How do process and parameter studies support material development?
Experimental studies on how process parameters influence microstructure evolution and mechanical behaviour in metals - from welding and joining to additive manufacturing and heat treatment. The aim is rapid feedback between process windows, property gradients and engineering decisions.
These projects often connect directly to micro tensile testing,
weld characterisation and
indentation plastometry when local strength gradients need to be mapped instead of averaged.
The strongest current deep-dive topics are
alloy development and screening,
local weld and HAZ mapping,
gradients and transitions
and
simulation-oriented local material input.
- High-throughput strategies for robust parameter windows during alloy development
- Spatially resolved assessment (heat-affected zones, layers, gradients, forming)
- Lab/inline/mobile execution for process-near decisions
How are testing methods developed and refined?
Advancing the Imprint Test / indentation plastometry (e.g. DIN SPEC 4864) and adjacent methods for faster cycle times, higher spatial resolution and reliable KPI derivation in research and pre-industrial workflows.
Current method work is closely related to the i3D system family,
Nanoindenter ASA and the translation of research procedures into repeatable industrial test workflows.
- Material characterization as a knowledge page for microstructure, process influence, local KPIs and complementary analysis paths
- Inverse FEM, 3D topography & image processing
- Automation (camera use, point selection, test sequences)
- Method harmonisation with tensile and hardness testing
- Validation of tensile testing and indentation plastometry for reliable interpretation of local KPIs
How do digitisation and data integration improve testing workflows?
Building a connected data ecosystem for testing: automated acquisition, secure storage, reproducible evaluation and interfaces that reduce friction between lab work, reporting and downstream modelling.
The objective is not just data capture, but faster engineering decisions across the
service network, internal lab equipment and externally documented
research references.
How does research move into industrial use?
The English research section is intentionally focused on transfer: how a method evolves from publication and validation into
a usable testing service or a deployable laboratory system. That includes standards work, comparative studies against
established methods and the automation layers needed for routine application.
- Method reference page for the standardised Imprint Test workflow
- Alloy development page for high-density screening scenarios
- FEM input page for simulation-driven projects
- Product overview for teams planning in-house rollout
- Contact for collaborative studies, validation campaigns or pilot projects
