Fraunhofer FEP: Versatile sustainable vacuum coating system
With its multifunctional coating systems, the Fraunhofer FEP demonstrates how sustainability can be implemented in surface technology. A prime example: the innovative and versatile Maxi system, an in-line vacuum coating system for sheets and metallic strips.
Sustainability in surface technology is becoming increasingly important in view of rising environmental requirements and scarce resources. Innovative coating processes make it possible to realize both ecological and economic benefits. The Fraunhofer FEP has extensive expertise in sustainable surface treatment, ranging from the development of environmentally friendly processes to the optimization of plant technologies. An outstanding example of sustainable plant technology is the Fraunhofer FEP's Maxi plant. This inline vacuum coating system for sheets and metallic strips, which was commissioned in 2000, differs fundamentally from conventional systems due to its multifunctional design. While conventional coating systems are usually designed for specific individual applications and often remain unused after the end of the project, the Maxi system is based on a modular, reconfigurable concept. The flexible system comprises eight chambers and enables the sequential execution of various process steps in both roll-to-roll and sheet-to-sheet processes. This versatility makes the system particularly sustainable: previously installed infrastructure such as pumps, lines and control systems can be reused for new projects. This not only enables faster commissioning and cost benefits, but also reduces waste and significantly lowers resource consumption. The initially higher acquisition costs of a multifunctional system are quickly amortized over several projects.
Sustainable surface technology as the key to conserving resources
The Maxi system has enabled a wide variety of applications in recent years: from corrosion protection and graphene coatings to the synthesis of powder-based materials and innovative applications in battery and solar cell production. This broad range of applications reflects the growing importance of multifunctional systems. "Multifunctional plant systems are essential in order to meet the ever faster changing challenges in research and development. They enable us to respond sustainably to new industrial requirements while significantly reducing the ecological footprint of our processes," explains Dr. Stefan Saager from Fraunhofer FEP. The modernization of the electronics and the integration of new plasma-assisted coating processes prepare the Maxi system for further decades of demanding research tasks. This continuity underlines the importance of sustainable system concepts for the future of surface technology.
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