Press releases 2017

Confidence and reliability are key criteria for the potential introduction of innovative joining techniques. This is, in particular, also true for the modern maritime industry. Scientists of the Fraunhofer IWS have developed a novel, low heat-input but highly efficient laser welding technology for joining processes of up to 50 mm thick parts made of seawater-resistant aluminum alloys. A decisive advantage of this technology is the comparatively low laser power (< 4 kW) needed during the welding of thick metal sheets. The low laser power enables extraordinarily small weld seam widths and minimal component distortion. The IWS laser multi-pass-narrow-gap welding technology (laser MPNG) has been successfully certificated by the classification society DNV GL and is thus now ready for potential industrial applications.

Prof. Dr. Martina Zimmermann, head of the Fraunhofer IWS expert team “Materials Characterization and Testing” and holder of the professorship for “Mechanics of Materials and Damage Analysis”, TU Dresden, has been elected to be the new speaker of the German Materials Society (DGM) advisory board. The election took place within the framework of the first constituent meeting of the new advisory board at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie on March 16, 2017.

Scientists of the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden and the Fraunhofer IFAM Bremen have developed a novel technology for the large area, efficient and environmentally friendly pre-processing of fiber glass metal laminates (GLARE). This new technology has been jointly developed within the framework of the aeronautical research project » AUTOGLARE- advanced metal fuselage construction- fiber glass reinforced aluminum and automated manufacturing processes for high production rates in the aircraft industry; Sub-project NFM-GLARE «. The adhesively bonded multilayer composites, pre-processed by laser, verifiably provide excellent adhesion and corrosion properties so that chemical pre-processing in anodizing bathes are no longer necessary.

Integrated digitization of processes for laser materials processing provides customers with measurable results in industrial applications. Based on the IWS’ comprehensive systems engineering know-how, cyber-physical laser materials processing systems are being developed by means of new hardware and software solutions. These systems assist the operator in the performance of complex manufacturing tasks, they improve product quality, and they enhance the reproducibility of manufacturing results both for regular and frequently changing production sequences. Research developments for hardening, cutting and joining as well as for additive manufacturing processes will be presented at the Hannover Messe Industrie and at the Laser Messe München.

Lightweight design is one of the mostly progressive research areas involved in accomplishing the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, as well as the reduction of CO2 emissions. Innovative materials, such as carbon or glass fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP/GFRP), as well as metal foams, contribute to the successful implementation of the target set by the Federal Government. The Fraunhofer IWS has been researching in this field for many years to provide promising and affordable solutions for our industrial and research partners. One of these solutions is the laser-remote cutting technique.

Everyone wants medication – we’re not talking about animal testing here. Up to now, this has been a necessary evil in medical research. Microphysiological systems, in which organs and organ systems are “created” are a promising alternative. Therewith, complex mechanisms of the human body can be realistically analyzed. Among other things, these microsystems contain ducts, reservoirs, actuating elements, sensor technology and 3D scaffols “made by laser”. The Fraunhofer IWS offers partners from the fields of biology and medicine complete solutions for microsystem technology – from design to prototype, including the automation system.

Dresden researchers of the Fraunhofer IWS and the TU Dresden have developed a new energy-efficient process chain for carbon fiber manufacturing. The approach aims at the conversion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) procurser fibers by means of their stabilization, carbonization and graphitization. Thereby, in future it will be possible to produce carbon fibers at clearly lower costs.

The Fraunhofer IWS Dresden and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) have signed a memorandum of understanding for international collaboration in the fields of laser-based additive manufacturing and diamond-like hard coating technology.

The Fraunhofer IWS Dresden and Technische Universität Dresden inaugurated their jointly operated Center for Additive Manufacturing Dresden (AMCD) with a festive ceremony on February 7, 2017. Scientists from various disciplines perform research on materials, additive manufacturing processes and innovative technologies, which build up components in a layer by layer process. This technology opens up new horizons for component design and combinations of functions. For example during fabrication, electrical conductors and sensors are already able to be additively manufactured into components. They provide information about stress conditions of a product during operation.

The turn from traditional “monolythic” components, made of one single material, to hybride constructions made of atypical materials implies great challenges. Modern joining processes must be able to join most diversified materials in a robust and durable manner. The scientists of the IWS Dresden favour clamping structures for transition joints between metal, ceramics or plastic material. The tailored micro structures enable a later application of mechanically highly resistant joints between the parts to be connected.