Thesis (BA/MA): Development & production of metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings

With its focus on future-relevant key technologies and the utilization of results in economy and industry, the Fraunhofer Society plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and source of inspiration for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it contributes to shaping our society and our future.

For over 35 years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology in Berlin has stood for excellence in production science. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between science and practice in the field of industrial production and offer application-oriented system solutions for the entire spectrum of industrial tasks – from product development to the production process, maintenance of capital goods, and recycling of products to the design and management of factory operations.

The Joining and Coating Technology business unit at Fraunhofer IPK expands established processing methods and develops new methods for innovative materials and processes. In various research and industrial projects, we work with both classic processes such as resistance spot welding and arc welding, as well as modern beam welding processes and laser and electron beam welding for complex materials and heterogeneous material combinations. In addition, interdisciplinary teams for additive manufacturing (AM-DED) and coating technologies (laser cladding) are developing new fields of application, e.g., gas turbine blades.

What you will do

We are looking for a thesis student to collaborate on our project on the development of metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings using laser powder cladding (LPC) and their life cycle assessment (LCA).

The tasks include:

• Development and production of MMC coatings as part of the EU Cornet project ProThermCoat
• Independent planning, setup, and execution of experimental tests
• Evaluation and documentation of experimental results using state-of-the-art technical analysis methods
• Internal presentation of your results
• Support in projects with our industrial customers in the field of laser powder deposition welding and additive manufacturing (Directed Energy Deposition, DED)

What you bring to the table

• Current university studies in engineering/natural sciences (or similar), for example in mechanical engineering, production engineering, materials engineering, or materials science
• Interest in technical problems in application-oriented research
• Prior knowledge in the areas of laser cladding or additive manufacturing is desirable but not essential
• Practical experience in metallography, measurement technology, or production machinery is an advantage but not required
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Goal-oriented and structured approach to work
• Very good written and spoken German and/or English skills

What you can expect

• Practical experience in analyzing and visualizing process data from an industrial manufacturing plant in the field of additive manufacturing
• A great team and an open, collegial working environment
• Insight into modern technologies and innovative manufacturing processes
• Collaboration with industrial partners
• Flexible scheduling for your thesis
• Opportunity to incorporate your own ideas into your work

The thesis can be supervised at TU Berlin or carried out in cooperation with other universities.

No remuneration will be paid.

The duration of the thesis is based on the requirements of your university.

The Fraunhofer Society values professional equality between women and men.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation, and identity. Severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given preference. We welcome applications from women in STEM professions.

Fraunhofer is the largest organization for application-oriented research in Europe. Our research fields are geared to the needs of people: health, safety, communication, mobility, energy, and the environment. We are creative, we shape technology, we design products, we improve processes, we open up new avenues.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions, please contact:

Ms.

Aybike Yalcinyüz, M.Sc.

Mail: behiye.aybike.yalcinyuez @ipk.fraunhofer.de

Please apply exclusively via the recruiting portal (click on the “Apply” button at the bottom right).

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK

Requisition Number: 81204