Reference projects of the Fraunhofer IST

Within the framework of the EU-funded project FAST – Functionally Graded Additive Manufacturing Scaffolds by Hybrid Manufacturing (GA 685825), processes were developed with which, through the combination of additive manufacturing and plasma technology, so-called “scaffolds” made from organic-inorganic hybrid material can be manufactured as bone-replacement products for regenerative medicine. Through the utilization of 3D printing, patient-individualized fabrication is possible.

The MOCCA+® (Modular Optical Coating Control Application) software can calculate coating thickness during the running coating process for an interference filter on the basis of optical spectra and can achieve a completely automated process by linking it to the system control. It has been transferred from the institutional research environment to production systems and expanded taking into account the associated requirements.

The Fraunhofer IST demonstrator greenhouse provides a research platform for modern cultivation methods – such as hydroponics – with which systems and components with film and surface-technology solutions can be developed and tested under realistic conditions. As a result, current challenges concerning product quality, pest control, and resource minimization can be addressed.

The comprehensive provision of medical care presents a major challenge, particularly in rural regions of Africa. The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST is therefore working in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the Stellenbosch University in South Africa on the development of a mobile healthcare platform with which even the most remote areas can be reached.

At the Fraunhofer IST, atmospheric pressure plasma processes and the corresponding equipment are being developed which offer the possibility of functionalizing plastic surfaces under a defined atmosphere. With the equipment available, it is possible to impart specific chemical functionalizations to the surfaces. These can be, for example, nitrogen-containing groups generated by plasma treatment in nitrogen-hydrogen mixtures or ammonia. The production of functionalizations on the basis of layers with carboxylate or epoxide groups is, however, also possible through the utilization of suitable precursors such as maleic anhydride or glycidyl methacrylate.

The aim of the battery cell production competence cluster is to improve the battery cell production processes and their influence on cell properties and product development costs, and to further develop it for new battery generations. This is intended to lay the scientific foundation for the establishment and sustainable further development of internationally leading and competitive battery cell production in Germany.

Plasma nitriding is an established process for the surface-hardening of steels and is implemented for a multitude of tools and components. The nitriding result, thereby, depends considerably on the utilized steel materials and the process parameters. Knowledge concerning the process control is largely based on empirical values with frequently used materials. In order to select an ideal plasma nitriding process for new materials and applications, elaborate preliminary tests are generally necessary. At the Fraunhofer IST, a prediction tool has therefore been developed forecasting the results of plasma nitriding processes, thereby, enabling an improvement in the quality of treated components.

The corona pandemic presents major challenges for society, the economy and science. The common goal is to find a way out of the crisis as quickly as possible, the protection of humans must thereby remain the top priority. The scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST in Braunschweig are also providing an important contribution through their developments, by activating their networks, developing project ideas and supporting industry and society in their endeavors to cope with the direct effects and subsequent outcomes. A number of projects are thereby directly supported by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft using internal funds within the framework of the central action program “Fraunhofer vs. Corona”.

Im Graduiertenkolleg »RNApp« entwickeln Universitäten, Kliniken und Fraunhofer-Institute in insgesamt 12 Promotionsvorhaben wegweisende Innovationen in der Grundlagenforschung von RNA-basierten Therapeutika einschließlich smarter Primärpackmittel und erschließen deren Translation in die klinische Praxis. Zu den Herausforderungen therapeutischer RNA-Varianten gehören die Herstellung, Formulierung und Lagerstabilität sowie der Transport zu ihren Wirkorten im Körper.

The EOSS® system concept for coating optical interference filters was transferred to industry on the basis of plant-manufacturer licensing. Suitability of the system for use as a production facility outside the IST was successfully demonstrated.