Fraunhofer IMWS

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is an application-oriented, methodologically focused Fraunhofer Institute in the disciplines of materials science and materials engineering. Fraunhofer IMWS is the point of contact for industry and public clients for all questions relating to the microstructure of materials and systems – with the aim of increasing material efficiency and cost-effectiveness and conserving resources.

The microstructure is considered a decisive factor in the performance of materials, components, and complex systems: Only through understanding and specifically influencing microstructures is it possible to develop new material systems with property profiles for new functionalities.

The work of Fraunhofer IMWS aims to identify defects and weak points in materials, components, and systems on the micro and nanoscale, to clarify their causes, and, based on this, to offer solutions for customers. The institute's industrial clients come from a wide range of sectors, including microelectronics, photovoltaics, plastics processing, the chemical industry, medical technology, the optical industry, cosmetics, automotive engineering, and the hydrogen economy. This work is accompanied by the further development of methods for elucidating microstructures. Tailor-made device configurations can be developed in collaboration with analytical equipment manufacturers.

As an institute of the Fraunhofer Society, Fraunhofer IMWS promotes and conducts internationally networked application-oriented research for the direct benefit of the economy and the advantage of society. It makes important contributions to material efficiency, resource conservation, and economic efficiency, thereby addressing the central challenge of the 21st century: sustainability in all areas of life and, in particular, the efficient use of limited raw materials.

We set ourselves the highest standards in terms of technical expertise and customer orientation. With its core competencies in microstructure diagnostics and microstructure design, Fraunhofer IMWS is a leader within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and internationally recognized. Fraunhofer IMWS offers its employees opportunities for personal development and supports them in their scientific and entrepreneurial qualifications. Transparency, responsibility, and collective commitment are essential for our daily interaction and our success as an institute.