Leibniz-IWT

Leibniz-IWT stands for research in the field of new materials, new processes and optimised components. Our work is interdisciplinary, international and practical. The scientific questions in our institute range from the production of materials, such as powder production for additive manufacturing, to the analysis of the final machined components, for example high-precision gears. This is how we shape the requirements of tomorrow.

Research into highly stressed metallic structural materials has been carried out at the Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering - IWT in Bremen since 1950. As a unique international feature, the IWT combines the three disciplines of materials engineering/material testing, process engineering and manufacturing technologies under one roof. This interdisciplinary cooperation enables the scientists to map and research overarching issues with particular practical relevance along the entire process chain. With a view to new materials, innovative processes and optimized components, the IWT is dedicated, among other things, to the research foci of additive manufacturing and hydrogen technologies.

Scientists from various disciplines conduct joint research at the IWT on materials-oriented future technologies with a focus on classic metals such as steel and aluminum, but increasingly also on hybrid composite materials. The Bremen institute's fields of expertise include the production of nanomaterials and metal powders, the process of spray compacting, and all heat treatment processes. Other fields of work include surface technology, materials characterization and modeling and service life testing, gearing technology, ultra-precision machining and cooling lubricant application. With its main topics, the IWT addresses issues of digitalization, resource and energy efficiency, lightweight construction as well as materials, process and production development, especially in the drive technology industry. The institute is active in both basic research and application-oriented research, including the direct transfer of results and knowledge to companies and society.