Technical Equipment

Fraunhofer IMWS offers a state-of-the-art infrastructure for the analysis and development of biological materials, enabling precise and reliable results for demanding applications.

The combination of advanced instrumentation, specialized methodologies, and deep scientific expertise allows for detailed investigation of tissues, cells, and proteins, as well as comprehensive evaluation of application-relevant material properties – including sophisticated sample preparation techniques to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

In addition, we provide access to cutting-edge technologies for material development, including bioprinting, 3D printing, electrospinning, advanced coating techniques, and plasma-assisted processes, enabling the efficient translation of innovative concepts into high-performance solutions.

Microscopy and Photo-Optical Methods

  • Light microscopy, dark-field and DIC modes (Differential Interference Contrast)
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • 2D/3D laser scanning microscopy and optical profilometry
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in high and low vacuum (ESEM)
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
  • Combined SEM-FIB with cryo-transfer chamber and in-situ cryo-preparation equipment
  • Acoustic microscopy (SAM, GHz-SAM)
  • 2D and 3D X-ray CT
  • White-light interferometry (WLI)
  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

Spectrometric/spectroscopic methods

  • SEM + EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy)
  • UV-VIS/NIR spectrometer and (spectroscopic) ellipsometer
  • Electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectroscopy
  • FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy with ATR cells
  • Confocal Raman microscope and Raman spectrometer
  • High-resolution (tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
  • High-resolution time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)
  • Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
  • Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
  • Nanodrop
  • ELISA reader
  • Luminometer

Mechanical/Thermomechanical Methods

  • Dynamic Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) up to 1500 °C
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
  • Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
  • Nanoindentation (temperature-dependent, material mapping, nano-DMA)
  • Various tensile, compression, bending, torsion, and peel test rigs
  • Rotational rheometric
  • Servo-hydraulic, electrodynamic, and electromechanical testing machines with temperature-controlled chambers
  • Light, climate, and environmental test chambers
  • Thermal shock chamber from -80 °C to 220 °C
  • Corrosion test rigs for aqueous and gaseous media
  • High-pressure capillary viscometer
  • Modeling and simulation (FEM)
  • Texture analyzer
  • Toothbrush wear tester
  • Brushing simulator
  • Industrial robot system

 

Manufacturing and surface modification technologies

  • Plasma CVD coating systems
  • High-frequency magnetron coating systems
  • Corona treatment systems for polymer films
  • Plasma etching systems
  • Wet chemical coating systems (spin coating, blade coating, dip coating)
  • Electrospinning systems from laboratory to industrial pilot scale
  • 3D printing
  • Bioprinting
  • Lyophilization

Testing and preparation technologies

  • Photometric aerosol permeability testing
  • Microtomy
  • Contact angle and wettability testing