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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

Seminar-Thermo-Fisher

RheoExpert on the Road stops off at IKV

On June 17, IKV and Thermo Fisher Scientific are bringing the “RheoExperts on the Road” seminar series to Aachen: A compact introduction to applied rheology for the plastics industry with direct practical relevance, live demonstrations and valuable insights for day-to-day work in development and production.
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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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ANTEC-2026-Pittsburgh-6

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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ikv_kolloquium_26-1761

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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