Our research profile

The research and development of new technologies for processing innovative materials forms the basis for the technological developments of tomorrow. In Germany, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia holds the number one position in materials research, with Aachen as the most important research location. Embedded in the research landscape of RWTH Aachen University, IKV has, for more than six decades, formed the bridgehead between basic university research and industrial application. The linking-up of science and industry is at the heart of IKV research.

IKV is divided into six departments, with more than 80 scientists working continuously on various application-related, technological and material science projects in the field of plastics. 

The research network at IKV

On the research side, IKV is part of numerous networks and cooperation projects, one of which is the Cluster of Excellence, "Integrative Production Technology for High-wage Countries", which has been ongoing for the last 10 years and is dedicated to the development of integrated and flexible production systems. Over and above this, IKV is a member of various technical committees, scientific work groups and advisory boards. It also acts as an expert and independent consultant for various ministries and research communities, for example in the WAK (Scientific Alliance of Polymer Professors) and WAW. 

Selected research projects at IKV

Plastics Innovation Center 4.0

Plastics Innovation Center 4.0

By setting up PIC 4.0, a completely digitised research infrastructure for practical research on digitisation in plastics production will be created.

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Foam MRS reactor

Foam MRS reactor

The aim of the project is to develop a reactor for the decoupled reactive modification of plastics for integration into the foam extrusion process.

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Hybrid SMC

Hybrid SMC

The aim is to use innovative hybrid materials for the cost-efficient series production of functionally integrated lightweight composite components based on SMC and thermoset injection moulding compounds.

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KuMag

KuMag

The aim of this cooperation project is to develop hybrid plastic/magnesium compounds to reduce the total weight of plastic/metal hybrid parts.

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Efficiency in thermoforming

Efficiency in thermoforming

The aim of this research project is to improve material efficiency through homogenisation of the wall thickness distribution of thermoformed parts.

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LightWeightTankMat

LightWeightTankMat

This project involves the development of an innovative lightweight multi-material product based on fibre-reinforced thermoplastics.

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FormLIGHT

FormLIGHT

The aim of the cooperation project FormLIGHT is to develop a hybrid, amorphous thermoplastic/light-metal composite.

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Self-optimising injection moulding

Self-optimising injection moulding

The aim of the research project is to develop an injection moulding process that adjusts to the present production conditions.

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Ford-RWTH-Aachen Alliance

Ford-RWTH-Aachen Alliance

IKV is working together with Ford on three projects concerned with the design and optimisation of three different structural components.

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