Optomechatronics Rapid Prototyping Center (Renewal)

• Subject Area: Mechanics and Constructive Mechanical Engineering
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578622700

Since it began operations in 2014, the Optomechatronics RP Center at the Institute for Product Development has been a central component of research in the field of additive manufacturing. In light of significant technological advances, the existing infrastructure is in urgent need of renewal and technological upgrading. Over the years, the existing equipment has continuously contributed to numerous scientific projects, including in the fields of additive repair and refurbishment, hydrogen energy, medical technology, and optomechatronic systems. The planned overhaul aims not only to ensure the operational safety and availability of the facility, but also to significantly improve its technological status. In particular, the current equipment will be upgraded to perform complex additive manufacturing tasks more precisely, reproducibly, and efficiently. The optimized facility will be equipped with advanced process control capabilities (real-time data acquisition and in-process camera) and improved accuracy to optimally support future research projects. The scientific use of the device is directly embedded in ongoing and planned projects aimed at innovative developments in optics and photonics, such as those pursued within the PhoenixD Cluster of Excellence. PhoenixD will continue into its second funding period starting in 2026, thus ensuring the relevance and need for state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hanover. In addition, the upgraded facility will also be used for projects dealing with the development of technologies for vibration damping or sustainable energy conversion. These projects benefit significantly from the versatility and precision of the Optomechatronics RP Center. Given its advanced operating time of over 10 years, downtime due to failures is high and maintenance options are severely limited. The renewal will contribute significantly to expanding the research capacities at the Institute for Product Development and strengthening the competitiveness of research at the international level.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Optomechatronik Rapid Prototyping-Zentrum (Erneuerung)
• Instrumentation Group: 5740 Laser in der Fertigung
• Applicant Institution: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Roland Lachmayer