Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU

The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU is your innovative partner for applied research and development in production technology. With around 670 highly qualified employees, we are located in Chemnitz, Cottbus, Dresden, Leipzig, Wolfsburg and Zittau. We develop potential for competitive production in areas such as automotive and mechanical engineering, aerospace, electrical engineering, precision mechanics and microtechnology. Our scientific and contract research focuses on components, methods and processes as well as the associated complex machine systems and their interaction with people - the entire factory.

As one of the leading institutes for resource-efficient production, we focus on highly flexible, scalable and cognitive production that learns from nature. We focus on the entire process chain in the spirit of the circular economy. We are developing technologies and intelligent production systems. We optimise forming, machining and joining processes. Customised lightweight structures, the processing of a wide range of materials and the latest additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing) are also important components of our portfolio. To make the energy turnaround a success, we present solutions for carbon-neutral factory operations and the large-scale production of hydrogen systems.