Engine and Gear

In Laser-ArcTM systems a thin coating of just a few micrometers of tetrahedral amorphous carbon, abbreviated ta-C, is for example applied to piston rings. These coatings are very hard and after mechanical polishing, also very smooth.
© Fraunhofer IWS
In Laser-ArcTM systems a thin coating of just a few micrometers of tetrahedral amorphous carbon, abbreviated ta-C, is for example applied to piston rings. These coatings are very hard and after mechanical polishing, also very smooth.

Fraunhofer IWS develops technologies and systems for the industrial series production of drive and engine components as well as for their fast and cost-effective customized production and repair. Our portfolio ranges from laser-based processes such as laser beam welding and cutting to additive manufacturing processes and innovative adhesive bonding procedures for difficult-to-weld mixed joints. In addition, we offer various solutions such as friction-reducing coatings or laser surface treatment to protect engine as well as transmission parts from wear and tear while increasing their service life.

Our Solutions

Construction and Manufacturing
 

  • High-speed cutting of drive components
  • Laser welding for gears and powertrains: Technologies and systems for industrial series production (e.g. welding of die-cast aluminum cooling components for passenger car engines)
  • Adhesive bonding of high-strength drive components: Joining of difficult-to-weld mixed metal joints (e.g. black heart and case-hardened steel)
  • Additive manufacturing and repair of drive and engine components: Topology optimization by component re-design (e.g. for racing applications, additively manufactured fastening elements on semi-finished and finished components)
  • Printed functional components for special applications: Fast and cost-effective single part production, geometric flexibility, function integration (e.g. valves, manifolds and exhaust gas turbochargers)
  • Precision drilling and welding of various materials (e.g. drill holes for injection nozzles and contacting of sensors)
  • Design of connections for drive components

Latest Research and Development Results

 

Press release / 21.9.2022

Sandblasting with Light

Fraunhofer IWS developed a laser technology to clean and structure surfaces particularly quickly while protecting the environment.

 

Press release / 12.10.2021

Superlubricity eliminates friction in engines

Fraunhofer IWS works on machines that barely lose energy in the form of waste heat

 

News / 2.3.2021

Brake disc coating using HICLAD

Cost-effective high-performance coating for optimum braking properties and minimal fine dust emissions