Research + Development

Symbolische-Grafik-FlexCycle-Projekt-Copyright-FlexCycle.jpg — The EU project “Flex Cycle” brings AI and robotics into cable recycling. © FlexCycle

17/07/2026 – EU research project

EU research project

“Flex Cycle” automates cable recycling

The EU project “Flex Cycle” brings AI and robotics into cable recycling: over four years, autonomous systems are to learn how to recover metals such as ... By Jörg Dambock

Electric motor production: The aim of the “MotorInspector” research project is to improve quality control. (Photo: industrieblick, https://stock.adobe.com/) © IPH Hannover

17/10/2025 – Researchers aim to automate air gap measurement

Researchers aim to automate air gap measurement

Quality assurance in the production of electric motors

Fully automating the production of electric motors and making an important contribution to quality assurance: these are the goals of the new “MotorInspector” ... By Jörg Dambock

Groundbreaking interconnection technology using 200 nm nanowires to realize tomorrow’s high-performance electronics. (close-up) © Fraunhofer IZM

20/12/2024 – Nanowire contacts push the boundaries for high-performance electronics

Nanowire contacts push the boundaries for high-performance electronics

Tiny wires, maximum power

Space comes at a premium on electronic chips: Powerful electronics need more and more connections, crammed into smaller and smaller spaces. Established ... by Olga Putsykina

Lubricants based on polymers make the process of wire drawing significantly more environmentally friendly and economical. Kristin Stein © Fraunhofer IAP © Fraunhofer IAP

04/09/2024 – Auxiliary materials

Auxiliary materials

Innovative lubricants revolutionize the cold forming of metals

Metals can be processed into wires by cold forming - an extremely complex process. However, the lubricants needed for this often do not meet the requirements ... By Jörg Dambock

03/01/2024 – First direct reduction plant flexibly operated with hydrogen and natural gas

First direct reduction plant flexibly operated with hydrogen and natural gas

Converting a steel mill to climate-neutral steel production

Steel production causes significant emissions of carbon dioxide. To decarbonize steel production and its high carbon dioxide emissions, Fraunhofer researchers, ... By Jörg Dambock

Fig. 1: The Fraunhofer IWM material model predicts the microstructure evolution during wire manufacturing. The computational variation of the process conditions allows to predict their effects on the product properties. © Fraunhofer IWM

08/11/2023 – Predicting microstructure evolution during wire manufacturing

Predicting microstructure evolution during wire manufacturing

Simulation-based microstructure prediction

The simulation of material behaviour is an important tool in process design. A model developed at Fraunhofer IWM allows predicting microstructure evolution ... By Jörg Dambock

Automated production of wire based stent implants. © ITA

22/09/2023 – Wire processing / braiding

Wire processing / braiding

Automated production of wire based stent implants

According to WHO, cardiovascular disease and cancer will be the leading causes of death. In 2016, cardiovascular diseases accounted for 17.9 million deaths, ... Felix Merkord

Research & Development