Following the transfer of two major research institutions to application-oriented research organization, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the city of Hamburg announces increased funding for the Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Production Technology or IAPT (previously known as LZN Laser Zentrum Nord) and the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Nanotechnology (CAN).
Jointly and separately, nanotechnology and 3D printing are being used for innovations in engineering and industry. For example, developments in nanotechnology have led to two-proton additive manufacturing, which can be used to produce very complex miniature parts. They can also be added to metal powders for higher precision in selective laser sintering (SLS) with dense metals and composites. Nanoparticles have also enabled 3D printing within water-based substrates. Outside of 3D printing, nanotechnology is applied to advanced material developments including self-cleaning clothes, and semiconductor and optic waveguides with favorable bandgaps for specified applications.
By investing in research for these two umbrella technologies, city officials hope to strengthen Hamburg's position as a central technology hub in Europe. “The expansion of Fraunhofer’s activities, documents the nascent—yet very successful—co-operation between Hamburg and the Fraunhofer,” says Olaf Scholz, Mayor of Hamburg. The Hamburg news website highlight Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as the leading organization for applied research in Europe.
Senator for Science, Research and Equality, Katharina Fegenbank comments, “Hamburg is well on the way to become a leading center of research and innovation in Europe. 3D printing and nanotechnology are future-orientated fields which are important catalysts of innovation and our city’s development.”
