In the European research project ReSoURCE, experts from nine different companies and institutes are working together to develop sustainable solutions for the recycling of refractory materials. The German project partners are primarily providing laser know-how.
At the Rath plant in Lower Austria, two new vacuum nitriding furnaces, used to produce silicon carbide plates and bricks, are now being operated with electricity. The result: CO2 emissions are around 70 % lower.
The production of silicon carbide is energy-intensive and produces large amounts of by-products. Researchers at Fraunhofer IKTS have developed an environmentally friendly recycling process to turn these back into high-quality silicon carbide.
In the European research project ReSoURCE, experts from nine different companies and institutes are working together to develop sustainable solutions for the recycling of refractory materials. The German project partners are primarily providing laser know-how.
The term Industry 4.0 was coined more than ten years ago. High time to review the current state of digital networking in industry. A Fraunhofer study commissioned by VDMA and ZVEI points the way to Manufacturing-X.
Not all the secrets of this supposedly everyday material have been revealed. Just recently, American scientists created a new material in the form of glass that is five times lighter and four times stronger than steel.
Tesla, with its large factories spread around the globe, is an embodiment of efficiency in automobile production. What chances do traditional manufacturers have? Do they have to follow the example of the challenger in order not to give way?
More than half of the steel produced in the first half of 2023 will come from China. The EU as a whole is the third-largest steel producer - far behind China and just behind India - with Germany in 7th place.
Recycled aluminum is more environmentally friendly than primary aluminum, but of lower purity. Partners in the S3-ALU project are now investigating how secondary aluminum can be used without compromising quality.
When lithium is extracted from salt lakes, a great deal of water is lost through evaporation. With a new process, the TH Köln wants to reduce the loss by over 90 % and also recover more lithium in battery recycling.
The EU is lagging behind in battery production. China and the USA in particular are leading the battery race. They own the raw materials and rely heavily on the promotion of the battery industry.
Fuel cell stacks are subject to complex multiphysical and chemical stresses. In the multiPEM project, Fraunhofer LBF and partners now want to develop methods for analysis, evaluation and testing of the stacks.
In addition to magnetic fusion, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) also wants to support laser fusion technologies in the future. There is a need for laser technology, resistant material, magnetic coils and diagnostic systems.
The Rotterdam Convention regulates global trade in highly toxic chemicals. However, 43% of the total trade volume crosses country borders illegally, according to a conservative estimate.
Seven Fraunhofer Institutes have analyzed natural mechanisms of flexibility and self-adaptation and transferred them to the manufacturing of complex components. They call it the cornerstone for Biological Manufacturing Systems.
In innovation projects, German SMEs are reimbursed a maximum of 25% of personnel costs. Ayming criticizes the high application costs, but also praises the funding for projects that have already begun and for research abroad.
Composition and quality now comparable: The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has developed the world's first certified reference material for cathode material of lithium-ion batteries.
Worldwide, the production of electric cars is increasing - and with it the demand for lithium for traction batteries. A study shows how the supply of this and other metals is secured.
Many seals, valves, hoses and compressors contain PFAS. Germany is pushing for an EU-wide restriction on the substances that are hazardous to health. According to VDMA, this would have serious consequences for parts of the industry.
Cooling channels in milling tools can be optimally designed with the help of additive manufacturing. In the TaCoMa project, a consortium around the WZL has halved the cutting fluid flow rate and at the same time increased the tool life by 70 %.