As a leading institution in the field of plastics technology, we at IKV create a unique environment for students and researchers. The Chair of Plastics Technology at RWTH Aachen University is located directly at IKV, which has many advantages for students and research. A central concern of teaching and research activities at IKV is the integration of students in research projects.

The training of young engineers is based on real practical issues and problems

The focus on research-oriented teaching at IKV gives students the opportunity to work directly on current projects, explore the entire machine park and contribute to solving complex social challenges through simulations and theoretical work. This enables them to gain valuable practical experience. Among other things, this takes place as part of student research projects, bachelor’s and master’s theses, which are closely linked to ongoing research projects. Thanks to the close connection between the Department of Polymer Engineering and IKV, students not only benefit from a wide range of courses and research opportunities, but also from the chance to actively participate in research work. This includes the opportunity to take the first steps on their way into research as student or research assistants.

Through its connection to RWTH Aachen University, IKV is also sharpening its research-led profile as part of the university’s excellence strategy by successfully integrating the institute into the Internet of Production Cluster of Excellence with several sub-projects.

In the Cluster of Excellence, IKV researches networked production processes for plastics processing

Over 25 institutes and research facilities and more than 80 scientists from the fields of production engineering, computer science, materials science and economics are involved in the research. Together, engineering methods and processes are being developed to bring together the data generated during production in the Internet of Production and thus make it accessible and applicable across all domains. IKV is an integral part of the Cluster of Excellence and plays a central role in the research and development of solutions in the field of plastics processing in the context of networked production. IKV contributes its expertise in plastics technology to develop innovative approaches for the production and processing of plastics within networked production processes.

With the PIC 4.0, IKV is providing important infrastructural foundations for research in the cluster.

In addition, the IKV’s Plastics Innovation Center 4.0 (PIC 4.0) forms an important hub in the IOP’s data infrastructure. The modern and networked research infrastructure of the PIC 4.0 enables the efficient testing of modern digitization methods in direct interaction with real application technology in plastics processing as well as the development of concepts for cross-process, standardized data exchange. In this way, IKV makes a significant contribution to the realization of the cluster’s goals by contributing to the further development of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things in the production environment.

Basic research also outside the cluster

In addition, the Institute is involved in other coordinated research programs in the field of basic research, which can address research issues of unprecedented complexity through close interdisciplinary cooperation with other universities.

IKV conducts practical research with a clearly recognizable focus on the issues and development needs of industry. This focus is supported by close cooperation with a broad base of industrial companies and funding from the IKV Sponsors’ Association. Over 290 members from the industry are organized in the association, which supports the IKV. They actively influence the Institute’s research agenda.

Involvement of experts from the industry

Co-determination takes place, among other things, through the Advisory Board Groups (FBG), which represent specific specialist areas and co-determine research priorities. The FBGs enable member companies to contribute their needs and interests directly to IKV’s research work and ensure that IKV’s research is always geared towards the current challenges and problems of the plastics industry.

Synergy between science and industry for innovative solutions

Its position as a university institute of RWTH Aachen University gives IKV access to a broad spectrum of scientific resources and talent. At the same time, the institute acts independently and flexibly to meet specific industrial requirements. This combination of academic excellence and industrial practical relevance enables IKV to develop innovative solutions and strengthen the competitiveness of the plastics industry.

The majority of IKV research is based on publicly funded research projects. Important partners and sponsors include the DFG, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, to name but a few. For companies, IKV acts as an experienced partner in the field of joint industrial research. An experienced partner is indispensable for successfully carrying out research projects with or without public funding. Thanks to its many years of activity and experience, IKV is the ideal partner for facilitating and coordinating such cooperation. In addition to its research expertise, IKV works continuously with various partners and is a member of the most important plastics technology industry and research networks. Within this wide-ranging network, the institute brings together companies and public sponsors and initiates successful research projects.