Thin-film Technology

Unique properties and new functions through thin films: wear-resistant, electrically conductive, optically reflective, inert, or catalytically active. The field of thin film technology develops methods and equipment for producing thin films based on physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques. The coating systems range from diamond-like carbon and hard coatings for components and tools to corrosion- and permeation-resistant barrier layers, electrochemically inert or catalytic electrode coatings, and nanometer-scale multilayers for optical special applications. We also offer our own measurement methods and characterization processes such as non-destructive laser acoustics.

The competences of our technology field in thin film technology, together with the main topic of laser material processing at Fraunhofer IWS, are combined with research work on tribological fundamental phenomena at the TU Dresden in the Tribology Innovation Center Dresden (TICD). Within this research consortium, the goal is to minimize friction and tribological losses and to develop easily transferable solutions for production processes for the toolmaking, mechanical engineering and automotive industries.