Fraunhofer IPA – Additive Manufacturing

Development of technologies for additive manufacturing of electronics, using inkjet technology along with other processes for industrial application of systems engineering

One relevant research field of Fraunhofer IPA is the development of innovative technologies for additive manufacturing of electronics. Our capabilities in this domain include utilizing additive printing processes such as inkjet printing for demanding, high-resolution, industrial applications and products in the field of electronic. Our ambition is the implementation these technologies within industrial environments to create integrated solutions for engineering systems.

Our development regards the additive core processes, the development of hybrid manufacturing processes with complementary manufacturing processes, the development of new test-rig equipment and peripheral processes, and the further industrialization of these technologies. Our competencies include materials, processes, and equipment. Explicitly we characterize materials and focus on their processibility to enhance the performance and application range of material jetting (MJ) such as inkjet, jet-dispensing and other industrial wise used systems. Additionally, we utilize polymer based 3d printing processes such as vat polymerization (VAT), material extrusion (MEX) or powder bed based printers (e.g. PBF-LB/P or PBF-IR/P) for a wide array of applications to ensure robustness and versatility. We are combining different manufacturing techniques to optimize efficiency, quality, and functionality in production for additive and hybrid processes.

Do you have a complex component for additive manufacturing but aren't sure which process to choose? Would you like to offer customized product configurations and need an end-to-end additive process chain and business model? Or are you looking to use a certified material for your application and want to check its feasibility?

To make additive manufacturing viable for industrial production, we support customers and partners in various ways. Our services recognize that successful implementation depends not just on the additive process, but also on factors like integration into existing production, product design, designer expertise, and quality assurance strategies.

We can conduct feasibility studies on material processability or help select suitable additive processes, allowing you to take initial steps with minimal risk. If successful or if you already have extensive experience, we continue to support you through to final implementation.

We support you with

• Construction, design, and data preparation
• Analysis of raw materials for photopolymers & thermoplastics
• Application-specific selection of technologies and equipment
• Process development and optimization
• Development, selection, and combination of integrated process chains
• Analysis and qualification of printed components
• Inline quality management monitoring and data collection
• Development of pilot plants and process modules
• Business model development
• Process development and feasibility studies for functional inkjet printing
• Additive manufacturing of biomechanically personalized medical technology
• Utilizing artificial intelligence methods for additive manufacturing
• Medical purity in additive manufacturing

For more information about our service portfolio and how we can help you, visit our website.