Fraunhofer Dresden
Fraunhofer Dresden

Fraunhofer IKTS

Brief Profile

The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS conducts applied research on high-performance ceramics. The institute‘s three sites in Dresden and Hermsdorf (Thuringia), Germany, collectively represent Europe‘s largest R&D institute dedicated to the study of ceramics.

As a research and technology service provider, the Fraunhofer IKTS develops advanced high-performance ceramic materials, industrial manufacturing processes as well as prototype components and systems in complete production lines up to the pilot-plant scale. In addition, the research portfolio also includes materials diagnostics and testing. The test procedures in the fields of acoustics, electromagnetics, optics and microscopy contribute substantially to the quality assurance of products and plants.

The institute operates in eight market-oriented business divisions in order to demonstrate and qualify ceramic technologies and components as well as non-destructive testing methods for new industries, product concepts and markets within and beyond the established fields of application. Industries addressed include ceramic Materials and Processes, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Electronics and Microsystems, Energy, Environmental and Process Engineering, Bio- and Medical Technology, Optics as well as Materials and Process Analysis.

Research Highlights

 

© Fraunhofer IKTS

Electricity from ceramics

Environmentally friendly and cost-effective stationary energy storage systems

Stationary energy storage systems are key element of a modern and sustainable energy supply. Globally growing energy supply and the steady increase of peak loads call for reliable solutions.

 

© Fraunhofer IKTS

Living on water

Self-sufficient waste water treatment by ceramics

A life away from car noise and exhaust fumes – more and more people are attracted to the water. Energy-efficient swimming houses not only fulfill this vitality, but also stimulate the economy of structurally weak regions.

 

© Fraunhofer IKTS

Design freedom by additive manufacturing

Complex hardmetal tools out of the 3D printer

High mechanical and chemical as well as a high temperature resistance and extreme hardness are required for tools that are used in mechanical and automotive engineering or in the construction and forming industry.

 

© Fraunhofer IKTS

Clean recycling water

Ceramic nanofiltration membranes for the processing of oil sands

il extraction from oil sands requires a large amount of water for different processes. Hot water used to reduce the viscosity of the oil makes up the largest share. After oil/water separation, the water is sent to the tailings ponds and can be reused as “recycle water“ without any further treatment.

 

© Fraunhofer IKTS

Electricity from ceramics II

New battery concepts for electric vehicles

Driving enjoyment and electric drive – two terms that are no longer contradictory. Today, hardly any automobile manufacturer goes without an “e-car“ in its range of models.

 

© Fraunhofer IKTS

Components marking for extreme conditions

Ceramic phosphors in metal processing

For a reliable, clear and tamper-proof marking of semi-finished and end products there are a variety of labeling solutions on the market. These range from a simple serial number to integrated RFID chips (Radio Frequency IDentification).