"Research for practical use" is the IKV's motto, which the staff at the Institute regards as both a claim and a stimulus. With more than six decades of expertise, the IKV is one of the internationally most highly regarded institutes in the field of plastics processing.

The four scientific departments, Injection Moulding/PU, Extrusion and Further Processing, Part Design/Materials Technology and Composites/PU Technology are the Institute's operating units.

Several years ago, the Institute combined its activities relating to the analysis and testing of materials by founding a Centre for Analysis and Testing of Plastics (KAP). As a service and support unit, the KAP is available for solving problems, and it also supports and advises the IKV's scientific departments.

Technology transfer in the skilled crafts is one of the main tasks of the Training and Further Education department. The latest developments on materials and processes are incorporated into training courses and made available to the relevant trades.

Read more on the following pages.