Fraunhofer IPA @ Chulalongkorn University
About Ecoplate
What is ECOPLATE?
ECOPLATE increases energy efficiency in electroplating processes and plants, with an equal focus on the efficiency of materials. With ECOPLATE, Fraunhofer IPA and MMRI at Chulalongkorn University will establish a joint research and development (R+D) station in Bangkok. The station is developing long-term R+D strategies and projects, with a strong focus on the future needs of the electroplating industry.
Why electroplating?
Electroplating is the most widely used surface technology for metallic layers around the world. It is used in all industrial markets, including the machine building, automotive, aeronautics, consumer products, electronics and sanitary equipment industries. Because of the specific features and broad range of applications of electroplating, this technology has the potential to enhance efficiency in many areas. Together with the fact that there are only a few research groups dealing with electroplating around the world, this underlines the strategic importance of the cooperation between MMRI and IPA.
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA - Cooperation Partner
The ECOPLATE research station is built up in coorporation with IPA. Fraunhofer It is the largest research organization for applied research in Europe. As a part of Fraunhofer IPA the Department »Electroplating« covers all aspects concerning the entire industrial manufacturing chain – from the development of new plating materials and related process chains, through failure analysis, right up to the implementation of industrial systems engineering.
More Information: Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Chulalongkorn University - Cooperation Partner
The ECOPLATE research station was founded by and is located at the Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute (MMRI) at the renowned Chulalongkorn University. The MMRI, a leading metals and materials research institute in Thailand, has been an important partner of Fraunhofer IPA for many years. The common goal is to establish a sustainable, visible research presence in Asia.
More Information: Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute
DLR Project Management Agency (DLR-PT) - Funding Agency
Research, innovation and education – the DLR Project Management Agency has been providing an array of services to assist key decision-makers from government, science, industry and education for over 40 years. As designated worldwide partner, networking opportunities are opened up and international collaborations are encouraged. As part of DLR, the Project Management Agency is a key contributor to DLR’s ‘Science, Innovation and Education’ field of operations. (Source: DLR Projektträger)
More Information: DLR Project Management Agency (DLR-PT)
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) - Project Partner
The National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI) serves as the key agency in Thailand responsible for formulating strategic policies and frameworks for science, technology, and innovation. The office also facilitates academic, research and development collaborations across government agencies, academic institutes, research organizations and industry, both in Thailand and abroad, in order to enhance the country’s human resource development, technology management, and transfer, as well as its capacity for innovation. The STI provides funding and support for Chulalongkorn University and the Fraunhofer Institute IPA team in their efforts to promote the development of the Thailand Electroplating Professional Network (TEPNET).
More Information: Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
Thailand Electroplating Professional Network (TEPNET) - Project Partner
TEPNET is essentially a three-way collaboration between the surface finishing industry, research institutes and government agencies. It was established to increase the level of competitiveness and sustainability of the electroplating industry in Thailand in addition to strengthening the country’s electroplating industry as the regional leader in this area with the capacity to offer high quality services to global businesses (Source: WOTech GbR).
More Information: Thailand Electroplating Professional Network (TEPNET)
National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) - Project Partner
MTEC is a national research center in Thailand. The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), which forms part of the Ministry of Science and Technology (Thailand), is ultimately responsible for the overall management of the center. The overarching objectives of MTEC are to promote, support and coordinate research and development in the fields of polymers, metals, ceramics and related materials as well as encouraging collaborations among organizations active in the areas of research, education and technology.
More Information: National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC)
German Society for Electroplating and Surface Technology (DGO) - Project Partner
The DGO sees itself as a technology and science competence center for the whole industry. Its core focus is on launching and supporting research projects as the driving force behind technological innovations in addition to modern and contemporary further developments in industry-specific technologies on a continual basis.
More Information: German Society for Electroplating and Surface Technology (DGO)
Central Association for Surface Technology (ZVO) - Project Partner
The ZVO represents the interests of industry and trade contract electroplaters, in-house electroplaters, suppliers of raw materials and processes, component manufacturers and service providers of the DGO. Its member organizations are active in the field of surface finishing with metals or metallic compounds from fluid-based process media.
More Information: Central Association for Surface Technology (ZVO)
Thailand Research Fund (TRF) - Project Partner
Part of the government system, the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) is an organization based in Thailand that focuses on supporting the creation of a knowledge base in order to help tackle societal problems at both a local and national level. TRF’s main role is to assist researchers and to support the development of research-based knowledge by providing research grants and supporting research management (source: TRF). Together with the Fraunhofer Institute IPA team, Chulalongkorn University is a recipient of prestigious TRF-IRN (International Research Network) funding to implement research projects aimed at benefitting the electroplating industry.
More Information: Thailand Research Fund
Taiwan Surface Finishing Association (TSFA) - Project Partner
More Information: TSFA (More Information will be available from February 2019).
Korea Institute of Materials Sciene (KIMS) - Project Partner
The focus of the KIMS is to effectively support Korean industry through a technology support program. The KIMS also promotes research development and provides technical support to ensure the technological competitiveness and technical innovation of the Korean materials and components industry.
More Information: Korea Institute of Materials Sciene (KIMS)
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (French: HES-SO Valais-Wallis) - Project Partner
The Institute of Life Technologies is part of the School of Engineering at HES-SO Valais-Wallis. The team of around 70 professors, scientific and technical staff members offers a wide range of services, including consultancy, that fulfil the highest quality requirements.
More Information: University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland
