Research highlights from Fraunhofer IVV Dresden

Adaptable processes

The components of adaptable processes adapt to changing properties of natural and synthetic materials and to changing process conditions, so guaranteeing higher process stability. Due to automated processing they can be used for a wide range of goods and can be integrated into adaptable value creation chains.

At the Fraunhofer IVV Dresden we put emphasis on an optimal balance between efficiency and adaptability and effective technical implementation in order to reach the following goals:

• The manufacture of specific products
• Measurement of fluctuating process and product properties
• Adaptation of processes to fluctuating properties in order to ensure constant product properties
• Analysis of process data to improve efficiency
• Development of self-learning assistance systems to aid human-machine interactionResearch projects „Adaptable processing methods“

Process analysis and simulation

Structured procedures for process analysis allow the identification of interactions and parameters in forming, filling, and sealing processes and also industrial cleaning processes. Systematic data evaluation enables the determination of causal and stochastic relationships between process states, quality parameters, effectiveness parameters, and efficiency parameters.

Our scientific simulation work focuses on:

• Forming and welding processes for flexible materials
• Industrial cleaning processes

This work also covers the characterization and modeling of material properties.

The objectives are to accelerate development processes by reducing the number of experiments/tests, process and product optimization via improved understanding of processes, and comprehensive parameter and design studies.

Industrial cleaning technologies

In order to optimize cleaning processes we develop optical monitoring systems and innovative cleaning technologies for all areas of industrial cleaning. Our know-how and extensive testing facilities enable us to experimentally simulate industrial cleaning processes and test and improve the hygienic design of machinery. Our technology developments in the area of adaptive cleaning mean that empirical systems can be replaced by model-based design, parameterization, and control. These are based on inline analysis systems and diagnostic systems, complemented by cognitive control concepts.

Processing flexible materials

We develop technologies for packing foods, cosmetics, medical products, and pharmaceuticals and for wrapping technical goods with flexible laminates. We focus on thermal joining using hot contact, laser, and ultrasonic methods and thermoforming using self-developed heating and forming tools. Other key areas of work are the processing of web materials and the design of easy opening packaging systems. Using test rigs we put new technologies into practice and simulate industrial packaging processes. We so acquire process knowledge that we use to enhance product safety via the selection of suitable materials, processes, and process parameters and to implement the technologies into industrial plants.