Projects

Fraunhofer IWS is a trusted and high-performing partner in the execution of national and international R&D projects. Together with a broad network of academic and industrial collaborators, we drive innovation from the initial idea to industrial implementation. Our work focuses on applied research in laser and materials technology.

Our projects span a wide range of industries, including aerospace, energy and environmental technology, automotive, medical technology, mechanical and tool engineering, electrical engineering, microelectronics, as well as photonics and optics. Within our six strategic innovation fields – battery technology, hydrogen technology, nuclear fusion, surface functionalization, photonic production systems, and additive manufacturing – we are already developing the technological foundations for tomorrow’s challenges.

Discover how our projects contribute to the sustainable transformation of industry and society. Be inspired by our solutions and connect with us directly – we look forward to engaging with you.

Highlight Projects

 

Fraunhofer Max-Planck Cooperation Program

TritiumStopp

Permeation-dense Layer Systems as Tritium Barriers in Fusion Application
Duration: 2025–2028 

 

SAB Project

SAXFUSION

Saxony Bundles Expertise for Research on Nuclear Fusion
Duration: 05/2025–12/2027

 

BMDV Project

HP2BPP

High-throughput Joining of Bipolar Plates from Two Half-plates (H2GO – National Action Plan for Fuel Cell Production)
Duration: 05/2022–11/2025

 

European Space Agency Project

NewATHENA

Additive Manufacturing of the Large Optical Bench for the Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics
Duration: 12/2021–11/2025

Project Overview

 

BMFTR Project

SpreeTec neXt

New Manufacturing Technologies for Components and Systems of Decentralized Power Engineering
Duration: 10/2022–12/2029 

 

EU Project

HyperImage

A Universal Spectral Imaging Sensor Platform for Industry, Agriculture and Autonomous Driving
Duration: 12/2023–05/2028 

 

Fraunhofer Max-Planck Cooperation Program

TritiumStopp

Permeation-dense Layer Systems as Tritium Barriers in Fusion Application
Duration: 2025–2028 

 

Fraunhofer Project

ORCHESTER

Digital Ecosystem for a Resilient and Sustainable Supply of Functionally Reliable Materials 
Duration: 01/2024–12/2027

 

SAB Project

SAXFUSION

Saxony Bundles Expertise for Research on Nuclear Fusion
Duration: 05/2025–12/2027

 

EU Project

ALABAMA

Adaptive Laser Beam for Additive Manufacturing
Duration: 01/2024–12/2027

 

SAB Project

SAHARA

Solar-activated Hydrogen Production – Advanced Research and Application
Duration: 12/2024–11/2027 

 

BMFTR Project

SpaceBear

Development and Characterization of Sliding Bearing Layers by Laser Wire Cladding on Titanium Components
Duration: 11/2024–10/2027

 

SAB Project

Simsalabim

Simulation of Sinter-based Additive Manufacturing Processes for Metallic High-temperature Materials Aimed at Establishing a Saxon Network
Duration: 05/2024–09/2027 

 

BMFTR Projects

FoFeBat 2 & 3

Research Battery Cell Production Germany – Expansion of Manufacturing Flexibility – Development, Assembly and Finalization of Large-format Cells
Duration: 06/2021–08/2027

 

BMWK Project

PROMAR

More Energy Efficiency in the Process Chain – Expanding the Range of Applications for Naturally Hard Martensitic Sheet Steel 
Duration: 04/2024–04/2027 

 

EU Project

Nature4Nature

Biological Filtration Mechanisms: Exploring Nature's Diversity for Bioinspired Design
Duration: 03/2023–02/2027 

 

Fraunhofer Project

DLIPrevolution

Development of the First Laser Microstructuring Module with Integrated Real-time Measurement Technology for Surface Structure Analysis
Duration: 2024–2027

 

 

BMFTR Project

CLeo

A Universal Spectral Imaging Sensor Platform for Industry, Agriculture and Autonomous Driving
Duration: 01/2025–12/2026

 

BMWK Project

Miner+

Extended Design Method for Developing Strength Potential Beyond the Classic Fatigue Strength
Duration: 04/2024–09/2026

 

EU Project

Flexcrash

Flexible and Hybrid Manufacturing of Green Aluminium to Produce Tailored Adaptive Crash-tolerant Structures
Duration: 09/2022–08/2026 

 

BMWK Project

FAST/AGIL

Rapid Prototype Development for Future-proof Aviation
Duration: 09/2022–08/2026 

 

SAB Project

Future Mobility

Green Mobility “Made in Saxony” – Innovative Solutions for Future-oriented Automotive and Industrial Applications
Duration: 07/2023–06/2026 

 

SAB Project

BLITZER

Bringing a Binder Jetter Solution for Innovative Technology and Material Developments to Application Maturity
Duration: 11/2024–04/2026

