Fields of research

The focus of our work is on the continuous improvement of production engineering. In the manufacturing industry, challenges are usually multidimensional. Seldomly it is only one discipline that is affected. Thanks to our three fields of activity - logistics, production automation, and process technology - we are able to deal with a broad range of problems occuring in production engineering. And we are able to solve them with a rather holistic view.

Logistics

As a result of globalization, the majority of companies today focuses on their core competencies. Due to this specialization, an increasing number of small and medium size companies join decentralized production networks. This so-called network economy offers a new range of research fields. New topics include network interfaces, division of labor, and interaction within production networks. Our logistics department focuses on ...

–    organization of production networks,
–    decentralized regulation of production in such networks,
–    secure flow of materials within these networks, as well as
–    efficient logistics, and
–    efficient use of resources.

Production automation

Nowadays automating production is a necessity in most areas. The IPH strives to enhance existing knowledge and to find solutions for areas not yet automatized. The focus is on enabling manufacturing companies to realize automation the best way possible. Themes of our production automation department include...

–    distributed systems,
–    wireless communication, and
–    intelligent systems.

Process technology

Process technology deals with innovative tool technologies for massive forging. Complex and resilient parts as used in the automobile and mechanical engineering industry are produced by using these technologies. The challenges are to increase the quality of parts while reducing process chains and saving resources. Our process technology department focuses on...

–    forging processes (e. g. flashless precision forging),
–    hydro forming,
–    hybrid forging (massive, sheet metal),
–    process chain forming technology,
–    multifunctional tools, and
–    the cost-effectiveness of process chains.