The Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) has commissioned its “DRYplatform” in Dresden. The system is based on the instituteʼs proprietatry DRYtraec process – a dry coating technology for battery electrodes which does not require solvents and eliminates the need for energy-intensive drying steps. Funded with 3.7 million euros by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the platform is intended to accelerate the transition from research to industrial application.
Testing of materials, systems, and properties
DRYplatform includes a multi-room concept for humidity control, mixers for powder processing, cell testing equipment, and networked digital analytics. According to the institute, this combination enables precise evaluation and rapid scaling of material-related processes. The project is aimed at companies along the entire battery production value chain, allowing them to test materials, trial equipment, or evaluate electrochemical properties.
Focus also on next-gen batteries
The focus is on developing market-oriented applications for current and future battery types, including solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. To implement the technology on a larger scale, Fraunhofer IWS is collaborating with partners such as the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, which plans to commission a pilot plant with DRYtraec technology in 2025. The platform is also intended to strengthen Germanyʼs position as a business location. Transferring technology from publicly funded research to industrial processes is intended to keep value creation and know-how within the country.
