The Fraunhofer Institute in Aachen has two main fields of research, production technology and laser technology. Both technologies have much ground in common with the technical connections industry. For PIEK contact with the Fraunhofer Institute is self-evident, and it goes without saying that PIEK is monitoring all technological developments that will impact the technical connections industry. The recent visit has led to some interesting insights.<\/p>\n
Increasing communication between appliances and machines, the so-called Internet of things, will become a fact of life. Interaction between appliances, without human intervention, will be a common thing in our future. This will lead to safety becoming a key concern.<\/p>\n
Laser technology shows that ever more products can be created, and 3D print technology leads to really infinite possibilities. Having said this, 3D print technology is only economically viable for so-called niche products. Bulk goods will keep being produced in huge quantities by traditional methods.<\/p>\n
For Ben Walls, PIEK\u2019s Managing Director, the visit to the Fraunhofer Institute was an interesting experience. \u2018For PIEK it is important to be kept up to speed with the latest developments in the electronics industry. A visit to the Fraunhofer Institute is therefore logical. We will do this more often and explore how we can build on each other\u2019s strengths\u2019, says Ben Walls.<\/p>\n