Accelerated development and manufacturing processes for rubber compounds
The Fraunhofer IMWS in Halle (Saale) is working with six partners to develop intelligent algorithms and methods that support the production of application-optimized rubber compounds. The goal is software that uses information on formulation and processing conditions to derive predictions and optimization strategies.
Efficient thermoplastic composite manufacturing methods for the sustainable production of wind turbines
Automated manufacturing processes for rotor blades made from recyclable thermoplastic composites that can be produced in large quantities are being developed by three Fraunhofer Institutes in the recently launched "Thermo-Blade-Spine" project.
Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer compounds for lightweight construction applications
In the "BasaProp" project, the Fraunhofer IMWS and partners from industry have optimized the pre-treatment and packaging of basalt chopped fibres so that they can be processed better and provide optimal compound properties.
UD tapes with a high organic content as a sustainable lightweight construction solution
Five partners from Central Germany want to jointly develop bio-based, continuous fiber-reinforced UD tapes for lightweight construction and at the same time create solutions for production up to pilot scale. They are relying on a combination of bio-based polyamide as a matrix and basalt fibers as a reinforcing component.
Evolution of synthetic rubber: biobased raw materials and new types of rubber
Under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, four Fraunhofer Institutes are now developing alternative, biobased raw material sources for synthetic rubber, which will enable completely new types of rubber for car tires.
Highly resilient and recyclable UD tapes made from stereocomplex PLA
High-performance technical fibers are used in various applications, but they are often made from fossil raw materials and are not biodegradable. This is where the project comes in, with the aim of creating intrinsically reinforced materials for lightweight construction that are highly resilient, biodegradable and significantly easier to recycle.
Lightweight construction, efficient and fit for series production thanks to sandwich structures with thermoplastic materials
The flap, made from thermoplastic sandwich semi-finished products, demonstrates the enormous potential for saving weight with thermoplastic sandwich molding technology and its suitability both for molded components and for use in large-scale production.
From train carriages to medical devices: solutions for quality-assured 3D printing with plastics
Establishing Central Germany as a "3D printing region", opening up new fields of application and making additive manufacturing with thermoplastics eco-nomically viable for small and medium-sized enterprises: With this goal in mind, 15 partners have joined forces in the "AddiQ" project.
F3 -Compositor enables 3D deposition and simultaneous joining of thermoplastic UD tape semi-finished products
Load-path-compatible and material-efficient fiber reinforcement of components is made possible by the use of UD tapes. If these are laid down three-dimensionally in the manufacturing process, many design options are available, especially for lightweight components that are manufactured in small quantities.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is working with partners to develop a marketable, completely bio-based and non-toxic plasticizer for use in elastomers and thermoplastics.
Plastic-free packaging nets for fruit, vegetables and Christmas trees are the aim of a new project at the Fraunhofer IMWS. Together with partners, the institute wants to develop corresponding waxes, color pigments and compounds that are bio-based and biodegradable.
Novel high-performance polyamide tapes with unidirectional glass fiber reinforcement
Glass-fiber polyamide tapes for use in innovative and cost-effective lightweight structures for high-volume production have been developed by DOMO Engineering Plastics GmbH and the Fraunhofer IMWS.
More sustainble rudders for short and medium range aircraft
EconCore works with Airbus, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Fraunhofer on a new technology for a more sustainable type of rudder for short and medium-range aircraft, based on thermoplastic honeycomb sandwich composites.
Innovative water-based inks for industrial printing
In the project "InDiPrint" the Fraunhofer IMWS in cooperation with Printing Inks Technology GmbH (PIT GmbH) worked on the development and comprehensive evaluation of high-performance printing inks for industrial digital printing.
Innovative structural components with adapted electronics for e-vehicles
The Fraunhofer is conducting research on the manufacturing of innovative lightweight vehicle structures with integrated electronic components for e-vehicles.
Electrochemical antifouling as protection for the ship´s hull
A process patented by bioplan GmbH and further developed by the Fraunhofer IMWS now offers an environmentally friendly solution for preventing biofouling processes.
New Head of Business Unit "Polymer Applications" at Fraunhofer IMWS
Dr.-Ing. Maik Feldmann took over as Head of the Business Unit "Polymer Applications" at the Fraunhofer IMWS on October 1, 2022. As such he is also responsible for the area of "Polymer Processing" at the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ in Schkopau.
Reliable polymer cases for the protection of power electronic components
In a joint research project entitled "PolyLEktronik" Werkzeugbau & Kunststofftechnik Kruse GmbH (WBKT) and the Fraunhofer IMWS have set themselves the goal of developing highly reliable polymer cases for power electronics components that are suitable for series production.
Lightweight sandwich technology for climate-friendly logistics systems
In a new project, the Fraunhofer IMWS is pursuing the goal of optimizing large load carriers. By using thermoplastic-based sandwich constructions, they can combine low dead weight, high stability, flexible design and a CO2-saving life cycle.
Sound damping systems are used inside modern cars. ECOPOX GmbH & Co. KG and the Fraunhofer IMWS want to make a novel, ecological liquid plastic suitable for this application.
High-performance printing inks for industrial digital printing and a universal evaluation system are to be developed in a joint project with Printing Inks Technology GmbH.
Novel high-performance thermoplastics for economic application in lightweight structural applications
In a joint project with DOMO Engineering Plastics GmbH (DOMO EP), the Fraunhofer IMWS is therefore conducting research into new thermoplastic semi-finished fiber composite products to meet both of these requirements.In a joint project with DOMO Engineering Plastics GmbH (DOMO EP), the Fraunhofer IMWS is therefore conducting research into new thermoplastic semi-finished fiber composite products to meet both of these requirements.
Development platform facilitates tailored thermoplastics
A virtual development platform is to simulate the processing of tailor-made thermoplastics to find customer-oriented and sustainable solutions for plastic components.
Fraunhofer researchers want to allow crystallisation to be specifically adjusted and optimised in future, during the manufacture of injected moulded parts made from plastic.
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS