Research projects

Worldwide, there is increasing demand for glass components in increasingly technically sophisticated shapes and thicknesses. The equipment currently used to manufacture such 3D-formed glass is reaching its process-related limitations. Vitrum Technologies' innovative machines and processes enable the previously unattainable commercial mass production of complex glass components and optics.

EffiMaIR – Efficient machine technology for mass forming of high-precision optics using the example of infrared glasses

Complex optical components are essential for many mass applications:

  • Cameras and imaging systems
  • Sensor and automation solutions
  • Semiconductors and optoelectronics
  • Laser and quantum technology

In these markets, the demand for infrared optics is particularly increasing.

Aim of the project

The aim of the project is to develop efficient machine technology for the mass production of optical components through forming, using infrared glass as an example. The core aspect of the innovation is the application of a novel temperature control method – hybrid precision molding. The project aims to establish a demonstration line for the mass production of high-precision optics. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) will serve as an R&D competence center for the development of new intelligent forming processes.

The EffiMaIR project is funded by the European Union and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia within the framework of the ERDF/JTF program NRW 2021-2027.

Funding reference: ERDF-20800193

DigiGlas - Digitalization of glass optics production


Optical components, such as aspherical lenses or mirror substrates, are used in numerous high-tech fields such as photonics, the semiconductor sector, and the automotive industry. Currently, these glass lenses are manufactured in Germany using grinding and polishing, which is characterized by long cycle times and a high ecological footprint.


Aim of the project

To produce lenses sustainably in the former coal-mining region of the Rhineland, solutions for ecological and cost-efficient production are needed. This is made possible by a digitalization concept in which the pressing process is optimized using a hybrid model (combining data-driven models and simulation models). To implement the solution concept, a server structure and demo line are being set up at the Alsdorf site.


The DigiGlas project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the DigiRess II program.

 MirrorScale - Scalable forming technologies for high-precision mirror substrates

High-precision mirror substrates are required in a variety of high-tech applications:

  • Wolter telescopes (a special version of an X-ray telescope)
  • Cassegrain reflectors (used in optical telescopes and radio antennas)
  • Adaptive telescope systems Mirrors for quantum communication
  • Mirrors for laser applications

Currently, demands on component size and precision are increasing. Conventional manufacturing processes such as grinding and polishing are reaching their scaling limits.

Aim of the project

The concrete goals are:

  • Construction of a pilot plant for the production of mirror substrates by hot forming
  • Development of a hot forming process for mirror substrates
  • 70% cost savings compared to conventional manufacturing processes
  • Development of a cost-effective and sustainable production platform in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
  • Time-to-market for new applications within eight weeks

The MirrorScale project is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the Rhineland region program.