Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology

System solutions for the sustainable, resilient and digitalized production of tomorrow

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT develops system solutions for the sustainable, resilient and digitized production of resource-conserving products and the associated services.

We optimize new and existing methods, technologies and processes for efficient, crisis-proof and ecological production of the future, which includes climate protection and environmental compatibility in its calculations. As a partner of the manufacturing industry, we make significant contributions to the establishment of new manufacturing processes, production systems and business models through our research work.

Let us take you along on the path to "Next Generation Production" - a more climate-, environmentally- and resource-friendly production!

Next Generation Production - go with us!

Our vision of "Next Generation Production" is sustainable, resilient and digitized production that secures prosperity in society while protecting valuable resources of our planet.

Our focus: sustainability in production

Production is the enabler for making products sustainable – that's why we keep both in mind: ecological and economic criteria.

Sustainable production

Resilient into the future

Resilience is the ability to weather the storms of the business world as unscathed as possible. We are researching what companies can do to ensure that yours always finds a safe haven in projects with our industry partners.

Resilience

Digitalization: enabler of green production

The benefits of digitalization run through almost all value-adding processes. We use it as a toolbox for the green production of the future.

Our digitalization topics

Success through scientific excellence and technological expertise

Production technology thrives on its diversity: Together with companies from different industries, we research and develop strategic approaches, organizational structures, technological processes and complex products at the limits of what is technically feasible - always with a view to feasibility in industrial implementation. We see our employees as the mainstay of our institute: with a high level of professionalism and commitment, they create the basis for leading your ideas and tasks to success.

Our offer for partners and customers

More than research and development: Find out what services you can expect from the Fraunhofer IPT for the strategic and organizational development of your company. We will be happy to inform you about how we can make your production scientifically sound and sustainably fit for the future!

Discover our service offer

Industries in focus

Knowledge and experience for our partners:

Research and development for industry

Production lives through technology: The Fraunhofer IPT not only conducts research on almost all current production technologies and manufacturing processes, but is also considered a pioneer in the development of completely new production methods and digitized processes. Explore here which topics we are currently working on particularly intensively!

Discover technologies

The recipe for success: Our employees

We regard the promotion and education of young scientists as one of our main tasks.

Jobs and career

26.2.2025

5G and virtual reality for decentralized process monitoring

Many laser-based production processes require strict safety measures to protect machine operators from radiation and harmful emissions. However, these measures make process monitoring more difficult. Together with project partners, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen has developed a digital solution that brings more safety, transparency and controllability to manufacturing: In its virtual reality environment, processed sensor data is displayed in near real time. The additive manufacturing process of laser metal deposition with wire (LMD-w) served as a model process.

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18.2.2025

Fraunhofer report: practical solutions for intelligent and safe production

Digitalization is a decisive competitive factor for industry - artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins and cyber security are considered the key technologies of the future. But how can manufacturing companies use these technologies specifically and effectively to make processes more efficient, sustainable and secure? The latest report from the International Center for Networked, Adaptive Production (ICNAP) provides practical answers: from zero-trust architectures and the integration of AI to the use of digital twins, the report offers solutions for Industry 4.0. It also presents an outlook on the future of autonomous production and highlights approaches for the so-called "dark factory" – a fully automated production facility.

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15.11.2024

Formnext 2024: Innovations for the post-processing of additively manufactured parts

At Formnext 2024, the Fraunhofer Group for Production will present its comprehensive range of solutions for post-processing additively manufactured parts. Under the title "Additive Manufacturing - Finishing and Refinement Solutions", the Fraunhofer Institutes will be demonstrating numerous processes for surface finishing and functionalization. A haptic exhibit in the form of a turtle will illustrate these technologies and bring them to life for visitors.

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16.10.2024

Deep learning for real-time quality control: Aachen-based Fraunhofer Institutes improve defect detection in weld seams

The International Center for Networked, Adaptive Production (ICNAP) of the three Aachen-based Fraunhofer Institutes will be presenting an AI-supported analysis system for visual quality control at the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg from November 12 to 14, 2024. In hall 6, booth 6-357, ICNAP will be demonstrating how deep learning can be used to check weld seams on battery cell mod-ules for defects in real time.

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Fair | June 24 – 27, 2025 | Munich

Laser – World of Photonics

We will be presenting innovations in the production of plastic optics and high-precision glass optics, microstructuring of optics and state-of-the-art measurement technology.

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Fair | May 7 – 10, 2025 | New Orleans, USA

ISCT 2025

At the “ISCT 2025” conference for gene and cell therapy in New Orleans, we are presenting our solutions for laboratory automation together with our partner Harro Höfliger.

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Further events and dates

We offer interested parties from science and industry the opportunity to get to know us and our research work at trade fairs, conferences, seminars and workshops.

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30. - 31. July 2025, Campus-Boulevard 30

Hackathon #hackingforfuture

Creating the Next Generation Production!

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