Institute of Product and Production Engineering

School of Engineering and Environment

We focus on the development of products and manufacturing processes, and apply cutting-edge technologies.

The Institute for Product and Production Engineering develops holistic innovation solutions from the initial concept through to market readiness. The focus is on the entire development cycle, ranging from design, finite element simulation and mechanical testing to process development and product manufacturing. Cutting-edge capabilities include state-of-the-art laser micro-machining, additive manufacturing (including direct energy deposition) and in-depth expertise in ceramic and metallic materials – complemented by specialised expertise in mechanical design for the aerospace industry. In close cooperation with industry partners and with the aid of state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, high-performance solutions are developed for future-oriented products and production systems.

Research focus areas

Selected Projects

GreDom insert

The invention by FHNW School of Engineering enables an automation of satellite panel production.

Institute: School of Engineering and Environment

Free-space optical communication with a high-altitude balloon

The FHNW Institute for Sensors and Electronics currently develops an optical receiver and a 2-axis gimbal for a high-altitude balloon (HAB) platform to demonstrate free-space optical communication (FSOC).

Institute: School of Engineering and Environment, Institute for Sensors and Electronics
Research field: Aerospace, Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering

With Coatings Towards Better Batteries

Anode-free solid-state lithium batteries promise higher energy density, lower costs and improved safety – but they still face challenges such as uneven lithium distribution and early capacity loss. In the Nano-Argovia project BatCoat, the research team shows that ultrathin silver and protective coatings on the current collector can overcome these issues and significantly extend battery lifetime.

Institute: Institute of Product and Production Engineering
Research field: Mechanical engineering, Energy and environment

Functionalization of artificial skin

Artificial skin can be life-saving for people with severe burns, extensive wounds, or congenital skin disorders – especially when insufficient healthy skin is available for autografting. In this research project, the team is advancing large-scale functionalized artificial skin using highly precise technologies such as femtosecond lasers and optical coherence tomography. The goal is to improve the production, characterization, and biocompatibility of biomedical tissue while scaling the developed technologies towards future commercial applications.

Institute: Institute of Product and Production Engineering
Research field: Mechanical engineering

Laboratories

The Institute of Product and Production Engineering has state-of-the-art laboratory and simulation infrastructure. Discover our laboratories!

Materials Lab

We offer you expertise and equipment for structural analysis, property characterisation, heat treatment and brazing of metals and ceramics.

Space Lab

The Space Lab is used for the development, production, assembly and thermo-mechanical verification of components and mechanical sub-systems for use on research satellites.

Finite Element Simulations Lab

We conduct research with multiphysical simulation embedded in the overall context of product development between initial concept and final validation.

Laser Applications Lab

In our laboratory, we develop applications for 2.5D and 3D laser precision machining processes.

Component Testing Lab

We carry out mechanical tests on parts and components in our component testing laboratory.

Additive Manufacturing Lab

In our automated DED processing cell with innovative flexible beam shaping, we support you with process developments and feasibility studies under production-like conditions.

Acoustics and Vibrations Lab

Laboratory for acoustic and vibration measurements.

3D Scanning and 3D Printing Lab

Optically measure objects in three dimensions and print polymer components using the poly-jet mode modelling process.

Development of Lasers and Optical Systems Lab

We develop ultrafast lasers (fs pulses) and photonic systems for applications in biomedicine, micromaterial processing and optical communication.

About us

Team members of the institute

Our interdisciplinary team is active in research, works in cooperation with industrial partners and is in a constant dialogue with Swiss and international universities. In addition, we teach in degree programmes and continuing education at the FHNW School of Engineering.

Team members of the institute