The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS covers the field of advanced ceramics from basic preliminary research through to the entire range of applications. Superbly equipped laboratories and technical facilities covering 30,000 m2 of useable space have been set up for this purpose at the sites in Dresden-Gruna, Dresden-Klotzsche, and Hermsdorf. Based on comprehensive materials expertise in advanced ceramic materials, the Institute's development work covers the entire value creation chain, all the way to prototype production. Fraunhofer IKTS is distinguished by its multiple areas of expertise: The triad of materials know-how, production technologies and system integration is enhanced by the highest level of materials and process analytics. Chemists, physicists, materials scientists and engineers work together on an interdisciplinary basis, with the support of highly skilled technicians.
Besides the ceramic manufacturers, the focus is specifically placed on existing and future users of ceramics as project partners and customers. Fraunhofer IKTS operates in eight market-oriented divisions in order to demonstrate and qualify ceramic technologies and components for new industries, new product ideas, new markets outside the traditional areas of use. These include the conventional Materials and Processes, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Electronics and Microsystems, Energy, Environmental and Process Engineering, Bio- and Medical Technology, Optics as well as Materials and Process Analysis. The Institute is therefore available as a competent consulting partner and starting point for all ceramics-related issues: a real “one-stop shop” for technical ceramics and their applications. Fraunhofer IKTS can enforce developments from the lab scale onto technical level ready to be transferred to industry. An industrially suited equipment and machinery of the latest designs available for all relevant lines of technology is available, in order to realize prototypes and pilot-production series needed for market launch, supporting the development of production processes. This helps our partners to minimize cost risks and time to market for their products.