Technologies

TESTING LABORATORY FOR PAINTS, COATINGS AND CORROSION | In the development of paints and coatings as well as the accompanying quality management, standardized suitability tests of the paint are necessary in order to obtain the most accurate characterization of the coating system. Fraunhofer IFAM offers a wide range of test methods to determine and verify adhesion, elasticity, hardness, chemical resistance, and weather resistance. Paint testing is carried out both on liquid paints and on cured coatings. Depending on the application, these are subjected to varying loads – under laboratory conditions or in outdoor weathering. For this purpose, the researchers use standardized test procedures, but also develop customized test and testing methods if required.

FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION THROUGH PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES | The technology platform »Functional Printing« comprises digital and mask-based printing technologies, with which components can be functionalised specifically and precisely at the required component locations. Sensors or electronic components can thus be integrated into existing products and give the component additional or completely new properties and functions. Fraunhofer IFAM offers all important printing processes at its disposal and has in-depth material expertise. If printable inks or pastes are required for sensory applications, for example, which are not commercially available, these can be developed at Fraunhofer IFAM.

PRODUCTION OF METAL AND CERAMIC COMPONENTS BY MEANS OF EXTRUSION AND SINTERING | Extrusion is one of the most common shaping processes for producing elongated structures with constant, often complex cross-sections. Products produced by extrusion include tubes, hoses, or even V-belts and toothed belts. In its research work, Fraunhofer IFAM focuses, among other things, on powder extrusion. This involves extruding thermoplastic molding compounds with high proportions of metal or ceramic powders and then debinding and sintering them. The focus is on material development and adaptation along the entire process chain in order to achieve optimum results for the individual needs of our customers.

SELF-HEALING COATINGS – FOR SUSTAINABLE PROTECTION AND EXTENDED DURABILITY | Self-healing coatings represent an innovative approach to protecting surfaces against wear and damage over the long term. These intelligent materials can repair minor damage in coating layers either autonomously or through external stimuli such as temperature changes, humidity, or UV light. The technology offers versatile applications, particularly for reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of coated surfaces.

AGING PROTECTION THROUGH INNOVATIVE ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE PLASMA COATINGS | Electronic components and assemblies are not only exposed to mechanical stresses during operation but also to harmful environmental influences such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and particularly corrosive media. These factors can significantly impair the reliability and lifespan of electronics, often leading to costly repairs or failures. Here, Fraunhofer IFAM offers an innovative solution: ultra-thin atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma protective coatings. These coatings provide reliable protection against aging and environmental damage, improve performance, and simultaneously contribute to more sustainable manufacturing.

In the group Soft Magnetic Materials, innovative powder technologies are used to manufacture soft magnetic components with reduced losses or special property profiles. Different concepts are pursued depending on the requirements especially the frequency range.

EFFICIENT PLASMA COATING WITH CUSTOMIZED NOZZLES | Inline Coating with Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas has established itself as a sustainable solution in industrial manufacturing. This technology offers, for example, environmentally friendly corrosion protection and enables secure adhesion of adhesives and paints – all without the use of harmful primers. Each industrial application scenario presents individual challenges: from coating width and accessibility of complex, three-dimensional components to the treatment of temperature-sensitive materials. At Fraunhofer IFAM, customized nozzle heads are developed to flexibly address these varying requirements.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PLASMA COATINGS OPTIMIZE THE ELECTRICAL INSULATION OF COMPONENTS | In modern electronics manufacturing, reliable and efficient insulation solutions are indispensable. They protect electronic components from unwanted electrical contact, harmful environmental influences, and premature aging. Plasma-polymer thin-film systems are PFAS- and halogene-free and offer optimized solutions in this context. These technological innovations combine advanced material properties with a sustainable manufacturing process, providing an attractive alternative to conventional insulation methods such as potting compounds and lacquer systems. At Fraunhofer IFAM, plasma technology is used to produce ultra-thin, partial-discharge-resistant layers in the micro- and sub-micrometer range, significantly enhancing the performance and longevity of electronic components.

ROBOT-ASSISTED SURFACE PRE-TREATMENT FOR SERIES PRODUCTION | In modern process chains, multi-axis gantry systems and industrial robots are indispensable. At Fraunhofer IFAM, this potential is utilized to develop tailored solutions for industrial surface pre-treatment. Thanks to the available robotic technology, we can optimally support our customers from laboratory trials and feasibility studies to the complete manufacturing process.

ANALYSIS OF ADHESIVE PROPERTIES IMPROVES THE BONDING PROCESS - AND LAYS THE FOUNDATIONS FOR DEBONDING AND RECYCLING | As different as each adhesive manufacturing process is, so are the requirements for the used adhesive or the bond. If you are looking for a suitable adhesive for your manufacturing process or are already working with a specific adhesive and would like to test its specific properties, you will find the right partner in Fraunhofer IFAM. The experts at Fraunhofer IFAM have specialized in being able to analyze and determine the processing and final properties of a wide variety of adhesives.