. Instead of operators having to remove connectors and load them individually into separate inspection and interferometry systems, HM Solutions' technology allows for the automatic placement, inspection, and measurement of multiple connectors while they remain in the polishing device. This approach can significantly reduce operator handling and measurement time while improving consistency and traceability in the production of high-volume fiber optic cable assemblies.

With this acquisition, Santec will expand its capabilities across the entire cable assembly production testing process. Santec’s existing portfolio includes insertion loss and return loss measurement, optical power measurement, optical switching, stabilized light sources, reflectometry, and fiber inspection. The addition of HMS technology brings advanced automated connector inspection and interferometric metrology to this portfolio, enabling Santec to offer its customers a more comprehensive range of solutions for manufacturing fiber optic cable assemblies.
The combined technologies are expected to support increasingly automated production environments for single- and multi-fiber cable assemblies, high-density connectivity, data center interconnects, and emerging optical interconnect applications.
“The acquisition of HM Solutions represents a significant expansion of Santec’s capabilities in the fiber optic cable assembly production market,” said Chris Heisler, CEO of Santec California Corporation. "Our goal is to provide customers with a more comprehensive range of test and measurement solutions throughout the entire cable assembly manufacturing process. By combining Santec's optical performance measurement technologies with HMS's automated inspection and interferometric metrology capabilities, we can cover a larger portion of the production workflow, while helping customers improve automation, throughput, consistency, and traceability."

The acquisition will also accelerate the development and commercialization of Santec’s AIM (Automated Inspection and Metrology) platform. AIM is designed to automatically inspect and measure connectors directly on the polishing device, combining automated positioning, 2D end-face inspection, scratch and defect analysis, and 3D interferometric measurements on a single platform. The system is designed to support the manufacturing of both single-fiber and multi-fiber connectors, as well as a variety of industry-standard polishing devices.
The acquisition supports Santec’s strategy to further expand its presence in the fiber optic cable assembly testing and measurement market. By combining optical performance testing, inspection, interferometric metrology, reflectometry, and automation, Santec aims to offer manufacturers a broader portfolio of technologies that spans multiple stages of the cable assembly production process.