Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFPThe Materials Characterization department concentrates on laying the technical groundwork for carrying out materials characterization, whether it involves researching physical test and measurement principles or developing industrial-scale inspection systems. To enhance and further develop nondestructive testing processes used in materials characterization, the department focuses on merging various processes, improving spatial resolution and optimizing the inspection methods, with an emphasis on contactless measurements.
The testing methods are used in the development and production of new high-performance materials such as smart materials that feature sensor and actuator functionality, as well as multifunction, functionally graded, lightweight, fiber reinforced and other materials that have been in use for years. This involves not only metallic materials, but also construction materials. Miniaturized technology also allows the characterization of materials in microelectronics and micro systems.