Research Institute for Precious Metals and Metals Chemistry

The Research Institute for Precious Metals and Metals Chemistry (FEM)

Since more than 75 years the Research Institute for Precious Metals and Metals Chemistry (FEM) in Schwäbisch Gmünd / Germany is a well known independent non-university non-profit institution in the field of metallurgy, materials science and surface technology. Main aspects of our work are the application of different coating technologies (electrochemistry / electroplating, anodisation and lacquering of aluminium and PVD techniques) in combination with our extensive testing facilities for materials and coatings as well as for materials analyses.

Tasks

Research- Development - Measurements

Industrial research and development

• Commercial research to solve industrial problems in the field of surface technology
• Process development and optimization
• Adaption of existing processes for special applications

Application-related basic research funded by state and federal ministries and by the EC

• Development and modification of deposition processes and testing procedures
• Development of new alloys and coating systems

Service, consultancy, expertises

• Service measurements and analyses, environmental analyses
• Consultancies, process accompanying support
• Independent expertises and failure analyses
• Literature searches in online databases and in the internet

Technology transfer, cooperation with other research institutions

• Organisation of seminars and workshops for further vocational training
• Participation in different committees and working groups (e.g. standardisation, control, innovation)
• Possibilty for students to prepare their diploma and PhD theses