Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM

Fraunhofer IFAM – Research shaping the future

Fraunhofer IFAM is one of Europe's leading independent research institutions in the fields of adhesive bonding technology, surfaces, shaping, and functional materials. Our mission: We develop innovative solutions for key future topics such as sustainable mobility, the energy transition, the digitalization of production, and resource efficiency – and bring them to industrial application.

With about 700 employees at locations in BremenDresdenStadeWolfsburg BraunschweigHelgoland and Cuxhaven

we offer a wide range of expertise:

  • Material development & functional materials: From metallic, polymer, and hybrid materials to battery materials and smart materials.
  • Shaping & additive manufacturing: Technologies such as powder metallurgy, 3D printing, and sintering processes enable innovative component designs and high-precision applications.
  • Adhesive bonding & surface technology: Solutions for secure, durable joining and the targeted functionalization of surfaces – essential in aviation, automotive engineering, and medical technology.
  • Automation & digitalization: Development of intelligent manufacturing processes, robot-assisted application systems, and automated quality assurance solutions.
  • Qualification & technology transfer: We impart expertise to specialists and decision-makers from industry and research through a wide range of training courses.

Discover our projects, technologies, and expertise – and find out how we can shape the industry of tomorrow together.

Fraunhofer IFAM on LinkedIn

🚚⚡E-Lkw erfolgreich ins Gewerbegebiet bringen: So gelingt der Ladeinfrastruktur-Ausbau in der Praxis

Handlungsempfehlungen aus dem Projekt »Transportation in Charge«

Im Projekt wurden auf Basis realer Daten von über 300 elektrischen Nutzfahrzeugen an 17 Unternehmensstandorten sowie Untersuchungen in Gewerbegebieten und Güterverkehrszentren zentrale Fragestellungen zu Ladeinfrastruktur, Energiebedarf, Netzintegration und betrieblichem Laden untersucht.

Die nun veröffentlichten Handlungsempfehlungen übersetzen die wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse in praxisnahe Orientierungshilfen für Logistikunternehmen, Netz- und Ladeinfrastrukturbetreibende, Kommunen, Immobilienwirtschaft und weitere Akteure. Im Fokus stehen konkrete Ansätze für Planung, Investition, Betrieb und Regulierung der Ladeinfrastruktur für den Straßengüterverkehr.

Ein wichtiger Schritt, um den Hochlauf von E-Lkw effizient, wirtschaftlich und netzdienlich zu gestalten.

Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich gerne an den Gesamtprojektleiter Dipl.-Ing. Sönke Stührmann vom Fraunhofer IFAM.

𝗭𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗳𝗲𝗵𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗻: https://s.fhg.de/Gm2B

Hashtag#IFAMdrivesInnovation

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗸𝘁𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿:
Fraunhofer IFAM | RWTH Aachen University | IAEW der RWTH Aachen | ISB RWTH | HCIC RWTH | Behrens-Wöhlk GmbH & Co. KG | Rhenus Logistics | PSI Software | Deutsche GVZ-Gesellschaft mbH

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗸𝘁𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁:
Caspar Plump (W. Tiemann GmbH & Co. KG) | Felix Janssen (TotalEnergies) | Denise Schuster (Park Your Truck GmbH) | Steven Hotopp (wesernetz Bremen GmbH) | Sven Jäger (WFB Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH)

𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴:
Leandra S. und Karl Glökler (beide Fraunhofer IFAM)

🚀 Taking off for the future of offshore logistics!

As part of our 𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗟 (Develop Innovative Offshore Logistics) project, we are investigating the use of UAS for offshore supply through concrete pilot flights: We are planning the direct drone delivery to a Service Operation Vessel (SOV) from Norddeich. Involving all stakeholders. Conducting a concrete demo flight. Gathering experience for regular commercial operations.
 
Last week, we held our first detailed coordination meeting aboard the Bibby Wavemaster Horizon in operation for EnBW wind farms. The experts from Fraunhofer IFAM are very pleased to be part of these initiatives to make offshore drone deliveries a reality with the DIOL project! DSV – Global Transport and Logistics will conduct the test flights as the operator.
 
