Technologies

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  • Temperature-controlled tensile tests in the temperature range between -170 °C and 200 °C with local strain measurement.
    © Fraunhofer IFAM

    Temperature-controlled tensile tests in the temperature range between -180 °C and 200 °C with local strain measurement.

    The new cryogenic testing machine of Fraunhofer IFAM enables to determine the material and small component properties of polymers, composites, and adhesive joints at cryogenic temperatures.

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  • FRP-Repair
    © Fraunhofer IFAM

    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.

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  • Identification of material model parameters for a polyurethane adhesive using thick adherend lap shear tests.
    © Fraunhofer IFAM

    Identification of material model parameters for a polyurethane adhesive using thick adherend lap shear tests.

    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.

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  • Center for Networked Surface and Coating Technology
    © Fraunhofer IFAM

    Center for Networked Surface and Coating Technology

    The "Center for Surface and Coating Technology" at Fraunhofer IFAM demonstrates the future of surface treatment. The state-of-the-art technical center has digitally linked industrial robots – such as painting robots – for the automated cleaning, pre-treatment, and subsequent painting of component surfaces in small and large structures. The entire process chain is digitally mapped and supplemented by interaction options using virtual and augmented reality. R&D goals include the realization of digitally networked surface technology systems and processes as well as process and quality optimization through machine learning and the use of AR/VR methods.

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  • 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.

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  • Design and modeling of bonded repair patches
    © Fraunhofer IFAM

    PREVENTING FAILURE IN LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURES MADE OF FIBER COMPOSITE AND ALUMINUM | The use of composite materials in load-bearing applications is continuously increasing in various industries, especially in the railroad, automotive, aerospace and wind energy sectors. Even the smallest damage, such as cracks in load-bearing structures, requires repairs to prevent so-called fatigue crack growth, which in the worst case can lead to structural failure. Bonding solutions are promising in this respect. Patch adhesive repairs have also proven to be extremely effective for lightweight aluminum structures. Compared to conventional repair methods such as riveting or welding, bonded repairs offer several advantages.

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  • Materials Testing Laboratory
    © Fraunhofer IFAM

    MECHANICAL TESTING, COMPONENT SIMULATION AND TESTING OF BONDED JOINTS | Fraunhofer IFAM has a materials testing laboratory certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015. This laboratory is accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 for the procedures specified in the DAkkS certificate. Experiments are carried out to test materials, structures and, in particular, adhesively bonded joints according to standardized and self-developed procedures for example for the automotive industry or rail vehicle construction. The results of these tests form the basis for simulating component behavior. Many of the tests focus on the tensile behavior of fiber-reinforced plastics, but also on the impact strength and peel strength of adhesively bonded joints. Particularly in order to describe the complex behavior of adhesively bonded joints, the researchers also develop customized test methods as required.

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  • Versatile and individual thanks to special compound technology.

    DO YOU NEED CERTAIN PROPERTIES OF A METAL IN A PLASTIC? | Then Fraunhofer IFAM offers the solution with its developed polymer composites! The special compound technology of Fraunhofer IFAM makes it possible to produce special composites based on a wide range of thermoplastics and elastomers which are, for example, highly electrically and/or thermally conductive.

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  • © Fraunhofer IFAM

    Functional integration through printing technologies

    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.

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  • © Fraunhofer IFAM

    Functionalisation of large components with robots and multi-axis portal systems

    MORE FLEXIBILITY THROUGH MORE AXES | The use of industrial robots and 5-axis gantries systems makes it possible to print functions such as sensors or heaters on components with complex surfaces exactly where they are needed. Various printing technologies such as aerosol jet or dispensing can be used to print structure sizes ranging from a few micrometres to several metres. The systems at Fraunhofer IFAM can thus provide component sizes ranging from a few millimetres to 10 metres with a variety of different functions, such as conductor tracks, with pinpoint accuracy.

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