2000
IWS scientists received the Fraunhofer Award for the laser acoustic LAwave® technique for the analysis of nanometer thin films.
1999
Signing of the cooperation agreement between ThyssenKrupp Steel AG (TKS) and the Fraunhofer Institutes IWS and IST. Establishment of the Surface Technology Center Dortmund (DOC) presenting a new form of the “Public/Private Partnership”.
1st Diode Laser Workshop
1998
Under the leadership of Dr. Andreas Leson the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden began to coordinate the Nano Competence Center for Ultrathin Films, a federally recognized competence center initiated by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research.
A first application using remote laser beam welding was commercialized.
The IWS received the Fraunhofer Award for a PLD process to manufacture X-ray mirrors.
1997
Appointment of Professor Dr. Eckhard Beyer as IWS institute director and full professor for surface and coating technology at the Technical University Dresden; Renaming of the IWS in Fraunhofer Institute for Materials and Beam Technology;
Inauguration of the Fraunhofer Institute Center Dresden at Winterbergstrasse.
Professor Bernd Brenner received the Joseph-von-Fraunhofer Award for the successful development and industrial implementation of a laser induction welding process; by 2008 13 systems using this technology are installed in manufacturing.
Certification according to DIN ISO 9001.
1996
Move into a new 5000m2 building at Winterbergstrasse.