TITK - Thüringisches Institut für Textil- und Kunststoff-Forschung e.V.

Materials research is the basis of every product development. Polymer materials - including composite or hybrid materials - are the expertise of the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research Rudolstadt (TITK).  As an industry-oriented research institute, TITK specializes in modifying polymers to create materials with new, functional properties. TITK possesses decades of experience in the development, production and processing of polymers - including modification, functionalization and shaping. This enables innovative starting materials or complete manufacturing processes to be developed for automotive components, packaging materials, biotechnology and medical technology, energy technology, micro- and nanotechnology or lifestyle products.

In addition to injection molding, extrusion, fiber spinning and film production, the additive manufacturing of plastic parts is another focus of research. The incorporation of active cooling functions, electrical conductors or continuous fibers is one of TITK's areas of expertise, as is the post-treatment of additively manufactured parts. In addition to the process steps for increasing mechanical strength, this includes surface smoothing, flocking (fur) or vapor deposition with metals such as aluminum or gold.

Both the FDM process and selective laser sintering (SLS) are available at TITK. In the FDM process, the entire spectrum of thermoplastic materials is processed, from soft TPE and highly filled compounds to high-temperature thermoplastic PEEK. TITK is researching how materials need to be modified and printing processes adapted to ensure that components have uniform (isotropic) properties.

The SLS system is currently being used to test additives for pulverization processes in order to achieve higher thermal or electrical conductivity, flame retardancy or improved rigidity in additive manufacturing.