Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology
Fraunhofer IWU - your partner for research and development in production engineering
The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU is your innovation-driven partner for research and development in production engineering. Around 670 highly qualified employees work at our locations in Chemnitz, Cottbus, Dresden, Leipzig, Wolfsburg, and Zittau. We unlock potential for competitive manufacturing, across industries like automotive, aerospace, electrical engineering, and precision engineering. Our research and contract research encompass the entire manufacturing ecosystem, from individual components to processes, methods, complex machine systems and human interaction.
As one of the leading institutes for resource-efficient manufacturing, we bank on highly flexible, scalable cognitive production systems using nature as an example. We take a holistic approach to the entire process chain, aligning with circular economy principles. We develop technologies and intelligent production plants and optimize forming, cutting, and joining manufacturing steps. Our services include innovative lightweight structures and technologies for processing new materials, functional transfer to assembly groups, and the latest technologies of additive manufacturing (3D printing). We provide solutions for climate-neutral factory operations and large-scale production of hydrogen systems, thus paving the way for the transition to renewable energies.