Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen University
About
The IKV’s research spans the full plastics value chain, covering thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosets (including polyurethanes), and fibre-reinforced plastics. With 11,800 m² of modern laboratories and technical centres, we develop and validate solutions from materials development through processing, tooling, and characterisation/testing.
Core areas include:
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Sustainability & circular economy: recycling technologies, bio-based plastics, energy-efficient processes, hydrogen storage
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Processing technologies: injection moulding, extrusion and film blowing, foaming, additive manufacturing
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Tooling & mould technology: design, temperature control, and process-integrated automation
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Materials & applications: polymers and composites, lightweight structures, barrier and permeation
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Surfaces, plasma & coatings
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Joining & hybrid technologies
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Digitalisation / Industry 4.0: simulation, digital twins/process shadows, sensor-integrated production, AI-supported tools
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Metrology, analysis & testing
We work closely with industry partners and support demonstrator-oriented work, pilot-scale validation, and Horizon Europe communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities.
KEY THEMATIC AREAS
TYPE OF RESEARCH AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Representatives
EU Funding Manager
Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen University