Newsletter of the Fraunhofer IST

Editorial

Dear reader,

Health and sustainability form the focus of the fall issue of the Fraunhofer IST Newsletter. Shortly after the end of the summer vacations, we opened the “patient room of the future” - what this looks like and what we are planning there will be revealed in this issue. In addition, we report on the new mobile care platform, which can be used to provide medical care to patients in even the most remote locations, such as in the sub-Saharan region.

Perhaps you have already read about it on LinkedIn or on our website: Our advanced-training program – in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Academy – on the topic of hydrogen has started successfully. And this Newsletter also addresses hydrogen: We show you how waste can be transformed into hydrogen.

Furthermore, you can look forward to three contributions from research: We report on software developed at the Fraunhofer IST for the simulation of microparticles, the construction of a station for the high-precision measurement of wavefronts, and the robot-guided plasma treatment of threedimensional surfaces.

At various trade fairs, you can experience first-hand a prototype of a plasma source which enables the treatment of 3D-printed components during the manufacturing process. Visit us at COMPAMED from 14th - 17th November 2022 in Hall 8a, Booth G10, or at Formnext from 15th - 18th November 2022 in Hall 11.0, Booth D.51. We look forward to seeing you!

We hope that you really enjoy reading this edition! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Editorial Team

Highlights

 

“Very good” for Anton Corba

Within the framework of the 2022 examination honors, Anton Corba, an apprentice at the Fraunhofer IST, received an accolade for his very good performance in his final examination to become an IT specialist for systems integration. IHK President Tobias Hoffmann presented the graduate with a certificate in recognition of this at the ceremony in Braunschweig’s Millenium Event Center. 

 

Patient room of the future opened in Braunschweig

Separate bathrooms for all patients, seamless and easy-to-clean bedside tables with dirt-repellent surfaces, automated cleaning concepts, disinfectant dispensers that display a smiley face when used: this is what the "patient room of the future" could look like. The walk-in demonstrator of such a two-bed room was opened on the grounds of the Städtisches Klinikum Braunschweig on 31 August 2022. 

 

Sub-Saharan Africa: Healthcare for everyone

The comprehensive provision of medical care presents a major challenge, particularly in rural regions of Africa. The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST is therefore working in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the Stellenbosch University in South Africa on the development of a mobile healthcare platform with which even the most remote areas can be reached.

 

More stable 3D-printed components

Stability is one of the core requirements and at the same time an important potential weak point for components manufactured in layer-by-layer 3D printing. One key to greater stability is to improve the adhesion between the individual layers, and the researchers at the Fraunhofer IST achieve this through targeted chemical modification of the surface by using atmospheric pressure plasmas. 

 

Transforming waste into hydrogen

How can pure hydrogen be produced in a climate-neutral process, independent of solar radiation or wind strength, and then utilized to operate fuel cells or for application in the semiconductor industry? This is the question being addressed by a current research project. The plan is to use organic waste as a starting material for alternative hydrogen production.

Research

Find out in our articles from research how the movement of microparticles can be simulated with the aid of software developed at the Fraunhofer IST and get to know the latest setups at our institute: an atmospheric pressure plasma treatment system for three-dimensional components with robot-guided plasma nozzle and a special setup for high-precision wavefront measurement.

 

Simulation of microparticles with PALADIN

 

Robot-guided plasma treatment of 3D surfaces

 

Setup for high-precision wavefront measurement

Trade fairs and conferences

IBPC 2022

Braunschweig, November 07 - 09, 2022

The demand for electrochemical energy storage is steadily increasing. That is why this year's IBPC2022 will again deal with important, production-related topics such as recycling, circular economy and supply chains. The conference offers participants an international exchange and networking platform in the field of battery production.

COMPAMED 2022

Düsseldorf, November 14 - 17, 2022

At COMPAMED, the leading trade fair for medical technology, the most important innovations and technologies in the industry are presented. At the booth of the High-Performance Center Medical and Pharmaceutical Engineering the Fraunhofer IST is presenting a 3D printer with integrated plasma source to improve the acceptance of 3D-printed implants.

Formnext 2022

Frankfurt am Main, November 15 - 18, 2022

Formnext is a trade fair for the field of additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing and shows the future potential of these technologies. The Fraunhofer IST is participating in the fair as an exhibitor and is showing a 3D printer with an integrated plasma source which can improve the acceptance of 3D-printed implants.

 

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