Fraunhofer Institutes

Testing non-destructively for quality and reliability – with this in mind, more than 300 researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Non-destructive Testing (IZFP) in Dresden and in Saarbrücken, develop procedures and systems for the characterization of materials and for the monitoring of manufacturing processes and system components. Their application range is extremely wide. It ranges from the testing and supervision of transportation means (aviation, railway and automobile) and complex technological plants for the chemical-, energy- and metal-processing industries, to micro-and nano-electronics and medical engineering.

Increasing quality standards, new materials, the miniaturization of components or an aging infrastructure are just some of the aspects where non-destructive testing methods are needed. Not only in the realm of transportation, such as railways, the entire infrastructure is exposed to aging. With the large number of aging buildings, power plants, heavy equipment, ships and aircrafts, the possibility of damage and loss is an every-day occurrence. Yet, the IZFP´s existing testing procedures do not only have great relevance to the monitoring of existing infrastructures, but also to those infrastructures yet to be developed and built. They allow for modern design principles that, from the outset, include the necessary testing and monitoring methods. Thus, the development of new testing methods along with industrial developments is just as much part of the IZFP´s product range, as those used for continuous structural health monitoring and periodic testing.

The Fraunhofer IZFP is a "OneStop-Shop" in terms of quality and reliability. Its product portfolio includes studies and services, sensors, testing equipment and testing systems, as well as maintenance and training. The IZFP´s testing systems are used for the inspection of railroads, airplanes, and pipelines in the U.S., Canada, China, India and many other countries worldwide. Whenever it is cheaper, client-specific testing systems are configured on the basis of standard components. Also, whenever required, the IZFP develops new testing methods and systems according to the client´s requirements. To safeguard the continuous development of state-of-the-art testing methods, the IZFP works in cooperation with  the world's leading researchers at universities and research facilities in Dresden, Dayton, Minsk and Wonju.