Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM

Measuring | Monitoring | Optimizing

The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM develops tailor-made measuring techniques and systems for industry. Many years of experience with optical technologies form the basis for high-tech solutions in the fields of production control, object and shape detection, gas and process technology as well as thermal energy converters.

 

Business Unit

Production Control

We analyze surfaces and 3D structures of components quickly and with micrometer precision, thus enabling 100 percent quality control in the production line.

 

Business Unit

Object and
Shape Detection

We develop customized laser scanners, camera and lighting systems that capture the geometry and position of individual infrastructure objects or large structures quickly and precisely, primarily from mobile platforms. Our measurment solutions cover the entire 3D data process chain: from robust systems to AI-based data analysis.

 

Business Unit

Gas and Process
Technology

We develop and manufacture measurement systems for gas and liquid analysis which feature high precision and reliability even under extreme conditions. The scope ranges from laser spectrometers for exhaust gas analysis to energy-efficient gas sensor for  food quality monitoring.

25.6.2024

Quantum sensors: How does the flow profile affect flow measurements?

Researchers at Fraunhofer IPM have developed a contactless flow measurement method based on magnetic fields. For the first time, they have been able to show the quantitative impact of the flow profile on the magnetic signal. This opens up new possibilities for improving the measurement method. The results were recently published in the “Journal of Applied Physics”.
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10.6.2024

Quantitative measurement data as the basis for thermal building renovations

How do you establish a building’s energy efficiency? An optical mobile mapping system that is being developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM is expected to provide comprehensive data that will form the basis for planning energy-efficient refurbishments. Its core element is a multispectral LiDAR sensor that measures the geometry of the building and the thermal properties of windows and façades.
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6.6.2024

Powerful, compact and now also fast: shape-memory alloy actuators

Many applications, for example in toolmaking and mechanical engineering, require actuators to convert electrical signals into mechanical motion. If the application requires large forces while using minimal installation space, actuators made of thermal shape-memory alloys are the best choice. Their sole drawback lies in their slow cooling process and the resulting low dynamics. Three Fraunhofer institutes joined forces to develop a new class of high load shape-memory actuators that are the first to quickly switch large forces with minimal size and high dynamics.
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31.5.2024

Optical sensor enables 100 percent quality control of ultra-thin barrier layers

A new type of sensor makes it possible to test functional barrier layers on plastic products during production for the first time. The Film-Inspect system was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM in cooperation with plasma system specialist Plasma Electronic GmbH. The sensor uses infrared measurement technology to detect thin coatings with a thickness of less than 10 nm to 200 nm inline.
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Press Releases
by Fraunhofer IPM

Stay informed about current research, events or general news.

 

Annual Report 2022/2023

 

Scientific Publications

We regularly publish our research results in scientific journals and specialist journals.

Our address

Georges-Köhler-Allee 301
79110 Freiburg, Germany

 

Phone + 49 761 8857 0
Fax + 49 761 8857 224
info@ipm.fraunhofer.de

 

How to reach us

Since August 2020, we are located in the immediate vicinity of the University of Freiburg's technical campus.