IKV presents “Plastic optical components from Aachen” together with Fraunhofer IPT und ILT

Optical micro structures – directly moulded from the cavity surface (photo: IKV)

More than 1,800 exhibitors are expected to attend the leading trade fair for industrial plastics processing from 16 - 20 October. The exhibition centre in Friedrichshafen / Germany is the venue for the event, which will bring together all plastics technologies under one roof – from injection moulding and extrusion to thermoforming and 3D printing.

Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), IKV Plastics Processing Institute at RWTH Aachen University will present the latest developments, ranging from the design of optical systems and the construction of the tools and mould inserts to optics replication. They will be on the joint stand of "kunststoffland NRW e.V."  and will highlight the topic of "Plastic optical components from Aachen".

The main topics at the show will be injection-moulded and injection compression-moulded optics, continuously produced optical film and innovative optical materials and applications. The research and development field of "optical components" enjoys a long tradition at RWTH Aachen University, but particularly recently plastics have proved to be highly promising materials for optical devices such as lenses, with a variety of potential technological applications under cost-effective production conditions.

At the heart of the presentation will be the production of a plastic free-form lens with micro-structured sections developed in cooperation with the firms INNOLITE GmbH, Aachen, and ARBURG GmbH and Co KG, Loßburg. 

About IKV

IKV, the Institute of Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University, is Europe-wide the leading research and education institute engaged in the field of plastics processing enjoying outstanding reputation. More than 300 staff are employed in finding solutions to problems connected with processing, materials technology and part design in the plastics and rubber industries. IKV's close contacts with industry and science, together with its outstanding facilities, enable cutting-edge research in plastics technology and ensure that students benefit from a comprehensive, practically oriented course of study. IKV is divided up into the four specialist departments of Injection Moulding, Extrusion and Rubber Technology, Part Design and Materials Technology, and Composites and Polyurethane Technology. The institute also takes in the Centre for Analysis and Testing of Plastics, and the Training and Further Education department.