Technologies

We cover the complete value chain for the additive processes we have available at Fraunhofer IFAM – from the creation of 3D data models, through manufacturing, to final processing and inspection of the components.

Electrochemical processes – such as anodizing – are processes that are typically carried out in baths. The components to be treated are completely immersed and subjected to voltage in a chemical solution. This allows surfaces to be coated and thus functionalized respectively aluminum surfaces to be oxidized in a targeted manner. Such coatings, for example, considerably improve further corrosion resistance.

DEVELOPMENT TEST BENCH FOR ENERGY- AND RESOURCE-EFFICIENT E-MACHINES | Fraunhofer IFAM has been engaged in research within in the field of electric drive technology for many years. To identify optimization potential at an early stage during the development of electric machines, the institute has electric motor test benches in the power range <3kW and in the range from 20kW to 100kW. The performance of new technologies, developments or concepts in electric drives can be assessed here – this includes, in particular, the characterization of the operating behavior of electric machines (prototypes) beyond merely gathering of simulation data, throughpractical experiments.

WITH THE RIGHT NOZZLE TO THE IDEAL ADHESIVE APPLICATION FOR ADHESIVE BONDING PRODUCTION | The application of adhesives requires a wide variety of technologies and procedures, depending on the task in hand. In addition to the appropriate dispensing system, this also includes the nozzles used to apply the adhesive bead, as well as flow simulations for the respective nozzle shape. In the Application Technology Center at Fraunhofer IFAM, we find out how your adhesive manufacturing process works best - from the selection of mixers and the dispensing system to the right nozzle and application form.

THERMALLY ACCELERATED ADHESIVE CURING FOR SHORTER CYCLE TIMES IN THE ADHESIVE BONDING PROCESS | In adhesive bonding technology, adhesive curing is often one of the most time-consuming process steps. However, the well adapted addition of heat can accelerate the curing of many classic adhesives and thus significantly reduce the process time.

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.

With the steady increase in electronic assemblies and their use, for example in motor vehicles and sensors, the demands on their long-term stability and functional reliability are also rising. Polymer potting is an ideal way to protect these components.

DETERMINATION OF MATERIAL AND SMALL COMPONENT PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS, COMPOSITES, AND ADHESIVE JOINTS AT CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURES | Fraunhofer IFAM offers outstanding possibilities for material testing at extremely low temperatures. In addition to tests in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, we can also carry out tests in gaseous nitrogen at temperatures down to -180°C.

ADHESIVE FILMS AND COATINGS BASED ON BENZOXAZINE - STORAGE-STABLE AND NON-MELTABLE | Repairing fiber composite components is often time-consuming and requires multiple processing steps and curing cycles of the resin. Typical restoration of the function or appearance of a damaged area is carried out using a wet lamination process or application of reinforcing structures on the surface. Therefore, if an adhesive film or coating based on benzoxazines is used instead this enables comparatively simpler repair and adhesive bonding, with final strength being achieved within 30 minutes.

MATERIAL CARDS FOR CRASH SIMULATION OF ADHESIVELY BONDED JOINTS | For the simulation of adhesively bonded joints, a suitably selected material model is required on the one hand, and experimentally determined model parameters for the specific adhesive on the other. Based on this, Fraunhofer IFAM determines material cards for adhesives. The institute has many years of experience, particularly in the field of cohesive zone models (CZM) in the automotive industry, and can suggest models and suitable experiments or develop them further if required.