The working group Casting Technology focuses on the development and optimization of modern manufacturing processes for producing complex lightweight components made of magnesium, aluminum, and zinc alloys. The focus is on magnesium injection molding (Thixomolding®), cold-chamber die casting, and specialized processes.

The area of connected production utilizes digitalization, IoT, edge computing, machine learning, and humanoid robotics to make manufacturing processes more efficient, transparent and resource-friendly. For customers, this means optimized production workflows, predictive maintenance, data-driven decisions and customized assistance systems that measurably improve complex manufacturing environments.

Our aim is to develop customized solutions for the industrial use of selective electron beam melting. The research is focusing on the further development of plant technology, the processing of high-performance materials and process-specific material development. Successful research and development activities in the field of electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB) are based on decades of experience, numerical calculation tools and a wide range of cutting-edge equipment.

In the field of forming technology, NMF develops innovative lightweight and hybrid components using novel sheet metal, bulk, and bulk-sheet-metal forming processes. The focus is on aluminum alloys, high-strength steels, titanium and magnesium. The combination of modern forming processes, comprehensive material characterization and numerical methods enables the development of customized solutions for lightweight sheet metal construction.

In the field of granule-based 3D printing, NMF manufactures metal and ceramic components via a fully quality-assured, digitally networked production chain – from feedstock manufacturing through 3D printing to debinding, and sintering as well as post-processing. Our customers benefit from cost-efficient production, high precision processing, minimal waste, and the ability to quickly and reliably realise innovative components for demanding applications.

The polymer technology working group deals with the development and processing of large-area composite components based on thermoplastic material systems. The focus is on functionalized fibre reinforced composites, semi-finished polymer laminates, mono-matrix-based sandwich laminates and metal-thermoplastic hybrids. The use of advanced manufacturing processes and tailor-made material systems results in sustainable, lightweight and high-performance components on an industrial scale.

Temconex® technology enables the efficient, automated and energy-optimized production of high-density semi-finished products such as wires, profiles, rods, and tubes from metallic powders, granules or recycling materials. Customers benefit from customized semi-finished products with excellent mechanical properties and outstanding surface quality. Alloys based on aluminum, copper, titanium and silver can be processed. The production of fiber- or particle-reinforced composites, so-called MMCs, is also possible with Temconex® technology.