Research

At KTmfk, we often faced this challenge — especially when trying to reuse and communicate tolerancing approaches across disciplines in research and industry projects. After three years of collaboration, we are happy to share the results in our latest publication. We introduce a holistic descripti...

The KTmfk took part in SheMet25 in Paderborn from March 31 to April 3. SheMet is an international scientific conference that focuses on current developments, methods and applications in sheet metal processing and forming technology. The KTmfk was represented by a scientific paper by Jonathan-Markus ...

From 2nd to 4th April 2025, the 35th CIRP DESIGN CONFERENCE took place at the University of Patras in Greece. KTmfk contributed with two scientific papers and was represented by Jessica Pickel, Marc Behringer and Prof. Sandro Wartzack. The presented topics included an overview on the use of ontologi...

Preliminary design decisions shape a product’s entire lifecycle, yet freehand sketching remains disconnected from digital workflows. Our study explores natural VR modeling as a viable alternative, enabling intuitive, CAD-compatible 3D modeling. A controlled user study compared VR modeling and sketch...

Developing user-centered products requires a careful balance between usability and emotional design. While usability ensures efficiency and intuitive handling, emotional design shapes user perception and acceptance. But what factors influence this interaction? A recent systematic literature review i...

Our new annual report is out and offers an exciting journey through 2024. This year has been particularly special for the Chair of Engineering Design (KTmfk) as we celebrated 40 years of innovation and growth. The research report provides exclusive insights into our current projects and key highl...

The ability to perform coordinated movements is a central factor in people's everyday lives. However, various events, such as trauma, strokes, etc., can damage the nerve structures and thus cause motor disorders. The lower leg muscles are frequently affected, resulting in a pathophysiological moveme...

Researchers from the Institute of Engineering Design (KTmfk) have published a novel method for improving infill structures in additive manufacturing in the journal Materials. The article, entitled A New Slicer-Based Method to Generate Infill Inspired by Sandwich-Patterns for Reduced Material Consump...

The use of components made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is steadily increasing. With these higher quantities, variation management during product development is becoming increasingly important. In this study, artificial fiber misalignment has been introduced into the outer plies of tens...

Lightweight design is particularly important in the aviation industry. Therefore, the exploration of new lightweight potential is being strongly promoted in this sector. Potentials arise, for example, from the use of lightweight materials and the optimal structural-mechanical design of parts. This ...