Prototypenfertigung © Steffen Weigelt Zwei Wissenschaftler der ILK betrachten eine computertomographische Aufnahme eines Bauteils. © Steffen Weigelt

Excellence in Lightweight Design

The Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) is the internationally acknowledged institute for research, development and student training in the area of function-integrative system lightweight engineering in multi-material design.

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Topic overview

Eine Mitarbeiterin des Instituts für Leichtbau und Kunststofftechnik steht am kleinen Flechtrad. © Tanja Kirsten
At a glance

The Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology has been active in “function-integrative system lightweight engineering in multi-material design” for more than 20 years. It is embedded in the business and science hub Dresden which provides optimum conditions for innovative and pioneering research and development.
Two men sit at a table laughing. © ILK / Scheunert
Jahresforschungsbericht 2023

The Research Report 2023 presents a year full of scientific excellence and technological advances. The content provides an overview of the institute's research initiatives, the promotion of young scientists and the teaching approaches of the past year. It also highlights the ILK's international collaborations and activities, which illustrate the Institute's global network and international reach.
Aufnahme eines Flechtrades am ILK der TU Dresden. © Steffen Weigelt
Equipment

In the three experimental halls Lightweight Structures Innovation Centre (LIZ), Polymer Application Centre (KAZ) and Process Development Centre (PEZ), ILK scientists work on modern mass-production-compatible systems engineering. For the production of fibre-reinforced structures, for instance, a unique braiding machine is available. It can overbraid component cores up to a diameter of 4.2 m.
Luftbildaufnahme von Mitarbeitern des ILK, die die Buchstaben I, L und K bilden. © Sebastian Spitzer

Excellence in Lightweight Design

The Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) is a research institution of Technische Universität Dresden’s Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering and the "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transportation and Traffic Sciences.

Approximately 240 members of staff conduct comprehensive research and development projects in the field of resource-saving lightweight construction with high material and energy efficiency. Work at ILK is shaped by the Dresden model of “function-integrative system lightweight engineering in multi-material design” and is based on a cross-materials and cross-product approach. In the development of new concepts, processes and products, our scientists consider the entire development chain: material – construction – simulation – production – prototype testing – quality assurance – costs. ILK is run by a two-member executive board: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Maik Gude (Chair of Lightweight Systems Engineering and Multi Material Design) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Niels Modler (Chair of Function-integrative Lightweight Engineering, Board Spokesperson for the ILK).