Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology
Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology

Lightweight construction through customized material selection

The targeted selection and combination of materials play a decisive role in lightweight construction and can significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of lightweight structures. Our goal is to identify materials and component designs that not only enable weight reduction but also ensure the required functionality and safety at an economically viable cost.

Whether light metals, metallic foams, carbon, glass or aramid fibers, or hybrid solutions combining metal and plastics, we develop the optimal lightweight design solution for our customers - without being restricted to a specific material.

The right material for lightweight construction solutions

Hybrid materials

In system-efficient hybrid lightweight construction, the aim is to combine different materials in such a way that their combination produces a product with the best overall properties. We pursue a wide variety of approaches to creating multi-material systems. This ensures that the right material properties are available where they are needed.

Plastics and plastic composites

Whether fiber-reinforced or integrated into sandwich structures, plastics can withstand extreme loads or absorb considerable amounts of energy. In addition to developing technologies for processing these materials and devising new applications, we are also focusing on forward-looking topics related to the circular economy. 

 

Light metals and high-strength steels

By developing innovative forming and joining processes for processing lightweight metallic materials such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and high-strength steels, we are laying the groundwork for their widespread use in various industries such as automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, and aviation.

 

Metal foam

Metal foam is a highly porous and very lightweight material that, thanks to its cellular structure, is excellent at absorbing energy in the form of vibrations, shocks, and sound. At our metal foam center, we develop innovative lightweight construction concepts and assemblies using this material.

 

© Julia Wolf

Smart materials

The structural integration of active materials such as piezoceramics, shape memory alloys, and rheological fluids opens up entirely new possibilities for production and automotive engineering. We create comprehensive solutions – from feasibility studies and functional prototypes to manufacturing technologies for adaptronic systems.

Vibroacoustic metamaterials

Vibroacoustic metamaterials are used specifically to reduce noise and vibrations. We are working on making these materials usable in industry, including the development of manufacturing processes suitable for large-scale production and the metrological characterization of demonstrator components.