German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy visits BAM
Joint Press Release of BAM and BMWi
Berlin, 21/8/2018. The German federal minister for economic affairs and energy, Peter Altmaier, visited the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) in Berlin today. Together with BAM president Prof. Dr. Ulrich Panne, he signed a joint target agreement between the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and BAM. Strategic topics such as the digitalisation of the economy and society, the energy transition, nanotechnology and smart materials, and production technologies are just a few of the areas of research that BAM will be focusing on in the years to come.
During his visit to BAM headquarters, Altmaier toured several research departments and praised the work being done at BAM: “The research and development at BAM continue to lay the groundwork for innovations time and again. New technologies developed here contribute to the security of products “made in Germany”. Thus, BAM’s work strengthens German companies -- and mid-sized companies in particular -- so they can compete internationally.
Professor Panne added: “The goal of the research at BAM is to develop, test, and assess new materials, products, and processes so that they can be used safely and reliably. We thus help establish trust in innovative technical solutions. We also see ourselves as a research partner for the business community and aim to become more involved with start-ups in the future.
During his tour, the federal minister gained insight into a current research project focussing on offshore wind energy plants. This project places special emphasis on early detection of damage to energy plant components and development of suitable repair concepts to ensure safe, reliable operation over the long run. Components of wind energy plants are tested for this purpose at various testing stations. Another stop on the minister’s tour was the research project on 3D printing in zero gravity. BAM has developed an innovative procedure that makes it possible to produce metal tools in zero gravity using additive manufacturing. In the future, astronauts will be able to print replacement parts and tools as needed during missions in outer space. BAM also presented a new photothermal measuring process that can be used to check the corrosion protection of concrete structures without causing any damage. This non-destructive testing method makes the maintenance of structures more efficient. Mid-sized companies will benefit from these innovations by using them to offer new services and products.
After completing his tour, the federal minister of economic affairs and energy Altmaier took the time to speak with BAM employees.
Contact:
Venio Quinque, M.A., LL.M./LL.B.
Head of Section Corporate Communications
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM)
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin
GERMANY
T: + 49 30 8104-1002
F: + 49 30 8104-71002
presse@bam.de
www.bam.de
About BAM
BAM promotes safety in technology and chemistry.
As a departmental research institute of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, BAM performs research, testing and offers advisory support to protect people, the environment and material goods. Its activity in the fields of materials science, materials engineering and chemistry is focussed on the technical safety of products and processes.
BAM’s research is directed towards substances, materials, building elements, components and facilities as well as natural and technical systems important for the national economy and relevant to society. It also tests and assesses their safe handling and operation. BAM develops and validates analysis procedures and assessment methods, models and necessary standards and provides science-based services for the German industry in a European and international framework.
Safety creates markets.
BAM sets and represents high standards for safety in technology and chemistry for Germany and its global markets to further develop the successful German quality culture "Made in Germany“.