Manufacturing processes and automation

• Materials and components for micro- and nanostructuring (NILcure®)
• Optimisation of the production process for silicones (Supresil®)
• Conductive materials: Smart@Surface and CircEl-Paper
• Alloys for laser processes
• Functional component coatings

We specialise in laser welding, alloying, and cladding, focusing on material expertise, from process development to series production, including quality assurance. Additionally we have unique laser lithography methods for high resolution 3D structuring (micro- and nanometer scale) and ultra short pulse lasers.

• Laser microprocessing and nanoprocessing
• Ultrashort pulse laser laboratory

We operate a pilot line for the production of micro and nano structures on large area polymer foils: We use Step&Repeat UV-NIL to replicate small master structures over large areas, generated with Laser lithography expertise. Our R2R-UV-Nano Imprint Lithography line enables continuous, cost-effective production of micro- and nanostructures on flexible film substrates for diverse applications such as lighting, photovoltaics, AR/VR, microfluidics, diagnos- tics, security, film finishing and packaging, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences.

• Step&Repeat UV-NIL process
• R2R pilot line for microstructuring and nanostructuring
• Lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip

In Printed Electronics, we pioneer scalable digital printing processes, including 3D printing of electronics, for producing functional components, including hybrid integration of classic components. Additionally, in 3D printing of metals and polymers , we create lighter components with comparable physical properties to conventionally manufactured ones.

• Additive manufacturing
• 3D printing of metals

We are investigating how modalities (speech, gaze, gestures, touch and mixed realities) can be used for interaction with machines. Concepts and implemen- tations can include collaborative robotics, ultrathin touch sensors, vision and acoustic systems, or AI.

• Piezoelectric and pyroelectric sensors (PyzoFlex®)

Creating and using digital twins of manufacturing processes is crucial for designing, optimising and monitoring of industrial production. In process simulation, we use finite element methods (FEM) and physical modelling to simulate physical systems.

• Optical simulation, design and prototyping
• Electronic design and prototyping
• Fluidik-Simulation

We offer support and expertise in the implementation of technologies and con- cepts for the formal verification and runtime monitoring of robotics applications.

• ROBOTICS Evaluation Lab