Center of Device Development CeDeD

The Center of Device Development CeDeD develops, designs and builds special scientific devices and research systems according to individual customer requirements. One focus is on systems for characterizing and analyzing new materials, but also on machines that can be used for quality control within the production process.

At the Bronnbach branch, we offer full scope of expertise in scientific development, planning, design, construction and manufacture of research systems. CeDeD covers the entire supply chain of development of Fraunhofer ISC´s research systems – from concept and design stages based on 3-D modeling programs right through to computer-based component production in the workshop. Therefore CeDeD is a central point of contact for internal and external research groups and also acts as a direct partner to industry. We manufacture prototypes, demonstrators and pilot systems for the production and processing of innovative materials and research instruments used for process control at the end of the value-added chain.

Particular emphasis is placed on thermo-optical measurement systems designed for in-situ characterization of materials during heat treatment. Measurements can be made under temperature conditions ranging from room temperature to more than 2350 °C. Demand for the CeDeD services is currently particularly strong in the specialty glass and high-tech ceramics industries, as well as in the ongoing development of refractories. The newly developed processes are expanded into industrial scale systems using vacuum engineering, laser technology and robotics. Thermo-optical measurement methods are an excellent choice for all groups of materials that undergo heat treatment during their  manufacture, such as materials used in powder metallurgy and injection molding processes.

Certified under ISO 9001:2015, CeDeD guarantees full reproduction of the process chain and is annually audited for its quality management system. It is a reliable partner for organizations seeking to develop new technologies.
 

The highly efficient system developed by CeDeD scientists optimizes the production of new ceramic substances and materials. It can process up to 100 different ceramic materials, such as aluminum oxide and titanium oxide. Equipped with four large and six small material reservoirs, the system ensures precise selection and storage of the required raw materials. A fully automated weighing system ensures that these are accurately measured according to individual recipes.
The resulting powder mixture is then mixed with a liquid (also automatically weighed), which can be a combination of up to seven different liquids. A specialized mill subsequently mixes the powder and liquid into high-quality ceramic slip, which can be further processed in an innovative spray dryer. The end product is custom-made ceramic components, offering various functions such as exceptionally high conductivity and diverse application possibilities.