A huge thank you to EnBW and the operating shipping company Bibby Marine for their fantastic and collaborative support! Together, we are bringing innovation to the high seas. 🚁🌊
 
If you have any questions regarding the DIOL project, please feel free to contact Tim Strohbach from Fraunhofer IFAM.

Interreg North Sea Programme
#DiolNorthSea #ODCC #Drones #IFAMdrivesInnovation #OffshoreWind #DroneLogistics #DIOL #Innovation

📢 Jetzt anmelden! Am 7./8. Oktober 2026 findet das »Fachsymposium Polymerverguss« am Fraunhofer IFAM statt

📢 𝗝𝗲𝘁𝘇𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻! Am 𝟳./𝟴. 𝗢𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 findet das »𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘀« in Präsenz am Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen statt. Das mittlerweile 12. Fachsymposium adressiert das Schwerpunktthema »𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻« und richtet sich an erfahrene Anwendende in der Produktion, Entwicklung sowie Konstruktion. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘂𝗻𝗴: https://s.fhg.de/FAfK

Die Vorhersage von Materialverhalten gewinnt in der heutigen Zeit zunehmend an Bedeutung, um Entwicklungszeiten zu verkürzen und gewünschte Prozess- und Materialeigenschaften zielgenau zu erreichen. Die Qualität dieser Vorhersagen wird maßgeblich durch die Qualität der Kennwerte bestimmt. Daher widmet sich das diesjährige Fachsymposium diesem Thema mit Vorträgen aus Wissenschaft und Anwendung.

Die zweitägige Tagung bietet Raum für vertiefende Diskussionen und Networking in angenehmer Atmosphäre.

Dr. Martin Rütters vom Fraunhofer IFAM beantwortet gerne Ihre Fragen.

Weitere Informationen zum Thema Polymerverguss am Fraunhofer IFAM: https://s.fhg.de/RP7

#IFAMdrivesInnovation

🚀 Halbzeit im Projekt KORALU

𝗞𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗯𝗲 𝗳ü𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗳𝘁𝗳𝗮𝗵𝗿𝘁

Wie entwirft man einen elektrischen Flugantrieb 30 Prozent schneller – und dabei ressourceneffizienter? Im Rahmen des 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗸𝘁𝘀 𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗨 arbeiten wir an der Antwort. Beim 2. Konsortialtreffen am Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen haben die Projektpartner den aktuellen Stand diskutiert, technische Ergebnisse vorgestellt und die nächsten Schritte abgestimmt.

𝗜𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗸𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻:
✅ Live-Demo parametrischer Modelle für 3D-gedruckte Verschaltungsringe – automatisierte Designvariation auf Knopfdruck
✅ Additive Wicklungskomponenten für E-Motoren – weniger Material, mehr Designfreiheit
✅ Durchgängige Optimierungskette: Elektromagnetik-, Thermik- und Fertigungsmodelle verknüpft
✅ Kreislaufgerechtes Design von Anfang an: Demontage, Remanufacturing und Additive Repair als Entwurfskriterien

𝗗𝗶𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗨: Elektrische Flugantriebe schneller, kompakter und ressourceneffizienter entwickeln – mithilfe automatisierter Designmethoden, additiver Fertigung und einer konsequenten Betrachtung des gesamten Lebenszyklus. 𝗭𝗶𝗲𝗹: Entwicklungszeit um 30 Prozent reduzieren, Ressourceneffizienz um 25 Prozent steigern.

Besonders gefreut hat uns der Austausch mit unserer neuen Projektträger-Betreuung beim DLR Projektträger – ein frischer Blick und sehr gute Zusammenarbeit! Ein herzliches Dankeschön auch an alle Projektpartner für den intensiven Austausch und die sehr gute Zusammenarbeit. Wir freuen uns auf die nächste Projektphase – jetzt geht es an die weitere Integration der entwickelten Werkzeuge und Demonstratoren! ✈️⚙️

Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich gerne an Michael Gröninger und Dennis Jahnke vom Fraunhofer IFAM.

Das Projekt wird im Rahmen des Luftfahrtforschungsprogramms LuFo durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie gefördert.

