Meet Our Partner: Fraunhofer IPT

Meet Our Partner: Fraunhofer IPT

Meet Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT), part of one of the world's leading applied research organizations, bringing industry-oriented R&D excellence from Germany to the DIAMETER Project.

In this interview, Rieke Schulte, Research Associate for Life Cycle Assessment in aerospace, explains how Fraunhofer IPT is combining its deep machining expertise with additive manufacturing to advance sustainable, high-quality production for sectors like aerospace, tooling, and turbomachinery.

Fraunhofer IPT's Strategic Contribution to DIAMETER

Leading Data Harmonization and Hybrid Manufacturing

Fraunhofer IPT leads two critical areas: establishing the Experimental Data Protocol for harmonized data collection across all partners, and directing Pilot Case 5, which demonstrates hybrid manufacturing through turbine blade production combining laser powder bed fusion with 5-axis milling.

Advancing Hybrid Processes and Digital Tools

Fraunhofer IPT merges decades of machining expertise in complex superalloy geometries with additive manufacturing to redesign traditional production routes. The institute evaluates its dPart® digital twinning software to optimize hybrid process chains while advancing Life Cycle Assessment capabilities, proving that sustainability and quality standards can coexist in high-performance manufacturing.

Real-World Impact

Fraunhofer IPT's work demonstrates how established manufacturing routes can be redesigned for greater sustainability without compromising the performance standards that industry demands. By leading data harmonization efforts and hybrid pilot cases, the institute provides critical insights that help sectors like aerospace and turbomachinery access primary process data, run realistic simulations, and meet regulatory requirements.

This translates into better decision-making, more accurate LCAs, and higher-quality products. The knowledge gained through DIAMETER positions Fraunhofer IPT to support companies with future consulting projects, helping them comply with regulations and advance toward more efficient, sustainable manufacturing practices.

Watch the full interview to discover how Fraunhofer IPT is bridging traditional machining excellence with the future of hybrid manufacturing.

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