Ongoing R&D Projects
Our research and development projects lay the foundation for new technologies, optimized processes, and market-ready products. In close cooperation with our project partners, we create solutions that drive innovation forward sustainably.
Development of a High-Frequency Plasma Generator
Project type: Collaborative R&D project
Short title: Development of a novel high-temperature diffusion system for wear-resistant boride and nitride layers
- Development of an innovative diffusion treatment system for producing highly wear- and temperature-resistant protective coatings on high-temperature metallic materials
- Extending the service life of components
- Reducing maintenance and replacement intervals
- Applications in aerospace engineering
- Creating a cost-effective, practical solution for extreme operating conditions
- Increasing the efficiency of industrial processes
Completed R&D Projects
Over the years, we have had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of exciting research projects.
Development of assembly workstations with integrated AI tools for human-centered work, using the electronics industry as an example
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology:
The goals of the PAL research project are to set up and establish cross-industry demonstration centers in the form of Living, Learning, Innovation, and Mobile Labs. With human work at their core, these labs – each with its own focus – offer opportunities to experience innovative technologies such as AI-based assistance systems or new teaching methods for skills development. They are to be set up on a decentralized basis as part of the future competence center in the regions of Saxony and Brandenburg, including as an online platform, with their focus geared to the needs of companies in Lusatia.
Development of "Proactive Protection of Employees in Logistics – Protect"
The overall goal of the project is to develop an efficient and flexible warning system based on multisensory environmental monitoring combined with highly effective – evolutionarily rooted – vibrotactile, direction-based feedback. To achieve this goal, partners covering the entire development chain of such a system are involved in the project: from the research partners TU Chemnitz and Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, to Sander Fördertechnik GmbH, which, as a provider of complete logistics solutions, can precisely define the user-centered problems, Core Mountains GmbH as experts in indoor positioning, and IMM electronics GmbH as a specialist in developing complex electronic systems, through to SIGMA Chemnitz GmbH as an innovative IT partner for intralogistics capable of implementing the higher-level systems.
Development of the (real-time) control system as well as integration and evaluation for high-speed OCT inspection
The aim of this project is to develop a demonstrator of a novel inline inspection system for complete inspection of seal seams in high-speed packaging processes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been selected as the method of choice, as it makes it possible to detect defects and quantify their size based on three-dimensional images of the seams.
Market Launch of Innovative Products – Market Launch Phase – Innovative Instrument Tube Amplifier
Joint project: Development of an inline inspection system for detecting seal seam defects (OCTinline):
The funding supports the market launch of an innovative instrument tube amplifier with DSP functionality in floor format, developed entirely in-house. The support covers building a dedicated brand for the product, conceptual work on the marketing and sales strategy by a service provider, obtaining trademark rights, a one-time trade show appearance, and other services.
Study on processing technologies for the cost-effective production of sensor covers for the twall using thermoplastic matrix systems
Funding program “Innovationsprämie 2021–2027” (Innovation Bonus): The aim of the project is to further develop the product and the advantages of new material combinations from an ecological and economic perspective.
Market Launch Phase – Electronic Tool Logbook – Project X
Market launch of innovative products and product design:
The product is mounted on tools and digitizes previously analog processes. A built-in dashboard manages the user logbook and maintenance planning. The system issues a timely warning when maintenance is due, making processes such as maintenance more efficient. The product counts a tool’s cycles and calculates the speed at which the tool is operated. In addition, the entire tool development process, including any related documents, can be documented on the product. All dashboard levels are subject to user management, which also forms the basis for retrieving the information stored on the product via the network interface. Optional sensors (e.g., temperature, feed rate, …) round off the product. The product is a first step toward digitalization in toolmaking and press operation and lays the foundation for its logical further development.
Development of a technology for integrating sensors into safety-relevant plastic components in the automotive sector (SensiKA)
The planned project aims to develop a technology for integrating structural health monitoring sensors into safety-relevant vehicle parts. Alternative fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen in particular require advanced protective equipment. Using actively monitored plastic underbody protection elements can drastically increase the safety of people and vehicles on the road when these high-risk fuels are used. The technology is also intended for use in electric mobility – in particular to enable sensor-monitored enclosures that protect highly flammable lithium-ion batteries. The aim is to reduce manufacturing costs through a high degree of integration, increase innovation in automotive manufacturing, and improve road safety.
Intelligent Blank Holder Component 'IntelNikom'
The aim of the research project is to develop an intelligent blank holder component with integrated force measurement technology. This makes it possible to measure die cushion forces directly in the forming tool, i.e., close to the process. The measurement data is transmitted wirelessly to the machine control system or to an evaluation tablet. From this, a digital “fingerprint” of the actual force conditions is calculated and visualized. On the one hand, this fingerprint helps with the tryout and rework of new tools. On the other hand, it can also be used for condition monitoring during ongoing production, with the measured actual forces permanently compared against the permissible process and tool limits. This makes it possible, for example, to detect tool wear at an early stage and prevent major tool damage.
MAIA-OCT
Subproject: “Development of a modular OCT electronics interface”
“Development of metal additive manufacturing system with optical monitoring and powder recycling towards individual biomedical applications” as part of the “4th German-Korean Call for Proposals for joint SME R&D projects” program.
Image-based, sensor-controlled wound measurement and transmission via wireless networks
Development of a new eHealth medical device for wound measurement that meets the current requirements of the Medical Device Directive and Regulation and addresses the challenges of the “digital” patient in a clinical setting.
