Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
We develop solutions for the representation of complex forms made of flat glass products. With Fraunhofer IWM's technology, unmatched small bending radii can be realized within tight tolerances, and flat partial surfaces retain the very good surface quality of the flat glass product, allowing for contours made of glass to be created with very high precision.
New manufacturing processes and demands from designers and users alike have led to the increasing utilization of specially shaped glass parts. Until now, 3D forming of glass components has either been technically impossible or has led to (optical) blemishes on the glass surface. Although components can be formed by using molds, only relatively large radii can be realized this way. Investments in costly tools are only worthwhile for large quantities. At Fraunhofer IWM, flat glass bending addresses precisely this point by being able to bend glass three-dimensionally in tight radii quickly and without the need for costly mold construction.
