Micro- and precision manufacturing

Small but exact

Miniaturization of components and functional elements opens up new potentials in various areas of daily life. In medical engineering, lost body functions can be restored by miniaturized implants, and in chemical applications, using microreactors results in safer chemical reactions with improved control and a lower amount of reagents required. Furthermore, miniaturization of injection holes in fuel injection systems allows for environmentally friendly combustion engines with low consumption levels.

A considerable potential of lightweight construction opens up as part dimensions become smaller. Thus, materials and energy can be saved or other effects and functional principles can be used that are generally not associated with conventional engineering. Changing dimensions of parts and functional elements from the millimeter to the micrometer range significantly alters the ratio of part surface to part volume. Consequently, more intensive and dynamic interaction is possible between the microcomponents and their environment.

Cutting technologies

High-performance components and tools for cutting

Our activities focus on machining processes with geometrically defined and undefined cutting edges. We realize numerical simulations, experimental fundamental investigations, testing and introduction of serial processes.

Removal processes

From macro to micro ranges – removal in efficient process chains

Removal processes enable precision machining and finishing operations of materials, irrespective of their mechanical properties such as high hardness or toughness. Research topics include improving precision, optimization of this manufacturing technology and direct influence on the process.

Micro-forming

Large-scale replication of microstructures

The fields of application for micro-forming include structuring of large surfaces and mass production of serial components. In order to ensure optimum results, the investigative processes consider components, tools and processes.

Metrology and tribometry

Evaluation of friction and wear of technological surfaces

One of the main elements in micro-production comprises the metrological quantification of the produced microstructures and microgeometries. High-precision measurement of the components enables a comparison with the target geometry. However, it is also required to evaluate surfaces and to identify wear characteristics.