Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Lightweight construction solutions already make a significant contribution to sustainability in sectors such as the automotive, aerospace and construction industries by reducing component weight and saving on materials. At the invitation of the German Society for Materials Science (DGM), experts discussed the potential that can still be exploited here, which ideas applied research is currently pursuing and what the industry's needs are at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS.
The DGM's “Polymer Materials” technical committee met in Halle (Saale) and combined this occasion with a two-day program on topics such as bio-based polymers and natural fibers, testing and application, circular economy and recycling, polymer chemistry and polymer processing, as well as digitalization and additive manufacturing. In addition, the associated institutes had the opportunity to take part in an excursion to the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ in Schkopau and a tour of the Fraunhofer IMWS.
“I am very pleased that the technical committee decided to visit us in Halle. We have had valuable discussions on a wide range of aspects of lightweight construction. At the Fraunhofer IMWS, we were able to show that we address current challenges in industry as well as innovative technologies and can offer suitable solutions for these in many areas,” says Prof. Dr. Maik Feldmann, head of the ‘Polymer Applications’ business unit at the Fraunhofer IMWS, who welcomed the associated institutes.
The research institute contributed four lectures to the conference program. Ivonne Jahn and Benjamin Tillner presented “Biocomposites with short and continuous fiber reinforcement based on bio-PA and PBS for technical applications”. Dr. Marianne John and Thomas Wagner gave an overview of “Hybrid foam injection molding for automotive engineering – technology, testing and evaluation”. Varun Minupala presented “Thermoplastic sandwich as a lightweight and recycling-friendly alternative – process and simulation for high-rate production using the example of an interior component”. Moritz Vyhnal provided insights into “Production and analysis of fiber-reinforced lightweight structures in combined granulate 3D printing with 2D and 3D tape laying”.