How do you know Liebherr? Refrigerators perhaps? Or construction machinery? In any case, you wouldn't have thought of aerospace first, right? But Liebherr's know-how in New Materials and its technological expertise are also of great help in the aerospace sector. This can be seen, for example, in the cooperation between Liebherr and Airbus.
The collaboration has already been running since 2010 and has resulted in many exciting developments: For instance, a spoiler actuator valve block from titanium powder for an Airbus 380. Or 3D-printed proximity sensor bracket for the nose landing gear of Airbus’ A350. And the joint success story in New Materials continues: Now Liebherr has been selected by Airbus to supply the lower cargo door actuating cylinder and valve for the A350. The complex valve will be manufactured using a certified titanium additive layer manufacturing technique.
Business Opportunities
Bavaria offers diverse business opportunities in the New Materials sector. This is mainly due to major corporations from the fields of nanotechnology, semiconductors, additive manufacturing, battery cell recycling, and polymer research that invest in innovation. But there is also a vibrant startup scene driving innovation. And on top of that, many sectors benefit from the dynamic and fast-moving industry, the region’s wealth of natural resources, a skilled labor force, and a supportive infrastructure.
Effective networks
Bavaria is known for its networks. A great example is the New Materials Cluster. It consists of more than 600 companies and scientific institutes. It’s an important source of inspiration for new ideas, closes gaps in the value chains and builds regional, national, and international connections. And it’s not the only one in Bavaria doing so: the MAI Carbon Cluster, the Nanotechnology Cluster, the Chemistry Cluster, the Industrial Biotechnology Cluster, and the Forestry and Wood Cluster are equally important for the development of New Materials.
Access to talent
Bright minds are the key factor for innovations. That’s why Bavarian universities are not only at the forefront of New Materials research. They are also heavily invested in nurturing the next generation of chemists, engineers etc. By supporting research projects and developing vocational training programs, these institutions are ensuring that Bavaria has a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent to drive innovation and secure the region's future as a global leader in New Materials research and development.
Global perspectives
Local connections are great. But international ties make the dream work. Thus, Bavaria’s New Material initiative does not only incorporate the whole of Bavaria – but enjoys strong relationships with global partners. This makes it particularly easy for international players to bring their projects to Bavaria. And to suitable local partners. That’s the reason why not just major players such as Airbus and Liebherr that are working on their innovations here in Bavaria, but also global companies like Samsung, AMD and Texas Instruments found their ways here, too.
Bilfinger Noell and Proxima Fusion are jointly driving forward the development of a high-performance stellarator. Proxima Fusion, a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, is planning the industrial use of the stellarator concept based on Wendelstein 7-X. Bilfinger Noell is contributing its expertise in the production of superconducting magnetic coils. The partnership focuses on the production of complex magnet systems, remote handling and hot cells - key technologies for fusion power plants. The aim is to significantly shorten the time to market. Economically, fusion energy is gaining in importance. Proxima Fusion is planning a first fusion power plant in the 2030s. With advanced high-temperature superconductors, the partners are focusing on innovative materials. Both companies see their collaboration as a key to a sustainable energy supply and the future of fusion technology.
Sustainable building material made from circular recycled carbon concrete
Innovations in the field of new materials are not only found in industry. Proof of this is the construction of a surf wave in Augsburg, in which a mixture of 100% recycled concrete and state-of-the-art carbon reinforcement was used.
The special thing about this project is the key role played by young talent: students on the bachelor's degree course in civil engineering were involved in the planning and design as well as the development of a new formulation for the recycled concrete. The result is a sustainable building material that surpasses its predecessors in terms of durability, strength and rust resistance. The significant reduction inCO2 emissions during the production of these concrete elements is also worth mentioning.
The surf wave project is therefore a major step forward for the construction industry - and exemplifies Bavarian pioneering work in the field of new materials.
The Fraunhofer Institute enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide thanks to its pioneering applied research and its significant international contributions to innovation. We spoke to the director of Fraunhofer IISB in Erlangen about current research in the field of new materials - and how Bavaria is training many great talents in this field.
Find out what cross-industry innovations are happening in Bavaria - from artificial intelligence and mobility to aerospace and life sciences: