Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming

The Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming (IMAT) at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria is a premier research institution dedicated to the advancement of modern engineering. In an era where resource efficiency and environmental sustainability are paramount, IMAT stands at the forefront of developing innovative technical solutions, with a significant emphasis on lightweight materials and structures. IMAT's research deeply integrates materials characterization, advanced processing, and computational modeling to optimize the mechanical properties of structural components. A cornerstone of the institute's work is its focus on high-performance lightweight materials, which are critically needed in the automotive, railway, and aerospace industries. By safely reducing the weight of vehicles and aircraft, IMAT's innovations directly contribute to lower fuel consumption and a reduced global carbon footprint. A major focal point within IMAT is the Aviation Materials and Manufacturing Techniques research group. This team pioneers the development of sustainable, recyclable metal-composite hybrid structures. They explore cutting-edge, friction-based joining processes, such as friction riveting, friction spot joining, and ultrasonic joining. These state-of-the-art techniques allow disparate materials, like lightweight high-strength aluminum and titanium alloys, to be seamlessly bonded with carbon or glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites without relying on heavy traditional fasteners. Furthermore, IMAT pushes the boundaries of conventional lightweight design through pioneering initiatives like the CARpenTiER project. This unique research investigates advanced wood-metal and wood-polymer hybrid composites as highly sustainable, crash-resistant alternatives for the mobility sector. The institute also features dedicated working groups for Lightweight and forming Technologies and Modelling and Simulation. This setup guarantees that every phase—from initial alloy design and thermomechanical processing to the final joining and failure analysis—is rigorously tested