Research efforts in this area focus on logistics, materials science, and grinding in ultra-precision engineering. In all these areas, supervision is available for research-based projects and degree theses as well as cooperative doctoral dissertations.
The ultra-precision technology core area is the main focus of the Centre for Grinding Technology and Ultra-Precision Engineering (Kompetenzzentrum für Schleiftechnologie und Feinstbearbeitung – KSF). The KSF website provides further information about research activities. The institute's topics and activities include:

  • Research projects on process optimisation, grinding, and ultra-precision technology
  • Tool development
  • Machine tool development
  • International contacts and cooperation with other research institutes around the world.

The logistics core area focuses on the planning, control, and monitoring of goods flows within and between companies. Operations research methods, modelling tools, and simulation techniques are used to model the logistics processes under investigation. Resources and remit of the logistics area include:

  • Study and research projects
  • A logistics lab equipped with simulation tools (plant simulation), modelling tools (ARIS), and an advanced planning system (SAP SCM)
  • The opportunity to participate in a joint PhD programme with Plymouth University (UK)

The materials science core area deals with material properties optimisation, component layout, and damage science. The focus is on metallic as well as ceramic and polymer materials used in the metal and electronics industries but also in medical engineering. Research priorities focus on materials development and related manufacturing processes. Activities include:

  • The production of functional surfaces
  • Metallography and damage science
  • Materials testing and analysis (REM, EDX, US, x-ray diffractometry, dilatometry, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity analysis)
  • Materials development
  • Biomedical materials
  • Simulation and thermodynamic calculations