Back in October, the Focal Point team was once again invited to visit one of the Winkler factories. There’s something about a factory walk-around that stimulates discussions, focus, and knowledge exchange. There’s always a very human story that underpins how and why products become products, and how quality is maintained as the personnel and locations develop.
For us, these visits are also a valuable opportunity to share customer feedback, as many of our customers rely on Winkler’s heated sample lines, temperature controllers, and other manufacturing solutions in demanding industrial and analytical applications.
Why Customers Choose Winkler Heated Sample Lines
Most know Focal Point Technology as a key supplier of Winkler heated sample lines and temperature controllers. Across the industry, one observation is nearly universal. No manufacturer offers the same breadth of options, accessories, and dependable quality as Winkler. Their heated lines are not simply “components”. They are carefully engineered solutions designed for accuracy, durability, and reliability in real-world process conditions.
Innovation and Problem Solving: Where Needs Drive Design
Innovation at Winkler nearly always begins with the customer. During our visit, Andrea Zenner and Rolf Grotenrath demonstrated the new extra-long factory benches used to assemble extended heated sample lines. But what happens when the factory doesn’t have long benches or the space for them?
Andrea did what Winkler does best. He made the space and the benches using their ‘can-do’ approach. His solution is now featured in the Winkler gallery, proof that a practical, hands-on, “can-do” culture flows through the entire organisation.
Heated Sample Lines At a Glance
A quick look at the Winkler brochure highlights the enormous range of configurations available, but the real story lies in the seven design hallmarks that define every Winkler heated line.
Download the Winkler Sample Lines Brochure
The Seven Quality Hallmarks of Winkler Heated Sample Lines
- Fittings – Stainless steel, Hastelloy, and custom-engineered options
- Termination – Silicone caps, screw fittings, ATEX options, custom marking
- Electrical Connection – Ready-for-connection systems; custom locations and fittings
- Outer Sheath – PA corrugated, braided, silicone (a favourite), ATEX-approved, or metal
- Insulation – High-performance materials for 250°C and beyond
- Heating & Sensors – VDE-certified, moisture-protected heating cables and tapes
- Inner Lines – PTFE, PFA, stainless steel, and ultra-clean analysis-quality options
Temperature Controllers: From concept to Reliable Field Systems
On this factory tour, we also got a deep dive into the evolution of Winkler’s temperature controller portfolio. Each design change reflects practical manufacturing experience and a constant aim to extend reliability and service life. Extending the life of power switching components like relays, power current to be switched, heat dissipation, sourcing of suitable materials, and consolidation of design.
Download the Winkler Temperature Controllers brochure
Our temperature controller solutions
W-Series Controllers
- Integrated displays
- Limiter functionality
- Connector and mounting options
- Versions from 10A to 40A
- Engineered for durability and heat dissipation
- Plug-and-play
- Multilingual menu
- Multi-channel – DC 4x channels 0r AC 2x channels
- W-500 has a control algorithm (FAT) for a great heating result
L-Series In-Line Controllers
- Wear-free plug-and-play
- Pre-configured ex works
- Sensor inputs for controllers, limiters, or monitors
- IP67 dust rating
- Long-life hybrid relay
Compact, rugged controllers with or without displays, ideal for mobile, space-restricted, or cost-sensitive applications.
The design ethos is clear. Value-engineered, sealed for life, minimal part count, and lightweight construction using adhesives, integrated heat sinks, and simplified cable routing.
The L200/300 series offers clean, compact installation with remote IR configuration, which can communicate with all members of the family, irrespective of model series
Heating Solutions Beyond Sample Lines
Winkler’s expertise extends into a wide portfolio of factory heating solutions, including;
- Heated jackets for irregular geometries
- Heated connectors
- Silicone flat, moulded, and printed heaters.
- ATEX heated analysis lines
- Temperature controllers or limiters
- WEX8 + WEX9 – 200°C Max
- IP66
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Challenges do arise when bespoke heating solutions are required to fit a specific shape for a customer. Bespoke heated jackets begin with 3D CAD modelling and proceed by enlisting 3D printers to enable rapid prototyping, dramatically reducing development time from concept to a validated product.
Embedding Quality into Routine Production
A frequent customer question concerns pre-conditioning or pre-bake-out of heated sample lines prior to shipment. Winkler’s answer?
Yes, heated lines can be delivered fully pre-conditioned. By utilising space-saving fixtures, lines are mounted and operated at temperature while air or nitrogen is flushed through for a defined curing period. Uniform heating is critical, and it is the Quality Manager who ensures continuous checks, right down to verifying the spacing of spirally wound heating cables inside each line.
People, Skills, and Community
A standout aspect of the Winkler factory is its connection to the staff and the local community. Many team members come from the surrounding neighbourhood, bringing practical skillsets that enhance production quality. The company philosophy is simple: When you engage with your community, talent finds you. And in a charming circular twist, many of Winkler’s suppliers also use Winkler-manufactured components.
Celebrating Teamwork and Manufacturing Craftsmanship
Winkler’s commitment to hosting visitors, sharing knowledge, and showcasing their team creates an environment where improvement and innovation flourish. This culture is reflected in the products Focal Point Technology supplies worldwide: dependable, high-quality heated sample lines, temperature controllers, and customer manufacturing solutions delivered on time and exactly as promised.