Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

Range of Services

We research and develop sustainable solutions in the field of plastics engineering, taking into account the interrelationships between design, process, structure, and material properties as a response to market-driven, environmental, and societal challenges. Our clients can rely on our excellent knowledge of materials and processes in the field of fiber-reinforced high-performance thermoplastics and innovative rubber composites, as well as on our unique facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment up to the pilot scale. In this way, we also support the establishment of new solutions for material use and process technologies in large-scale production.

We offer research and collaboration services across the entire development chain, from material design to the validation of results on prototypes. This also includes powerful digital tools, such as those for virtual process chains, the simulation of component properties, and solutions for Industry 4.0.

Non-destructive testing and morphological analysis

Using techniques such as ultrasound, X-ray CT, and thermography, we identify and evaluate characteristics such as cracks, porosity, fiber orientation, and material fatigue.

Materials and Component Testing, Test Method Development, Standardization

With our extensive expertise and comprehensive range of equipment, we assist with testing for functionality, purity, durability, and quality in accordance with established standards.

Service Performance and Damage Tolerance: Material and Component Analysis for High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Composites and Sandwich Structures

Using digital and numerical methods, we accelerate product development and quality control, minimize material and production costs, and optimize manufacturing processes.

 

Rubber Compounds: Processing (on a pilot scale)

Our expertise enables us to optimize processing methods such as material-specific mixing processes, vulcanization, and extrusion.

Rubber Compounds: Characterization and Material Development (Laboratory Scale)

We offer excellent capabilities for analyzing physical and chemical properties.

Polymer Diagnostics: Microscopic, Thermal, and Thermo-Mechanical Structural Analysis

We draw on our many years of experience and state-of-the-art methods for material characterization, including high-resolution microstructural diagnostic techniques.

High-Performance Applications: Component and Process Development

We offer a wide range of customized solutions for component and process development. Our capabilities range from prototyping and small-batch production to pilot-scale manufacturing.

Mass-production applications: component development and (semi-)automated manufacturing at pilot scale

Especially through injection molding and analysis of process and material influences under prototype and series conditions, we support industry-oriented component development and manufacturing.

Continuous-fiber-reinforced semifinished products: process and material development

 We offer long-standing, top-tier expertise in materials and processing methods for continuous-fiber-reinforced semifinished products, especially UD tapes.

Biopolymere Fraunhofer PAZ Fraunhofer IMWS

Compounding – material development

Our know-how enables valuable guidance and tools for recipe development of thermoplastic compounds, including those based on renewable raw materials. This includes process adjustment, characterization of processing and use properties, and modeling.

Compounding – Scale-up

We study process and material influences under laboratory and batch conditions (up to pilot scale), thereby reducing the risks associated with scale-up.

Sustainability assessment

Forward-looking and comparative environmental assessments, as well as life-cycle analyses, for the development of processes, materials, and systems.