 

Fraunhofer Project

PAPURE

Paper Joining without Foreign Materials – through Laser-based Material Modification
Duration: 04/2023–03/2026

 

BMFTR Project

HLSG-CH4

Waveguide-based Trace Gas Analysis of Methane
Duration: 03/2023–03/2026 

 

BMFTR Project

LightStem

Laser Implants with Bionic Surface
Duration: 09/2024–02/2026

 

EU Project

HYPRAEL

Advanced Alkaline Electrolysis Technology for Pressurised H2 Production with Potential for Near-zero Energy Loss
Duration: 03/2023–02/2026

 

BMWK Project

ZEus

Zero Emission Aircraft with Sustainable Fuselage Concept and Technology
Duration: 11/2022–01/2026 

 

BMWK Project

Enhanced LMDR

Material and Process Optimization to Increase the Efficiency of Laser-treated Grain-oriented Electrical Steel Sheet
Duration: 01/2023–12/2025 

 

Fraunhofer Project

UltraGRAIN

On-demand Grading of Grain Structure by Ultrasound Assisted AM – from Demonstration to Industrialization
Duration: 06/2021–12/2025

 

BMDV Project

HP2BPP

High-throughput Joining of Bipolar Plates from Two Half-plates (H2GO – National Action Plan for Fuel Cell Production)
Duration: 05/2022–11/2025

 

European Space Agency Project

NewATHENA

Additive Manufacturing of the Large Optical Bench for the Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics
Duration: 12/2021–11/2025

 

EU Project

SYNTECS

Sustainably and Digitally Driven Hierarchical Laser Texturing for Complex Surfaces
Duration: 12/2022–11/2025 

 

BMFTR Project

CBC-GREEN

Development of an Efficient, Novel Beam Source for Laser Materials Processing of Copper
Duration: 07/2021–07/2025 

 

BMFTR Project

MEDIUS

Multi-level Coupled Laser Production Technology with AI-based Decision Platform
Duration: 08/2022–07/2025 

 

Fraunhofer Project

AI-BEAM

AI-assisted Laser Material Processing Using Fast Compact Piezo-driven 3D Beam Shaping and New Laser Sources
Duration: 07/2022–06/2025

 

SAB Project

SMILE

Surface Coating and Microstructuring for Compound Functionalized Biomaterials in Dentistry
Duration: 07/2022–06/2025 

 

Fraunhofer Project

PulLoop

Development of Non-contact, Process-integrated Measurement Technology for Continuous Production Processes in the Digital Manufacturing Cycle
Duration: 07/2023–06/2025

 

BMWK Project

Ampere-Clinch

Resource-saving, Power-conducting Connections for the Energy Transition
Duration: 01/2023–06/2025

 

BMWK Project

DigiParts

Contributions to Efficiency Enhancement in Arc PVD Coating of Turbo Engine Components
Duration: 06/2022–05/2025

 

BMWK Project

LUBRICOAT

Vacuum Arc Deposition of MoS2/ta-C Coatings and Mechanical-tribological Testing
Duration: 06/2021–05/2025

 

BMWK Project

ARGONAUT

Aircraft Gearbox Design and Manufacturing of Tomorrow
Duration: 01/2022–03/2025

 

European Space Agency Project

ASPIRER

AeroSPIke Rocket Engine Realization
Duration: 04/2020–03/2025

 

EU Project

ALBATROSS

Advanced Light-weight Battery Systems Optimized for Fast Charging, Safety and Second-life Applications
Duration: 01/2021–12/2024 

 

 

BMWK Project

MM4R

Recyclable Multi-material Design for Lightweight Structures
Duration: 12/2021–12/2024 

 

Fraunhofer Project

CLEANUkraine

Technology for the Safe Disposal of Old Munitions
Duration: 01/2024–12/2024

 

BMFTR Project

ProDentAM

Development of a New Process Chain for Efficient, Individualized and Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing of Dental Products
Duration: 01/2023–12/2024 

 

BMFTR Project

FestBatt

BMFTR Competence Cluster for Solid-state Batteries: FB2-Thio (Cell Platform Thiophosphates) and FB2-Prod (Cross-sectional Platform Production)
Duration: 11/2021-10/2024 

 

BMWK Project

CHEPHREN

Ultra-smooth and Super-lubricating Coatings for Component Applications
Duration: 09/2021–08/2024

 

BMWK Project

WeldAIAM

Welding Solutions for Aluminium Additive Manufactured Light Weight Components
Duration: 09/2022–08/2024

 

BMFTR Project

JOASIS

Development of 30 % Lightweight Electric Vehicle Seat Frame Using HPCi® Connection Technology
Duration: 09/2021–08/2024

