Bayreuth. Under the direction of professor Walter Krenkel, the Fraunhofer task group ceramic composites of Bayreuth works on the fabrication and inspection of high temperature resistant components made of fibre composite ceramics. Currently, the group equips another production hall at the centre of excellence New Materials. By the end of the year 2011, the complete process chain – beginning at the shaping of the component and the high temperature conditioning up to the quality control – shall be available. For that, the free state approved a start-up financing of 6.9 million euros. At this stage, automobile manufacturers benefit from the competence of ceramics from Bayreuth, which is reflected in brake discs. A current research project is targeted on the combination of ceramics and steel for pipes of the power station construction.

Bringing innovation onto the markets

Bayreuth. Under the direction of professor Rolf Steinhilper, the Fraunhofer task group process innovation of Bayreuth became firmly established in the dialogue of regional industry and trade with science and research. Steinhilper: “With process innovation, we make sure that the product innovations get onto the markets.” Over the last months, more than two dozen businesses sought the assistance of the task group: for questions about the modern creation of factories and logistics, about manufacturing and mounting processes, but also about diagnostic technologies and production of spare parts for motor vehicles. The task group also accompanied the construction of the factory of turbine blades MTS at the hill of technology of Bayreuth. Although not completely accomplished yet, the production already started there.

Comment

Anticipation

Subject: Fraunhofer

The trial balloon did not burst: on enquiry of KURIER, chairman of Fraunhofer Gossner did not repudiate that his statement at Beckstein’s visit would amount to a quasi promise for an institute. This, we owe to the super researchers of the university and the centre of excellence. And to the free state, which supports. I have no doubt that the dynamism will last and we will see an institute of Bayreuth in a few years. It is going to be a milestone for the region of substances.

Frank Schmälzle

Source: Nordbayerischer Kurier of August 29th 2008. Download