Archive

The Laser Speckle Photometry (LSP) is a novel method for in-line monitoring of industrial processes and was developed at Fraunhofer IKTS. The robust and cost-effective system analyzes surface properties and draws conclusions on geometry, porosity, or surface defects of a variety of materials. From June 13 to 17, 2016, the system will be presented at the World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing (WCNDT).

The established methods for non-destructive testing of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) separately provide only limited information about the material. Whether macroscopic properties, texture parameters or the state of the matrix material, none previously available test method alone can answer all questions. For a comprehensive examination of complex CFRP structures, the use of several different test methods is required. Together with the Bundeswehr Research Institute for Materials, Fuels and Lubricants (WIWeB) Fraunhofer IKTS is therefore working on the combination of different sensors and their measurement data to improve the informational value of non-destructive testing. Through this combination of ultrasonic, eddy current and infrared spectroscopy methods, a more meaningful test result is generated. Current examples of this “fusion” are demonstrated at the ILA Berlin 2016.

In the presence of the Saxon Prime Minister Stanislaw Tillich, the institute directors of both research institutions signed a memorandum of understanding on April 30, 2016. This cooperation declares the joint research and development work in the area of additive manufacturing of ceramics as well as the transfer of scientists, PhD candidates and students between Saxony and Singapore.

In future, tapes made of Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) for the Heraeus series Heratape®CT 700 and CT 800 are cast for customer projects at the extended tape casting pilot plant at Fraunhofer IKTS in Hermsdorf, Germany. As a result, these tapes are available again for users in the usual quality.

Fraunhofer researchers have developed a particulary flexible additive manufacturing method that allows them to produce bone implants, dentures, surgical tools, or microreactors in almost any conceivable design. At the Medtec medical technology tradeshow in Stuttgart, the scientists from Dresden will show their research results.

Gear wheel, valve, seal – the performance of a plant depends on the resistance of the used components. Ceramic materials are known for their exceptional wear resistance. At Fraunhofer IKTS, users find the key to the competitive advantage in mechanical and plant engineering.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer IKTS developed a robust solution for the individual identification of components and products. It is resistant against extreme environmental influences, can be applied within seconds and read-out reliably.

Where conventional materials reach their limits, ceramics can display their excellent properties. Functional ceramics – so-called thermoelectric materials – can convert waste heat directly into electricity, for example, in high-temperature processes.

Offshore wind turbines have to take a lot of punishment, and this is particularly true for their foundations, which are anchored in the seabed. In the future, periodically inspections will be faster and easier to carry out thanks to a new sensor ring.

Development of a new Li-ion battery generation for the direct embedding into the chassis of electric vehicles – joint project “EMBATT” of thyssenkrupp System Engineering GmbH, IAV GmbH and Fraunhofer IKTS starts