Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP

Director: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Valeske

Contact: Thomas Schwender

The Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP deals with the physical methods of non-destructive testing, the characterisation of materials and the control and monitoring of manufacturing processes and plant components.

In the industry, our work results are used wherever safety-related statements and quality proofs are required. Our methodical competence covers the physical process fundamentals, sensor technology, device construction, handling techniques, techniques for result evaluation and documentation as well as the qualification and validation of new test applications and test devices including device maintenance, training and test services.

The IZFP has been conducting research in the field of non-destructive testing in railway technology for about 30 years. On the basis of the research results, methods and systems have been developed especially for testing wheels in the field of manufacturing and for testing wheels and wheelset shafts on joined wheelsets in the field of light and heavy maintenance. These systems are intended to detect material defects, such as cracks, in wheels and wheelset shafts or to characterise the residual stress condition in the wheel rim of wheelsets with block brakes. In many cases, these systems were developed in cooperation with partners from other Fraunhofer Institutes and industry. They have proven themselves in tough industrial use, in production plants and maintenance plants at numerous customers in Germany and abroad.