Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST

Coatings and surface technologies for sustainable products and production systems

Fraunhofer IST stands for excellence in surface technology providing expertise in the associated product and production systems. Through modification, structuring and coating of the surface the most diverse functions and functionalities – and therefore future-oriented products and systems – are realized. In collaboration with customers from industry and research, we develop tailor-made and sustainable solutions: from prototypes, through economical production scenarios, and on to scaling-up to an industrial dimension – also taking into account closed material and substance cycles. Our key strength: We design the optimum process chains for your task on the basis of a broad spectrum of processes and coating materials.

 

News

 

Infrared optics for extreme demands

High-performance, environmentally stable infrared optics are essential for modern applications in analytics, security and aerospace. At LASER World of Photonics 2025, the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST will be presenting newly developed coating solutions that offer maximum precision and long-term stability – even under extreme conditions.

 

Medical Care – Health Platform for Pickup Trucks

Around the world, there is a lack of comprehensive medical care for people living in remote areas. Researchers at the Fraunhofer IST and ISE have devised a solution for this: a flexible, modular health platform. The team was presented with the Innovations for a Better Future award from the Fraunhofer-Zukunftsstiftung (Fraunhofer Future Foundation) for this development.

 

Hyperspectral imaging through integrated interference filters

For a long time, hyperspectral imaging was considered complex and space-consuming. New technologies are, however, now paving the way for compact and efficient solutions. Interference filters that can be integrated directly into CMOS image sensors enable customized spectral analyses in the smallest of spaces. The Fraunhofer IST will be providing an insight into this key optical-sensor technology at the LASER World of Photonics.

 

Thin-film sensor technology enables automated quality control in plastic injection molding

For the resource-conserving and, at the same time, economical production of plastic components, the utilization of intelligent, automated processes is crucial. At automatica, the Fraunhofer IST will be showcasing an innovative sensor system that records process data such as temperature and pressure in real time - directly in the tool. 

 

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Sustainable development at the Fraunhofer IST

The Fraunhofer IST has also anchored sustainability in its mission statement. For the work at the institute, objectives 3, 6, 7, 9 and 12 are particularly relevant.

Trade fairs and events

Science Festival

Summervibes Festival

Braunschweig / June 21, 2025 

The Wasserstoff Campus Salzgitter is part of the scientific program presenting its activities in demonstrative experiments.

Trade fair

Laser World of Photonics

München, June 24 - 27, 2025

Fraunhofer IST is represented at the joint Fraunhofer booth.

Trade fair

automatica

München, June 24 - 27, 2025

The Fraunhofer IST is presenting on the topic of "In-process monitoring using integrated thin-film sensors" with the Fraunhofer autoMOBILE Production Alliance.

Learning Lunch

Fraunhofer Woche des WasserstoffWissens

Online, June 25, 2025

(engl. Hydrogen Knowledge Week)
Free Learning Lunch on fuel cell recycling

Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST

Main site Braunschweig

Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST

Riedenkamp 2
38108 Braunschweig | Germany

Phone: +49 531 2155-0
mailto: info@ist.fraunhofer.de

 

Cooperation with the Fraunhofer IST

We offer various possibilities for collaborative work. Please feel free to contact us.

 

Site BS-Airport

Fraunhofer Center for Energy Storage and Systems ZESS

c/o Automotive Research Centre Niedersachsen (NFF)
Hermann-Blenk-Str. 42 
38108 Braunschweig | Germany

 

Site Wolfsburg

Fraunhofer Center Circular Economy for Mobility CCEM

c/o Open Hybrid LabFactory e.V.
Hermann-Münch-Str. 1
38440 Wolfsburg | Germany

 

Site Göttingen

Application Center for Plasma and Photonics

Von-Ossietzky-Str. 100
37085 Göttingen
Germany