The Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden is one of the globally leading university research facilities operating along the entire textile process chain, and at the same time one of the largest and most efficient institutes of the University of Excellence in Dresden. Its main tasks are to offer excellent education to students and PhD candidates, to conduct fundamental research as well as industry-related projects, to consistently consolidate interdisciplinary cooperation with industrial and other types of research facilities, and to ensure the practical transfer of research results.

After passing fundamental mechanical engineering studies, students at the industry-related Technical University Dresden (TU) can choose to persue the field of study “Processing and Textile Machinery” as part of a mechanical engineering diploma course. In addition, the ITM offers an international master program named „Textile and Ready-to-Wear Technology“ focussing on „Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology“, which is a program suitable in particular for graduates of technical colleges wishing to qualify for a Master of Science degree. The ITM, entrusted with significant research activities, is also part of the textile-based education offered in the fields of lightweight construction and industrial engineering.

In order to successfully carry out various research projects, the ITM operates on a fully developed infrastructure with modern machine technology and equipment, which enables the rapid development of innovative technologies and products along the entire textile process chain. Research activities at the ITM are mainly focused on the fields of machinery, technology and product development (fiber composite materials, construction textiles, textile architecture, medical and bio-textiles, sensor network and functional textiles, ready-made products and preforming) and include, among others, the processing of fiber-based high-tech materials, in particular carbon, glass, aramide, steel and ceramic with a variety of different technologies, and the functionally integrated development of textile (semi-finished) products. In addition to these research activities, modeling and simulation of structures and processes along the entire textile process chain are conducted.

Research and education at the Chair of Development and Assembly of Textile Products comprises digital product and process chain development, joining technologies, and the development of ready-made machinery. Hence, we focus on the development of serial processess and the realization of individual products using state-of-the-art technology for sports, medical, and protective textiles as well as for automobile interiors, fibre-reinforced composites, and household textiles.

Further current research topics are:

• 3D-Scanning and surface reconstruction
• 4D-Scanning, capture of motion-data
• Kinematic human model
• Scalable 3D geometry models, automatic generation of 2D pattern cuts
• Simulation of loads (aerodynamical, thermophysiological simulation etc.)
• Additive manufacturing, Orthopaedic devices
• Handling and Gripping of textiles
• Automation and Robotisation of the sewing productison
• Thermal joining technique, Spacer Stitching
• Thermoactive textiles for indoors
• Digital haptic