Latest News from the Division »Processes and Materials«

At Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main, starting April 21, 2026, Fraunhofer ITWM will demonstrate how its software solutions support the textile industry with powerful simulation capabilities. The goal is to shorten development times, optimize material usage, and reliably predict the behavior of textile structures virtually. 

How can production processes become more flexible, efficient, and sustainable, especially for medium-sized industrial companies? This is precisely what we are working on in the »Future« project together with Fraunhofer IMM. The project specifically strengthens medium-sized companies in the region and contributes to the establishment of Industry 4.0 in chemistry, biotechnology, and energy in Rhineland-Palatinate.

More stable, lighter, more efficient – the quality of the component is determined during the pressing process. With fiber-reinforced plastics such as SMC, fiber orientation is crucial. Our new simulation technology predicts this precisely and with CT analyses and material optimization, creates the basis for lightweight, robust and resource-saving components.

The »Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology« is the leading trade fair for the maritime industry. Experts from the »Materials Characterization and Testing« department present terahertz measurement technology for the non-destructive testing of composites. Experts from the »Grid-Free Methods« department present the »MESHFREE« simulation software, which works without a rigid computing grid and is also suitable for maritime applications.

FILTECH 2026 is an international platform for the filtration industry, showcasing the latest developments in filtration and separation.

Our experts, Dr. Ralf Kirsch and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Mercier from the division »Processes and Materials«, are on site with specialist presentations and a booth. The focus is on simulation-based approaches for optimizing filter media and manufacturing processes.

ECNDT is an international conference on non-destructive testing that brings together experts from science and industry and is accompanied by a trade exhibition.

Our experts Dr. Joachim Jonuscheidt, Dr. Shiva Mohammadzadeh and Raphael Hussung are there with an exhibit on terahertz and millimeter measurement systems for non-destructive testing, as well as two presentations on terahertz measurement methods.

Our team from the departments »Grid-Free Methods« and »High Performance Computing« is presenting the project »Forest Shield« at the joint booth of the »Forest Fire Fighting Transfer Laboratory« (FFFLabs) in the outdoor area (Stand D90, WildFireCamp) at the world leading trade fair for fire services, rescue services, and civil protection. The project uses simulation and data analysis to develop new approaches for efficient and safe aerial support in vegetation fire fighting.

At the Automotive CAE Grand Challenge conference, experts present solutions to challenges in virtual vehicle development.

Our »Material Simulation« department will be on site, and our expert Dr. Hannes Grimm-Strele will present how process-induced fiber orientation is taken into account in the simulation of Sheet Molding Compounds.