A Safe Test Environment for Digital Production

Testing new technologies in operational production? Of course not! In the application laboratory »Digitally Integrated Production (dip)«, companies can test new technologies without jeopardizing their ongoing production.

© Fraunhofer IPK / Larissa Klassen
Project Manager Claudio Geisert explains how the dip application laboratory supports companies in testing new digital solutions.

What do we need a dip laboratory for? 

Geisert: 

Companies have to react more and more frequently to unforeseeable events, for example when supply chains are disrupted by armed conflicts. Digitalization can help here: It makes production more flexible, more resilient and therefore less susceptible to disruptions. We can demonstrate this in our dip laboratory, using examples of modular, flexible production processes for single-item and small-batch production. The twist: Instead of the conventional stand-alone solutions, we are offering a complete production scenario for the first time – from incoming order to finished product.

You are using the production of customizable fuel cells as an example application. Why fuel cells in particular?

Geisert: 

We wanted a product that offers many variants in terms of performance and geometry – after all, customers in all sectors increasingly want items that are individually tailored to them. Additionally, the production of fuel cells involves tasks that are common to all manufacturing processes, such as milling, transport, labelling and assembly. Using the example of a fuel cell produced by our cooperation partner balticFuelCells GmbH, we can demonstrate how digitalization supports processes, and we can make it clearly understandable. 

How do companies benefit from this?

Geisert: 

Companies are often understandably reluctant to test new developments on live objects, i.e. during ongoing production. In the dip laboratory, we offer companies the necessary practice-oriented infrastructure in a protected environment – along with our scientific expertise. Suppliers, software providers and start-ups, on the other hand, benefit from production facilities for further development that they do not have. The dip laboratory does not stand still either – we will continue to develop it in line with the current needs of industry.

How far along are you with the construction of the dip laboratory?

Geisert: 

We can already cover many aspects – it's great to see how various research projects can be linked to this unique laboratory and how this strengthens cross-institute collaboration. The central production systems of the process chain are already in place. However, as a living application laboratory, the dip laboratory will be continuously expanded with components that make digitally integrated production even more efficient.

More information

 

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Smart Manufacturing of Fuel Cells

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