Under the motto "This is how the future works! - Digital. Transformative. Resilient." numerous small and medium-d companies presented themselves on June 13, 2024 at the SME Innovation Day of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). The SKZ Plastics Center was also on site with two research projects.
SKZ presented itself at the BMWK Innovation Day for SMEs in Berlin
Around 300 exhibitors presented the results of their research and development projects at the Innovation Day on the premises of AiF Projekt GmbH in Berlin-Pankow. The SKZ was represented with two research projects, which were presented by Luis Wachter, head of the non-destructive testing research group, Julius Ort, research assistant in the area of sustainability and recycling management, and Dr. Johann Erath, innovation and technology transfer manager.
Development of a leak test for packaging using shearography
On the one hand, the research results of the IGF project 21951 N on the development of a leak test for packaging using shearography were presented. This test method enables fast and efficient 100% leak testing of packaging, which ensures product quality and avoids expensive complaints or recalls. It also facilitates the introduction of sustainable packaging without compromising leak-tightness. The technology is particularly suitable for production environments with large quantities of tightly packaged products, where leak testing could previously only be carried out on a random basis or was uneconomical.
Preheating in plastics processing
On the other hand, the research results of the IGF project 20236 N on preheating in plastics processing were presented. Preheating materials with process waste heat can reduce energy consumption in the process. A software tool developed to analyze the potential of preheating, which is available free of charge on the SKZ homepage, can be used by companies to check the potential of preheating technology.
Numerous interested parties in the project results
"It was great to be at the Innovation Day with two selected projects. In addition to the numerous people interested in the project results, we were particularly pleased about the exchange with representatives of the project sponsors, associations such as the Zuse Association and representatives of the BMWK," said Johann Erath. Julius Ort also emphad the importance of the exchange: "In this way, we were able to discuss and further develop many good ideas. It was also a great opportunity to make the two projects accessible to a broad public, according to Ort. And Luis Wachter adds: "The topics at the individual stands were as diverse as the audience itself - from professors and students to employees of the project sponsors and the ministry. This led to many stimulating conversations. And here, too, the three agreed: "We at SKZ will be back next time!"
