Press releases 2013

The magnetic pulse welding process, a procedure which has been relatively un-known so far, joints two metal parts without melting. How does that work? The special trick is the high velocity with which the two parts collide during the joining process. The parts lose their passive surface layers and melt together. The necessary forces are applied via a magnetic field flash, meaning there is no contact. The magnetic field is generated by a robust coil, over which a capacitor is quickly discharged. The implementation of this, at first glance bafflingly simple, technology into industrial applications is the focus of the current research of the Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS Dresden.

From July 1 – 3, 2014, Dresden will again be the setting for the Nanofair Conference – the leading European platform for nanotechnology. The conference and the accompanying trade exhibition will take place for the 10 th time and is organized by the Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS Dresden in partnership with DRESDEN-concept and the City of Dresden’s Department of Economic Development.

E. Beyer, executive director of the Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS Dresden and of the Institute of Manufacturing Technology of the Technische Universität Dresden was granted an honorary doctorate title by the Wroclaw University of Technology on November 15, 2013. He was honored for his excellent expertise in the field of laser technology and his outstanding dedication to developing a joint training and research center with the Wroclaw University of Technology.

Annett Klotzbach and her team are to be awarded with the German High Tech Champion prize in “Lightweight Design” for their research in the field of Remote laser cutting of fiber composite materials. The GHTC® Award will go to six outstanding German technology developers from German universities and research institutions. The Fraunhofer IWS is being honored with this prize for the second time. The GHTC® includes an award of 10,000 euros and will be presented at the 2nd Fraunhofer Symposium “Green Technology made in Germany - Lightweight Design” in Tokyo on November 18, 2013.

The development of carbon coatings to minimize friction losses is to remain one of the essential research priorities of the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden for the coming years. Immediately after the completion of the BMWi joint project PEGASUS the follow-up project PEGASUS II starts now. 8 enterprises and 3 Fraunhofer institutes can now advance their research activities with fundings from the BMWi of 22.6 million euros for the next 39 months.

Efficient thermoelectric generators and energy storage systems are excellently suitable for ubiquitous applications and maintenance-free power supplies. Combined with sensors, these now energy-autarkic sensor systems can be used for, e.g., monitoring applications (structural health monitoring). The development of these components is the main topic in the multidisciplinary Project NanoCaTe. The materials analyzed (nanocarbon) are based on nanostructured carbon allotropes such as nanotubes or graphene. With proper modification and combination, waste heat can be converted into electrical energy. Additionally this material class is suitable for double-layer capacitors of secondary batteries.

Die zeit- und ressourceneffiziente Herstellung von Bauteilen durch additiv-generative Verfahren zählt derzeit zu den innovationsträchtigsten Revolutionen in der Fertigungstechnik. Individualisierte Produkte hoher Komplexität können mit Hilfe von 3D-Drucktechniken sowie laser- und elektronenstrahlunterstützten Fertigungsverfahren hergestellt werden. Der Werkstoffeinsatz wird auf die Bereiche reduziert, wo das Bauteil Material erfordert, ohne dass aufwändige Nachbearbeitungs- und Zerspanungsoperationen durchgeführt werden müssen. Hierdurch entstehen signifikante Zeit- und Kostensenkungen besonders bei solchen Bauteilen, bei denen Geometrieanforderungen hohe Zerspanungsgrade bedingen. Darüber hinaus ermöglichen die additiv-generativen Fertigungsverfahren die Darstellung neuartiger, anwendungsgerecht spezifizierter Eigenschaftsprofile, so etwa auf der Basis von innovativen hierarchischen Strukturansätzen oder Multi-Material-Konzepten.

Many research organizations and enterprises focus their activities on research in the field of renewable energies. The Fraunhofer IWS will present the latest results in the workshop “Lithium-Sulfur Batteries” on November 06 – 07, 2013. Renowned national and international experts from industry and science will come together to gain profound insight in the current and future trends and developments.

Fraunhofer USA is proud to announce that its research center, the Fraunhofer Center for Coatings and Laser Applications (CCL) and its research partner, Michigan State University (MSU), are celebrating their 10th year of collaboration.

With the slogan “New Ideas for Industry“ Nanofair has established itself as one of the premier conferences on nanotechnology. The Fraunhofer IWS Dresden, in partnership with the City of Dresden`s Department of Economic Development and several others, is organizing this event. 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of Nanofair!! The Call for Papers is now open!