The TH Mittelhessen is developing a machine that connects electronic components in a similar way to Velcro, together with its cooperation partner, the Darmstadt-based company NanoWired. Project managers are the professors Dr. Jochen Frey and Dr. Ubbo Ricklefs from the THM Competence Center for Nanotechnology and Photonics. The state of Hesse is funding the project with 455,000 euros.

NanoWired has developed an innovative process in which two components to be connected are coated with a "lawn" of nanowires and pressed together at room temperature. The reduction in the melting temperature of the metal caused by the nanostructure leads to partial welding of the wires and thus to a stable connection. Compared to conventional methods such as soldering or gluing, this "KlettWelding" has a number of advantages. It is suitable for many different materials. No heat is generated that would stress sensitive components. The electrical and thermal conductivity of the compound is very high.

So far, the process has worked in the laboratory. Complex scanning electron microscopy is required for quality control. In the project, the scientists want to develop a KlettWelding production machine that can be integrated into the industrial process of semiconductor and assembly manufacturing. In addition to production, a reliable quality assurance system plays a central role. The NanoWired lawn consists of tiny metallic wires, the structure of which is no longer visible under an optical microscope. "Nevertheless, optical measuring methods should be used for quality analysis if possible, since they work without contact and do not damage the wires," says Jochen Frey. Various techniques are possible for the test system, with which the THM researchers have already gained experience and which they want to adapt for the current project.

The cooperation partners expect that a demonstrator of the KlettWelding system will be available for industrial production immediately after the end of the project. NanoWired has been working with various companies in the chemical and semiconductor industries for some time.

The research project will run until the end of 2019 and has a total volume of almost 700,000 euros. It is supported as part of the Hessian "state offensive for the development of scientific and economic excellence" (LOEWE).