Welcome back to our fascinating article series “Our consortium partners”! Today we would like to introduce you to the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, an institution that is redefining the boundaries of production engineering research and development.
The Fraunhofer IWU: an overview
With locations in Chemnitz, Dresden, Leipzig, Wolfsburg and Zittau, Fraunhofer IWU is an innovation driver for innovations in the field of production engineering research and development. With a team of around 670 highly skilled employees, the institute provides impulses for competitive manufacturing in key industries such as automotive and mechanical engineering, aerospace, medical technology, electrical engineering, precision engineering and microtechnology. The focus of science and contract research is on components, methods and processes as well as the associated complex machine systems – the entire factory.
Fraunhofer IWU in the COOPERANTS project
In the COOPERANTS project, Fraunhofer IWU is playing a crucial role in the development of a digital service that enables the designing of space hardware during the manufacturing process. This innovative linking of engineering and manufacturing is instrumental in increasing design freedom and performance while reducing costs and lead times from concept to implementation.
Unlike conventional software solutions, which are often expensive due to licences, have to be installed locally and require expert knowledge, the above-mentioned application is operated as a so-called “Advanced Smart Service” in the COOPERANTS cloud in order to be able to offer certified users flexible, needs-based use.
COOPERANTS creates this added value for Fraunhofer IWU
Resource-efficient digital production is the foundation for the sustainable success of German SMEs in a globalised world. Fraunhofer IWU focuses on creating efficient and people-friendly manufacturing and working environments. Effective organisation and innovative software and automation solutions are the key to optimising value creation. The aerospace industry has traditionally played a pioneering role in this and acts as a catalyst for innovation and technology transfer in various domains.
"Digitization is, to me, the key to creating new high-performance aerospace products. This means increasing design freedom, enhancing performance, and reducing costs and lead time."
We are proud to have Fraunhofer IWU as a valued partner in the COOPERANTS project. Its expertise and vision for innovative production technologies enrich our consortium and help to take the aerospace industry to a new digital level. Stay tuned for more introductions of our inspiring consortium partners in this exciting series of articles!
Be sure to join us for the upcoming edition as well and learn more about COOPERANTS’ vision and how we are working with innovative partners towards the digital future of the aerospace industry.
