No one can describe the Institute and membership of its Sponsors' Association better than the long-time members themselves:

Securing and building on the top position

“Without IKV, neither the German plastics machinery industry nor German plastics processors would hold the top position that they hold today. To ensure that this continues to be the case for a long time to come, it is essential for companies to support IKV to the best of their ability. And this is not just in the interests of the industry as a whole but in their own individual interests too. Our company [editorial staff: changed from company name to “Our company”] has few investments that produce a higher ROI than its cooperation with IKV.”

Training of highly qualified next-generation engineers

“Apart from its multi-faceted research activities, one of the IKV’s core competences is the education of young, highly qualified, next-generation employees for our company. Apart from the extensive range of teaching provided, the Institute’s varied and practically oriented assignments ensure that those working for it receive a sound preparation for their subsequent move into industry.“

Lowering of R&D expenditures

“Through its close ties with IKV, which are manifested not only in the official meetings but also through direct personal contacts with those working at the Institute, our company [editorial staff: changed from company name to “Our company”] is able to benefit directly from the Institute’s latest research results. This also applies especially for aspects of fundamental research, which would be too expensive and time-consuming for an individual company to perform. The university setting in Aachen, with its various university institutes and versatile resources, is a particular advantage here and is especially suited to examining topics of relevance in greater detail.”

Exciting innovations

“After the first tentative steps with this new technology, further fields of use were established at a rapid pace. Originally intended for injection moulding, initial applications have now been implemented in foam extrusion too. The latest application is in the injection moulding of liquid silicone, which can now be foamed on an industrial scale thanks to the idea that IKV came up with. The success factor here again has been the development work based on a partnership. The future will show which route this IKV idea is still to take.”