#IFAMdrivesInnovation

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗸𝘁𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿:
Additive Drives GmbH | Markus Oettel | Vedant Sane | Technische Universität Clausthal (TU Clausthal, Clausthal University of Technology) | David Inkermann | Lukas Domanski | DLR Projektträger | Christian Temme

Fraunhofer IFAM

Take a Virtual Tour of our Laboratories for Adhesive Bonding Processes, Plasma and Laser Technology and our Coating Technology Centre

Magazine

 

Expansion of offshore wind energy in Europe

The Interreg North Sea project DIOL (Develop Innovative Offshore Logistic) deals with the implementation of the Esbjerg Declaration, which was signed by the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands at the North Sea Summit in Esbjerg on 18.05.2022. Its aim is to turn the North Sea into Europe's "green power plant".

 

Extension of the durability of rotor blades

Offshore wind turbines are exposed to extreme weather conditions. These lead to damage, e.g. erosion of the coatings on the leading edges of the rotor blades. The MARiLEP joint project aims to achieve a significant improvement in the service life of the leading edge coatings of wind turbines.

 

Hybrid casting for joining CFRP and aluminum

In the "HyFKAl" project, experts from Fraunhofer IFAM and the Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. are developing an economical hybrid casting process for joining CFRP and aluminum. This involves joining thermoplastic and thermoset CFRP structures with the aluminum partner using the primary forming aluminum die casting process.

 

Printed batteries

Manufacturing technology for batteries of the future: Fraunhofer IFAM offers alternatives for battery production using the screen printing process. New manufacturing concepts enable higher active material loads and greater freedom in electrode design. On the one hand, completely printed batteries help to overcome the limitations of current production technology and, on the other hand, reduce the use of solvents and subsequent drying processes.

Press Releases

28.5.2026

Plasmatreat and Fraunhofer IFAM Collaborate on Rapid Industrial Implementation of PFAS-Free Coating Technologies

Plasmatreat GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM are expanding their collaboration specifically in the field of environmentally friendly coating technologies. The focus is on technology transfer and the rapid industrial implementation of the PFAS-free low-pressure plasma coating systems PLASLON® and UltraPLAS®, which were developed by Fraunhofer IFAM. Plasmatreat contributes its system and application expertise, acts as a contract coater and equipment manufacturer, and thus enables the application of these technologies in various industrial fields.
more info

31.3.2026

Major BMFTR Project for the Production of Sodium-Ion Battery Cells in Germany started

With the funding project SIB:DE ENTWICKLUNG, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has launched the largest German consortium to date dedicated to sodium-ion battery technology. Twenty-five partners from academia and industry are collaborating to develop a sustainable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The focus is on the production of large-format, market-ready cells and the assessment of their recyclability. The goal is the rapid transfer of research results into industrial applications.
more info

3.11.2025

Innovative Surfaces to Rapidly Load Bone Implants with Antibiotics

Infectious complications are not uncommon after implant placement. The risk is higher in heavily contaminated wounds, which are particularly common in war zones such as Ukraine, where many bone injuries require treatment. Research-ers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM in Bremen have developed a new functionalized surface that can be loaded with antibiotics.
more info

Events

24.2.2027

Symposium on Innovations in Drones and Autonomous Systems for Wind Park Operations

This symposium will convene scientists, researchers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in technologies for wind turbine inspection and maintenance across various environments. The program will focus on innovative inspection methods, challenges in maintenance within offshore and onshore environments, successful repair strategies, and the integration of robotics and automation. Additional topics will include the training and qualification of service personnel, as well as sustainability and environmental protection during inspection and repair activities.
more info

8.10.2026

Workshop Electrolysis 2026

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the 9th Industry Workshop on Advanced Alkaline-based Electrolysis in Dresden.
more info

29.9.2026

Composite Repair Seminar and Experts Forum

The Seminar will be presenting the recent innovations and research results, as derived from the academic community, while providing practical application examples and demonstration with possibilities of hands-on experience to its participants in a 2-days course. It mainly targets composite repair engineers and technicians (working either in engineering, technical or training departments) of airlines and MROs, as well as PhD candidates and postgraduate students, with R&D interests in bonded composite repairs and potential employment outlook in the aeronautical industry.
more info

26.8.2026

Drone Days 2026

Drone Days is a platform for anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future of aviation. The event brings together stakeholders from a wide range of fields, from start-ups to established industrial companies and from research institutions to government agencies.
more info