Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS Dresden

The Fraunhofer IWS Dresden is engaged in application oriented research and development for the international aerospace industry. Main activities are concentrated on joining of metallic and non-metallic as well as CFRP / metal composites for structural and turbine components, to laser cutting of CFRP-structures to heat insulation of rocket engines and last but not least to development and use of unique testing equipment for the measurement of mechanical, thermal shock and thermal cycling properties of highly loadable ceramics, coatings, heat insulation layers and C/SiC-metal composites.

A special engagement is focused on the development and industrial application of advanced laser beam welding technologies for the effective welding of metallic 3D-structural components, to a welding adopted component design and to the optimisation of the mechanical performance of welded structures. For this purpose, the Fraunhofer IWS possesses a worldwide unique laser beam welding station with a working space of 10 m x 3.5 m x 1 m with two 3D-movable laser welding heads for simultaneous both side welding, an integrated 3D-movable clamping device, a seam following and detection system as well as integrated measures for weld quality assurance.

Additional topics are focused on repair of wear loaded gas turbine components and friction stir welding of 3D-stuctures.