Partnerships
The DOC® has built a network of partners for developing new coatings and coating technologies. The broad focus of the partnerships encompasses all aspects of product development.
ThyssenKrupp Steel
The DOC® can call on the services of the development departments of ThyssenKrupp Steel involved in surface engineering. The latest surface analysis and metallographic methods allow full coating characterization. Extensive application-related testing is carried out into forming and joining, including prototype production.
Fraunhofer project group
Cooperation partner Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has a project group working directly at the DOC®, comprising permanent staff seconded from the Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik (IWS) in Dresden and the Institut für Schicht- und Oberflächentechnik (IST) in Braunschweig. The project group’s work is focused on PVD, PACVD, spray coating and laser surface treatment.
Research institutes
The DOC® also makes use of know-how from basic research in its development efforts. Development projects are carried out with national and international research institutes. The DOC® has a very close partnership with the Max Planck Institute for Iron Research in Düsseldorf, covering a wide range of areas.
Universities
At the DOC®, students have the opportunity to learn about development work in a practical context. Numerous students have written their dissertations and theses at the DOC®. The DOC® maintains contacts with several universities, including Dortmund University and Dortmund University of Applied Sciences, Ruhr University Bochum and RWTH Aachen.
Customers and suppliers
For successful product development it is essential to have precise knowledge of customer requirements and include them in project work. For this reason the DOC® has entered into development partnerships with users of ThyssenKrupp Steel products. On the supplier side, the DOC® works closely with manufactures of pre-treatments, paints, adhesives and anticorrosion oils.