Material Analysis

Overview

Our range of services

Analysis systems that identify chemical elements, substances or material units are assuming increasingly complex tasks throughout various new industries. Fraunhofer ILT develops laser-based methods for material analysis that meet these challenges and are also economical. This is made possible, for example, by particularly short cycle times. In-line material analysis allows materials or substances to be analyzed and classified using the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) process. In the field of resource recovery and recycling of old electronics, this process can be used to quickly and selectively detect individual components or entire groups of components in grid measurements. Circuit boards can thus be evaluated as multi-element maps. The developed technology can also be used for quality assurance or identification testing of, for example, metallic components or for the characterization of raw materials.

The range of services in Material Analysis covers all areas in the development of application-specific analysis systems. Fraunhofer ILT offers its customers feasibility studies, the development and implementation of laser-based processes for material analysis, the integration of analysis systems into industrial processing as well as individual consulting.

In the field of recycling old electronics, LIBS can be used to quickly and selectively detect individual components or entire groups of components.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
In the field of recycling old electronics, LIBS can be used to quickly and selectively detect individual components or entire groups of components.
Analysis of metal scrap by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy LIBS.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Analysis of metal scrap by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy LIBS.
LIBS measurements of metals on a belt.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
LIBS measurements of metals on a belt.

Spectroscopic Methods

  • Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • Fluorescence spectroscopy

Analytical Capabilities

  • Quantitative analysis for all chemical elements
  • Analysis and detection of chemical compounds
  • Condition analysis of mixtures and gases
  • Isotopic analysis 

Fields of Application

  • Inline analysis of production materials
  • Automatic quality control and mix-up inspection
  • Observation of process parameters
  • Intake control and sorting of processed materials
  • Online analysis of exhaust emissions, dust and effluents
  • Macro- and microscopic laser imaging analysis
  • Fast screening methods for large sample quantities

Development of Prototypes

  • Feasibility studies
  • Custom build solutions and laser measurement systems
  • Prototypes for measuring problems in industrial applications

Video on the ADIR project

 

Demonstration for Automated Disassembly and Sorting of Valuable Materials

Markets

Laser technology can solve demanding tasks in many different industries. Whether as a tool in automotive production, as measuring equipment in the environmental sector, as a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in medical technology or as a communication medium in space technology, the laser provides multiple uses with high productivity and high efficiency.

Read up about the innovations of the Fraunhofer ILT in a few selected industries and convince yourself!

 

Research with us!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about general topics! Our contact persons are happy to get in touch with you.