Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films ISTFraunhofer IST presents the COAD® process for sustainable industrial surface treatment at Lower Saxony Day
From the research lab to bicycle production
A single drop of oil can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of groundwater. The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST will demonstrate how industrial manufacturing processes can be made more resource-efficient at Lower Saxony Day 2026 on the Braunschweig Mile. The institute’s presentation will focus on the COAD® process, a plasma process developed at Fraunhofer IST for the controlled adjustment of adhesion properties on surfaces.
From an application challenge to an industrial solution
The COAD® process emerged from a specific practical challenge. For highly compact bicycle components manufactured by Rohloff AG, a ball bearing had to be reliably sealed within a very tight installation space. Conventional systems reached their limits in this context. The solution was provided by a plasma process that selectively cleans the metal surface and applies a functional coating only a few nanometers thick. This allows the adhesion of sealants to be permanently and reproducibly improved, entirely without the use of solvents.
In collaboration with the equipment manufacturer Tantec A/S, the technology was integrated into an industrial plasma system and successfully transferred to series production. Today, the process at Rohloff AG enables the stable production of more than 200 components per day.
Hands-on research in Braunschweig
The Fraunhofer IST is participating in the joint booth of the ForschungRegion Braunschweig e. V. and giving visitors a hands-on experience of its surface engineering and thin films. In addition to a bicycle hub treated with the COAD® process, guests will gain insights into current research projects and have the opportunity to speak directly with scientists. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Michael Thomas, Head of Department Circular Products and Processes at Fraunhofer IST, will participate in the “Meet the Scientist” session and answer questions about the process and its industrial applications.
Outstanding technology transfer achievement
The Braunschweig German Chamber of Commerce and Industry also recognized the development: The COAD® team from Fraunhofer IST and its industrial partner were among the finalists for the 2026 Technology Transfer Award for the successful transfer of the technology into industrial production.
Visit Fraunhofer IST on June 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the joint booth of ForschungRegion Braunschweig e.V. on the Braunschweig Mile during Lower Saxony Day.
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