Technologies

INTEGRATION OF HIGHLY ELECTRICALLY AND THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE FILLERS IN A PLASTIC MATERIAL | Fraunhofer IFAM is specialized in the compounding of highly filled special polymer composites and the further processing into printable composite filaments. For the processing or production of filaments from polymer composites, the institute has comprehensive know-how and the latest technologies and process techniques. The composition of the material (fillers, filler content) and the selection of the base polymer are customized according to the customer's specific requirements.

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.

KEY TECHNOLOGY FOR EMC PROTECTION AND CAMOUFLAGE TECHNOLOGY | Radiation-absorbing materials (RAM) are becoming increasingly important in numerous industries. Whether in military technology, measurement technology, or automotive engineering - wherever sensitive electronics and high-precision sensors are used, effective protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) is essential. Modern composite materials offer tailor-made solutions that can both shield electromagnetic waves and minimize radar and sensor signatures.

FUNCTIONALIZABLE METAL SURFACES THROUGH PLASMA ELECTROLYTIC OXIDATION (PEO) | Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), also known as micro arc oxidation (MAO), is a wet chemical process that enables the production of highly functionalizable oxide layers on metals whose oxides do not have electrical conductivity, such as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium. These coatings are hard, wear-resistant, heat-resistant, and porous, making them ideal for use in aerospace, medical technology, and other high-performance industries.

THIN SEPARATORS MADE OF SULFIDE OR POLYMER USING A SLOT DIE | Solid-state batteries with high energy density require thin separators made of sulfides or polymer electrolytes with layer thicknesses of less than 30 micrometers. With slot die coating, we can apply slurry tailored precisely to requirements and produce separator layers. The production and characterization of these layers requires expertise in materials, processes, and analytical methods, which are bundled at Fraunhofer IFAM.

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.

Metal injection molding (MIM) is the key process when it comes to the economical series production of high-precision, complex metal components. MIM combines the design freedom of plastic injection molding with the mechanical properties of metallic materials. Fraunhofer IFAM has been one of the leading research institutions in this field for over 30 years and supports industry partners in implementing innovative material and component solutions in new products.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPOSITES FOR RELIABLE ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY | Electronic systems are everywhere – from complex machine controls and sensor technology in Industry 4.0 to electric drives in vehicle construction. This also increases the risk of electromagnetic interference that can affect other devices or cause sensitive systems to malfunction. Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is therefore essential for the trouble-free functioning of devices and the reliability of sensitive electronic equipment. At Fraunhofer IFAM, we develop innovative functional composites for EMC protection.

Fraunhofer IFAM has now developed a novel solution for the dynamic improvement of the kinematics: the hybrid drive for industrial robots.

VUV RADIATION OPTIMIZES SILICONE PROPERTIES AT THE SURFACE | We encounter silicone elastomers in many different areas. Due to their high elasticity, very good temperature resistance and biocompatibility, they are suitable for a wide variety of applications, for example in medical or food technology. The surface properties of the material, on the other hand, are not ideal and make it difficult to use in certain applications. For example, silicones are susceptible to wear, attract dirt, and can only be bonded to a limited extent. At Fraunhofer IFAM, a process has been developed which allows the surfaces to be modified quickly and flexibly without impairing the excellent mechanical properties of the silicones.