About us
Access e.V. is a non-profit, independent research institute in Aachen. Founded in 1986 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University, it is now a renowned center for materials research and innovative manufacturing processes, especially for metallic materials. In its own TechCenter, casting production routes and materials are developed and qualified for a wide range of industrial applications. Digital technologies, which are developed as independent simulation tools and can be integrated into virtual process chains, are a cross-sectional topic. The thematic and methodological diversity serves to implement specific customer requirements quickly and in a targeted manner and to master the major social challenges together.
Access is a member of the Zuse community
The Zuse Association represents the interests of independent, privately organized research institutes. More than 70 institutes across Germany belong to the association, which is open to all technologies and industries. As a practical and creative source of ideas for German SMEs, they translate scientific findings into applicable technologies and thus prepare the ground for innovations that make German SMEs successful worldwide.
Our locations
Access e.V. Head office
Founded in 1986
RWTH Area: 1200 m²
- Administration
- Research laboratories
- Workshops
- Analytics and quality control
- Microstructure and process simulation
Access e.V. TechCenter
Jülicher Strasse 322
Founded in 2000
Commercial space: 4200 m²
- Prototype development and small series production
- Pilot plants for various casting processes
- Production of ceramic molds
- Material development
- Heat treatment
Access e.V. Cottbus
Vetschauer Str. 13
03048 Cottbus
Founded in 2021
- Process simulation
- Process acceleration investment casting
- Additive pattern and mold shell production for investment casting
Our locations
Access e.V. Head office
Founded in 1986
RWTH Area: 1200 m²
- Administration
- Research laboratories
- Workshops
- Analytics and quality control
- Microstructure and process simulation
Access e.V. TechCenter
Jülicher Strasse 322
Founded in 2000
Commercial space: 4200 m²
- Prototype development and small series production
- Pilot plants for various casting processes
- Production of ceramic molds
- Material development
- Heat treatment
Our business areas
Basics of solidification
Experimental verification and further development of solidification and material models.
Microstructure simulation
Spatially and time-resolved simulation of microstructural evolution in multicomponent and multiphase alloys based on the phase field method.
Material development
Material development for conventional, additive and hybrid manufacturing processes.
Process simulation
Simulation of casting and additive manufacturing processes with a focus on fluid dynamics, thermomechanics and solidification physics.
Process development & prototype manufacturing
Aerospace-compliant production and qualification of machined casting prototypes and small series in a wide range of alloys.
Material characterization
Quality control as well as microstructure and texture analysis using 2D and 3D high-resolution imaging techniques.