 

SAB Project

SLIM-FIT

Development of Li-S Battery Cells Based on CNT Electricity Collectors
Duration: 07/2022–06/2024

 

BMFTR Project

SoLiS

Development of Multilayer Pouch Cell Lithium-sulfur Solid-state Batteries 
Duration: 07/2021–06/2024

 

SAB Project

NovMat-AM

Novel Metallic Materials, Feedstock and Fabrication Processes for High-performance Additive Manufactured Goods
Duration: 07/2021–06/2024

 

Fraunhofer Project

ROBOTATTOO

Laser Structured Sensor Tattoos for CoBots
Duration: 07/2021–06/2024 

 

BMFTR Project

FlexHy

Efficient and Fuel-flexible Internal Combustion Engines Based on Innovative Materials, Layer Systems and Hybrid Designs
Duration: 03/2021–02/2024 

 

BMFTR Project

LOWVOLMON

Monitoring of Low-volatility Electrolytes in the Mechanical Recycling Process Chain
Duration: 03/2021–02/2024

 

Fraunhofer Project

Underwater Laser

Laser Material Processing for Underwater Applications
Duration: 01/2023–12/2023

 

BMWK Project

ReMultiMi

Replicative Manufacturing of Multifunctional Microfluidic Foils
Duration: 07/2021–12/2023

 

BMWK Project

SULUTRIB

Further Development of Tribometry for Research and Validation of Supra-low Friction Phenomena
Duration: 12/2020–11/2023

 

BMFTR Project

CHIMERA

Functionalization of Laser-structured Fiber-reinforced Plastic Composites by Thermal Spraying
Duration: 05/2021–10/2023 

 

BMFTR Project

ecoLiga

Recycling and Resynthesis of Carbon Materials from Lithium Batteries – Recovery, Processing, Reuse and Adapted Cell Design
Duration: 11/2020–10/2023 

 

 

EU Project

BUSTI

Demonstrating the Lightweight Potential of Thermoplastic Fiber-reinforced Composites in Aerospace Applications
Duration: 11/2020–06/2023 

 

BMFTR Project

3D-PAKtex

3D Functional Nonwovens with Integrated Gas Sensor Technology for Emergency Forces' Protective Clothing
Duration: 01/2020–06/2023 

 

BMWK Project

ReCycle

Automation as a Key Technology for the Economical Reprocessing of Lithium-ion Battery Systems
Duration: 01/2021–06/2023

 

 

BMWK Project

carBONDshield

Shielding Behavior of Carbon Nanotube-modified Sealants as well as Potting and Coating Solutions
Duration: 06/2021–05/2023 

 

BMWK Project

Join-ZiSi

Optimized Reactive Bonding Technology Based on Novel Zirconium Systems for Use in Microsystems Technology
Duration: 09/2020–05/2023 

 

SPRIND Project

ROBINIA

Glued Laminated Timber Made of Robinia from Lignite Recultivation Areas and Dry Sites in Saxony/Brandenburg
Duration: 05/2022–04/2023 

 

BMWK Project

TheDi

Development of Technical Processes for Rapid Thermal Direct Joining of Metal-plastic Hybrid Connections
Duration: 04/2021–03/2023

 

Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health

KTexpand

A Donor/Recipient on Chip Device for Automated, Cell-based Crossmatch to Expand Survival of Living Kidney Transplants
Duration: 01/2021–03/2023

 

BMFTR Project

DiWan

Collaborative Project “Digital Transformation in Materials Testing: Prerequisites for Companies to Master the Paradigm Shift“
Duration: 03/2020–02/2023

 

Fraunhofer Project

FastShape

Dynamic Beam Modulation for the Optimization of Industrial Laser Processes
Duration: 10/2019–12/2022 

 

EU Project

BREMSclad

Reduction of Fine Dust Emissions through Drive Systems – Development of a Cost-effective Surface Solution
Duration: 05/2021–11/2022

 

BMFTR Project

KaSiLi

Structural-mechanical Cathode Adaptation to Silicon- and Lithium-based Anode Materials
Duration: 11/2019–10/2022

 

BMFTR Project

Next-Gen-3DBat

Concepts for the Construction of Electrode Architectures for Next-generation High-energy and High-power Batteries
Duration: 02/2019–10/2022

 

BMFTR Project

BioTPMS

TPMS-based Additively Manufactured Titanium Bone Implants with Bioadaptive Bone Tissue Structure
Duration: 9/2021–08/2022 

 

EU Project

LISA

Lithium Sulphur for Safe Road Electrification
Duration: 01/2019–07/2022

 

SAB Project

AMTwin

Data-driven Process, Material and Structural Analysis for Additive Manufacturing
Duration: 01/2020–06/2022