Schkopau

Since 2005, new polymer products and innovative technologies along the entire value-added chain, from the monomer to polymer synthesis and plastic processing in pilot scale through to the tested component, have been developed to order in the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Centre for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ. This combination and size makes the Fraunhofer PAZ unique in Europe. Working on behalf of clients from the plastics or automotive industry, the centre implements all kinds of different polymer synthesis and processing methods, tailor-made to a near-industrial scale. The Centre currently has a pilot plant and laboratory area of around 1700 square metres. The work also includes handling lightweight construction and bio-based materials, which can replace petroleum-based polymers.

The Fraunhofer PAZ is a joint initiative of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam-Golm and for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle. Headed by Prof. Michael Bartke (IAP), the two institutes pool their expertise in polymer synthesis (IAP) and polymer processing (IMWS) in a unique way. This cooperation, the technical possibilities in pilot scale and the high degree of flexibility of the facilities are unique selling propositions in the R&D market.

Information on the technical facilities.

Information on how to get there.

Website of the Fraunhofer PAZ.

The Module Technology Center of the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP, together with clients from the photovoltaics industry, implements application-orientated research projects. The Centre has approx. 2000 m² of pilot plant. Working in cooperation with equipment and module manufacturers, the employees develop strategies for the processing of new cell layouts and for the production of alternative module technologies. The objective is to reduce manufacturing costs and increase module efficiency. To this end, among other things, the Module Technology Center has a module production line (module sizes 0.7 x 1.2 m to 2.2 x 2.6 m) and state-of-the-art equipment for the production of standard modules as well as special formats.

A further focal area of the facility, which opened in 2011, is the use of plastics in photovoltaics. Through its location in ValuePark Schkopau industrial park and its immediate vicinity to the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ, the Module Technology Centre offers ideal conditions.

Information on the technical facilities.

Website of the Fraunhofer CSP.