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IKV in Aachen

Research for practical use
since 1950

Driving innovation, sharing expertise, building networks

We are your guide to the world of plastics technology. As a renowned research and training institute for plastics processing, we combine expertise, passion and a pioneering spirit to shape tomorrow’s plastics technology.

More about us

International Colloquium on Plastics Technology

Information, impulses and perspectives for plastics experts. Experience a unique platform to help shape the future of plastics technology.
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Center for Analysis and Testing of Plastics (KAP)

We have qualified employees and extensive, modern equipment for testing technical plastics issues
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Technology networks

IKV’s technology networks form a bridge between research and industry. The aim of these networks is to promote the transfer of knowledge, advance pioneering technologies and develop innovative solutions for the challenges facing the plastics industry.
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Events

At IKV, we host a wide range of events covering all aspects of plastics processing. From conferences and symposia to seminars and themed days, our formats vary between online and in-person to best suit the topic and audience.
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Aachen Polymer Optics Days

This international conference brings together experts from industry and research to discuss the latest developments across the entire process chain for optical plastic systems. The event focuses in particular on technical challenges relating to plastics in the manufacture of high-precision optical components.

Information & registration

APOD-2026© Fraunhofer IPT
Aachen Polymer Optics Days 2026

Current news

APOD-2026

Aachen Polymer Optics Days 2026

On 10 and 11 June 2026, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) in Industry and Trade at RWTH Aachen University invite you to the Aachen Polymer Optics Days in Aachen.
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IKV on the international stage

This year, the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) was once again represented at ANTEC, the annual conference of the Society of Plastics Engineers.
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Shaping change together

Over the two days from 4 to 5 March 2026, around 460 participants came to Eurogress Aachen to discuss the latest developments in plastic materials and their processing. A major focus was on the recycling of engineering plastics and packaging.
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Reifenhäuser Sponsorship Award motivates young talent

Reifenhäuser honours outstanding research achievements by young scientists in plastics technology with this award. This year, the award goes to Jan Kleinsorge, M.Sc., scientist at the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University, for his master’s thesis on inverse thermal injection mould design.
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