Materials are needed to produce technically relevant components. The mechanical, physical and chemical properties as well as the internal structure determine their usage properties and application possibilities. The characterization of the materials is carried out with the help of analytical methods such as the light microscope, the scanning electron microscope with EDX unit, an XRF and a spark spectrometer. Mechanical parameters are determined by means of tensile testing, notched bar impact testing, hardness measurements and tribology.

The laboratory serves to train students in the fundamentals of materials engineering for all courses of study. In addition to carrying out bachelor and master theses, the laboratory is of course strongly integrated into the lectures and practical courses of the master's degree "Materials Technology in Mechanical Engineering". One focus is on damage analysis of metallic components. In addition, various research and industrial projects are scientifically accompanied and carried out.