Engine and Gear

Fraunhofer IWS develops technologies and systems for the industrial series production of drive and engine components as well as for their fast and cost-effective customized production and repair. Our portfolio ranges from laser-based processes such as laser beam welding and cutting to additive manufacturing processes and innovative adhesive bonding procedures for difficult-to-weld mixed joints. In addition, we offer various solutions such as friction-reducing coatings or laser surface treatment to protect engine as well as transmission parts from wear and tear while increasing their service life.

Construction and Manufacturing
 

• High-speed cutting of drive components
• Laser welding for gears and powertrains: Technologies and systems for industrial series production (e.g. welding of die-cast aluminum cooling components for passenger car engines)
• Adhesive bonding of high-strength drive components: Joining of difficult-to-weld mixed metal joints (e.g. black heart and case-hardened steel)
• Additive manufacturing and repair of drive and engine components: Topology optimization by component re-design (e.g. for racing applications, additively manufactured fastening elements on semi-finished and finished components)
• Printed functional components for special applications: Fast and cost-effective single part production, geometric flexibility, function integration (e.g. valves, manifolds and exhaust gas turbochargers)
  
• Precision drilling and welding of various materials (e.g. drill holes for injection nozzles and contacting of sensors)
• Design of connections for drive components

• Friction-reducing coatings for engine and powertrain components (e.g. camshafts and pistons)
• Laser micro structuring of engine and drive components (e.g. bearings and pumps)
• Hardfacing of engine and powertrain components (e.g. valves and brake discs)
• Laser hardening of engine components (e.g. camshafts)