Business unit Tribology
Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
© Fraunhofer IWM
This business unit carries out research into friction and wear. We optimize tribological systems and develop solutions that reduce friction and protect against wear with the aid of technical ceramics, innovative lubricants, tribological layer systems and tribo-materials conditioned for manufacturing technology.
We investigate friction, abrasion, running-in and wear mechanisms as they affect the tribo-chemistry of machine elements such as roller and slide bearings, cutting and forming tools or motor and gear elements. We use experimental techniques, multi-scale modeling and numerical simulations as well as microstructure analysis.
Groups of business unit Tribology
- Wear protection, technical ceramics
- Biomedical materials and implants
- Tribological coating systems
- Microtribology
- Multi-scale modeling and tribological simulations
MikroTribologie Centrum µTC
The Fraunhofer IWM and the Institute of Applied Materials – Reliability of Components and Systems (IAM-ZBS) at the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology KIT cooperate with each other in the Tribology research department. The joint initiative MikroTribologie Centrum µTC combines the competencies of these two institutions in industrially relevant research, in fundamental research and in academic activities.
A particular highlight here is the customized Tribo-Contact – the key to success for energy efficiency, a long service life and cost effectiveness.
Project Group New Drive Systems NAS
Drive systems for future mobility concepts, as well as energy sovereignty and sustainable energy supplies, are some of the most significant scientific and technological challenges faced by society today.
The Fraunhofer Project Group for New Drive Systems NAS consequently aims to advance applied research and pilot-level product development in these areas.
Range of services
- Determination of mechanical and tribological properties of materials, composites and coatings under operational conditions
- Evaluation and optimization of the performance of protective wear-resistant coatings and friction contacts
- Load analyses, trials and evaluation of failure mechanisms for metal, ceramic and plastic components
- Production and evaluation of smooth and structured diamond-like carbon coatings for large sliding and rolling loads
- Development and application of lifetime prediction methods
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