From Research to Application: Projects at Fraunhofer EMFT

The DigiSeal research project is setting new standards in the predictive maintenance of mechanical seals, which are essential for many branches of industry. By using informed AI and the expertise of Fraunhofer EMFT, precise models are being developed that not only predict maintenance requirements, but also provide specific recommendations for action. Together with partners such as EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Molkerei Alois Müller GmbH & Co. KG and Munich University of Applied Sciences, digitalization in the industry is being driven forward and a significant contribution is being made to Industry 4.0.

The aim of predictive maintenance is to maintain operating resources proactively and with foresight. This should reduce downtime and maintenance costs to a minimum. Researchers at Fraunhofer EMFT are testing new concepts that use machine learning methods to efficiently process even extremely heterogeneous data and make accurate maintenance predictions for production facilities.

Microrelative movements can lead to crack formation and crack growth in press-fit connections. Together with the Institute of Materials Engineering and the Institute of Drive and Vehicle Technology, both at the University of Kassel, Fraunhofer EMFT researchers are working on a suitable accelerating model to better understand how these undesirable effects occur.

Press-fit technology provides an innovative connection method which, due to its high reliability and robustness, is particularly suitable for safety-relevant connection points. Another advantage is that the method is much more eco-friendly than the soldering technique most commonly used to date. A Fraunhofer EMFT research team is working on a predictive model that relates easily accessible material/process data to the reliability of press-fit contacts.

With the Soldering Mobile, the Center for Interconnection Technology in Electronics ZVE at Fraunhofer EMFT is now offering its customers an attractive alternative to onsite training courses at the Oberpfaffenhofen training center. The soldering station on wheels can be put into operation directly at the customer's premises using plug & play.

Whether in automobiles – especially in the context of autonomous driving – or future industrial manufacturing: plugs and electrical connection technologies have a key role to play in digital networking. They are the main interface between machines, control units and data processing systems and so they provide the basis for the functionality, simple handling and reliability of automation technology.

In the PCB direct contacting research project (T-1753), Fraunhofer EMFT investigated PCB direct contacting systems for highly reliable mechatronic and drive technology applications. The aim was to evaluate commercially available systems in terms of technical performance, reliability and economic suitability under realistic environmental and stress conditions.

The research project »Velektronik - Vertrauenswürdige Elektronik (ZEUS)« of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), aims to establish a networking platform for trusted electronics as an interface between research and industry.

The semiconductor industry and manufacturers of electronic components and systems test their products carefully to ensure that they function flawlessly. An important aspect is the tolerance of chips to ESD (electrostatic discharge). Fraunhofer EMFT and High Power Pulse Instruments GmbH (HPPI) have jointly developed a 2-pin test system that offers many advantages to the semiconductor industry.

In areas where personal or security-critical data is processed in particular – such as medical technology, autonomous driving and critical infrastructures – trustworthy electronic ICT components and systems are becoming increasingly important as digitalization gathers pace. Researchers at Fraunhofer EMFT primarily focus on the hardware level here.