Characterization I Analysis I Measurement I Testing

One stop shop for all analysis requirements

Fraunhofer IKTS serves as an initial contact for all problems related to analysis, evaluation, and optimization of materials and components as well as the associated manufacturing processes. Focus is primarily on ceramic and powder metallurgy (PM) materials and components as well as materials and components used in microelectronics.

Fraunhofer IKTS possesses state-of-the-art equipment and an extensive range of modern analysis methods for:

  • Applied research and development
  • Characterization of feedstocks and materials
  • Monitoring and optimization of ceramic and PM production processes
  • Quality assurance of components and parts
  • Failure analysis and evaluation of behavior of materials and components in specific applications

Both standard and in-house, in part unique, analysis capabilities are available. With extensive materials, process, and analysis expertise, Fraunhofer IKTS provides support and advice in development of new materials and products, determination of characteristics, clarification of complex failure mechanisms, and compliance with regulatory and qualitative standards. Accreditation has been granted for specific measurement methods for determining powder and suspension characteristics as well as thermophysical and electrical/dielectric properties and for selected NDT methods.

This gives Fraunhofer IKTS the capacity to handle diverse tasks related to quality assurance and certification of products and processes all the way to prototype testing for customers. Fraunhofer IKTS guarantees the confidentiality and security of all data and information handled within the scope of project work.

Topics

 

Powder and suspension characterization

With the emergence of new application areas and higher demands being imposed on products, the quality of the starting materials is becoming a critical parameter in the production of advanced ceramics. Especially for ceramic and PM manufacturing processes, characterization of powders and suspensions allows potential quality defects and their root causes to be identified at an early stage.

 

Thermal analysis and thermal physics

Thermal processes have a major impact on the properties of materials, semi-finished products, and components. Lengthy know-how and a comprehensive equipment basis help to provide insight into these complex interactions as a function of temperature, time, and gas atmosphere.

 

Microstructural and material analysis

Fraunhofer IKTS has numerous characterization methods and a comprehensive equipment basis at its disposal for developing diverse high-performance materials. Drawing on its exhaustive experience with various materials and composites, the institute offers customers and project partners a wide range of services. Established, standard, and new methods are continuously being optimized to expand the knowledge base.

 

Mechanical testing

Materials characteristics, such as strength, hardness, and fracture strength, are critical for component design and improvement of advanced materials. Fraunhofer IKTS draws on a number of standard and non-standard test methods to determine the mechanical properties of materials at all stages of the development cycle.

 

Quality assurance laboratory

Testing can be performed alongside development in nearly all areas of quality assurance according to national and international standards or customer-specific programs. Detailed environmental, material, and safety tests are performed in a fully equipped testing laboratory by well-versed staff with extensive experience in test planning, execution, and evaluation. Other activities include jig/fixture construction and regular calibration of the measuring and test equipment.

 

Failure analysis | Corrosion and tribological testing

Application-specific selection of materials for ceramic components and behavioral assessment (including failure analysis) of ceramic materials and components in use are complex processes requiring solid knowledge of materials, skill in materials preparation, and mastery of the relevant analysis methods.

 

NDT test lab

The accredited NDT test lab at Fraunhofer IKTS offers a complete range of non-destructive testing services for classic routine testing using standard or modified methods. Unconventional tasks, feasibility studies, development of test concepts, and validation/qualification of new processes and test concepts are all part of the accredited test lab’s full-service NDT offering and can be performed for clients in all industries either at the client site or in the testing laboratory according to the specific task.

 

Microelectronics and nanoelectronics testing

A special area of expertise at Fraunhofer IKTS is the use of microscopy principles in the transmission-based characterization of components and composites for micro- and nanoelectronics. For this, the application scope of X-ray-based methods is extended to approx. 50 nm to enable three-dimensional visualization of complex geometries.

 

Other application-specific test methods

The methods presented here for characterization of processes, materials, and components are suitable for a wide range of applications. Fraunhofer IKTS is also building up know-how in special niche applications.

Cooperation models
 

Innovation and development are the cornerstones of a promising corporate future. In order to create a competitive edge, Fraunhofer offers tailored options for cooperation, so that small and medium-sized companies can work together in the best possible way. This also allows to utilize development skills at short notice and as needed.