The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS conducts applied research on high-performance ceramics. The institute‘s three sites in Dresden and Hermsdorf (Thuringia), Germany, collectively represent Europe‘s largest R&D institute dedicated to the study of ceramics. As a research and technology service provider, the Fraunhofer IKTS develops advanced high-performance ceramic materials, industrial manufacturing processes as well as prototype components and systems in complete production lines up to the pilot-plant scale. In addition, the research portfolio also includes materials diagnostics and testing. The test procedures in the fields of acoustics, electromagnetics, optics and microscopy contribute substantially to the quality assurance of products and plants. The institute operates in eight market-oriented business divisions in order to demonstrate and qualify ceramic technologies and components as well as non-destructive testing methods for new industries, product concepts and markets within and beyond the established fields of application. Industries addressed include ceramic Materials and Processes, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Electronics and Microsystems, Energy, Environmental and Process Engineering, Bio- and Medical Technology, Optics as well as Materials and Process Analysis.