Functional coatings

Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM

© Fraunhofer IWM

We develop materials and coating processes for the functionalisation of surfaces of molds, forming tools, medical and micromechanical as well as optical components and adapt the processes to industrial standards . One outstanding research topic is the investigation of self-organizing, structure-forming phenomena during layer growth and the exploitation of these phenomena to control surface properties such as reflection, wetting, adhesion and haptics. A unique feature of the department is the extensive knowledge about the relationship between coating deposition parameters and the resulting microstructure and internal stresses of the coating.

Services

  • Development of tool coatings that are temperature and thermoshock- resistant for rapid injection molding and hot embossing processes.
  • Development of nano-structured layers for replication tools to produce functionalized components (anti-reflection, wetting).
  • Development of solderable layers for glass, plastic and silicon components.
  • Qualification of coatings in terms of wetting with other media, thermomechanical loads, conductivity and optical response.
  • Development of high temperature stable, anti-adhesive tool coatings for molding of environmentally friendly unleaded glass.
  • Development of new biocompatible layer materials with defined micro and nanostructures for medical implants.
  • Investigations into layer properties and layer functions under the influence of thermal und mechanical loads.