Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
© Fraunhofer IPT

Process efficiency improvement

Protective coatings extend the lifetime of glass molding tools

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

PVD coating machine

We develop wear resistant PVD coatings for glass molding operations.

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

Tool lifetime testing bench

Our in-house built lifetime testing bench enables a quick and efficient evaluation of the tool lifetime.

© Fraunhofer IPT

Customized coating solutions for highest demands

Durable tools and robust optical components reduce costs and minimize downtime. Our coatings extend service life, lower friction, and protect against environmental influences – ensuring efficient and sustainable production processes.

Using state-of-the-art coating technologies, we develop tailor-made solutions for demanding applications –from high-performance molding tools to sensitive optical components.

We focus on precisely adapting coating systems to specific stress factors. By analyzing failure mechanisms, we systematically optimize coatings for maximum performance.

Our services at a glance

We offer customized solutions designed to meet your specific requirements:

  • Analysis and characterization of wear-resistant coatings for glass forming and plastic injection molding tools
  • Development of functional coatings tailored to your processes—improving service life, reducing downtime, and enhancing process stability and cost efficiency
  • Service life testing of new coatings

Our technologies

© Fraunhofer IPT

Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc (FCVA)

For producing diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings – extremely hard, wear-resistant, and with exceptional surface quality

Magnetron Sputtering

For applying precious metal and ceramic hard coatings – chemically stable and highly durable

Applications

Expand all Close all

Tools for glass forming

© Fraunhofer IPT

Glass forming tools are exposed to extreme stress: high temperatures, mechanical wear, and chemical attack from hot glass. Our coatings provide:

  • Extended tool life with highly durable DLC coatings
  • Customization for specific glass types to ensure process stability
  • Tailored layer modifications based on detailed failure analysis
  • Supplementary precious metal coatings for special production requirements

Coatings for infrared glass

Beschichtete Infrarotlinse
© Fraunhofer IPT

Chalcogenide glasses used in infrared applications are soft and sensitive to environmental factors. Our ultra-thin DLC coatings protect these surfaces while preserving their optical performance.

Tools for bipolar plate production

Mit DLC teilbeschichtete Stempelwerkzeuge

Forming steel or titanium into bipolar plates subjects tools to high mechanical loads. Our coatings offer:

  • Increased tool life, reducing production costs
  • Enhanced process reliability through minimized wear
  • Superior mechanical and chemical resistance for harsh operating conditions

Tools for injection molding

© Fraunhofer IPT

Producing high-precision plastic optics requires minimal friction and long-lasting tools. Our DLC or chrome-based coatings enable:

  • Lower pressing forces due to friction-reducing surfaces
  • Longer tool life with fewer maintenance interruptions
  • Improved replication fidelity for high optical precision