Institut für Materialwissenschaften der Hochschule Hof

The ifm develops new products and manufacturing processes in the fields of mechanical engineering, system materials, textile technology and composite materials. Our institute is characterized by its high level of expertise and technical equipment and is, among other things, a technology leader in the production of branched braids. The ifm sees itself as a partner for application-oriented research and development projects in industry and business. We work nationally and internationally with companies from the aerospace, automotive, construction and environmental technology sectors. The projects range from processes for the production of space antennas to near-natural, antibacterial coatings and braided medical stents. In its region, which is characterized by the textile industry, ifm promotes local companies by directly transferring the latest technologies into production.

Inventing a better tomorrow today! Research at the ifm

The ifm has already carried out research work together with (industrial) partners in the areas of - development and textile finishing of functional textiles - developments and finishes for the production of protective clothing textiles - space antennas and shielding solutions.

What we offer: 

• Development expertise for highly innovative sustainable products and processes in the above-mentioned research areas
• Highly specialized research groups for our research areas
• Modern equipment in our laboratories
• on over 5.500 square meters at the Hof and Münchberg sites
• Solutions for more efficient processes and the manufacture of innovative products
• Advice on funding from national and international programs 

Services: 

• Research and development contracts in the field of materials science, with a focus on textiles
• Fabrication of initial prototypes and small series
• Cooperative, funded research and development projects

• Innovative textiles
• Textile finishing and dyeing 
• Nonwoven fabric technology
• Surface functionalization
• Mesh technology 
• Injection moulding and function-integrated components
• Associated is the State Testing Office for the Textile Industry