Applus+ IMA

Applus+ IMA Dresden was founded in 1993 in Dresden (Germany) and has been part of Applus+ Laboratories, a division of the Applus+ Group, since May 2021.

An internationally recognized testing, monitoring and certification body, Applus+ IMA aids manufacturers throughout their entire supply chains. This renowned lab serves diverse industries, including aerospace, railroad, automotive, e-mobility, medical devices, wind power, piping systems and building products.

Applus+ IMA Accreditations

Applus+ IMA’s testing laboratories count on DAkkS accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 standards and are authorized to modify and develop testing procedures.
In aerospace, Applus+ IMA Dresden has NADCAP accreditation with merit status to conduct both Metallic Materials and Non-Metallic Materials Testing

In addition, it holds accreditations and recognitions specifically relevant to construction products testing and medical devices testing.

Applus+ IMA Dresden‘s quality management system is certified according to DIN EN 9100 and ISO 14001 environmental management system.

Applus+ IMA Services

Wherever strength, validation or material characteristics are involved, Appus+ IMA joins forces in testing standards, approval tests and experimental investigations. Thanks to our more than 10,000 sqm of testing space in certified and accredited testing laboratories, we can test, simulate and calculate. Our service offer includes:

Mechanical testing of structures and components

Static and dynamic testing, simulation and calculation from small components to large, complex structures. Applus+ IMA develops test programs and specifications, according to standards or specifications.

Whether for proof of service life, strength, quality, safety or accreditation approval.
These tests experiment with various influences on strength by comparing material use and design principles and verifying calculation methods.

Materials testing for plastics, composites and metals

Preparation and execution of material tests for standardization and certification, this includes specimen manufacturing as well as laminates in the field of plastics and composites.

Determination and stressability of material properties compounds or hybrid material combinations. This process includes static, cyclic and dynamic tests; physical, mechanical, thermal and chemical tests, as well as static long-term tests and fatigue tests.

Simulation and strength assessments

Numerical and experimental verification of components and structures using the finite element method to perform virtual stress, reliability and strength verifications. This is complemented through streamlined material modeling for CAE, an efficient process to consistently deliver accurate results.

Calculation and evaluation, using load assumptions and real component strength. Variables such as stress, deformation and stability are measured through static and dynamic analysis.

This process is based on the finite element method (FEM), in which components are dimensioned or optimized in mass and shape. This allows experts to understand how much dynamic loading a structure can withstand, which dimensioning achieves the best strength values, and how o natural vibration and resonance behavior affect structural strength.

Measurement runs in the rail vehicle sector

Approval tests, calculations and simulations. When it comes to structural optimization in problem cases, stresses are recorded by measurements, tests and continuous monitoring conducted under ongoing operations.

Under operating conditions, mechanical and electrical measurements are carried out under static and dynamic loads. Complete measurement chains for process adaptation can also be installed for damage analysis and product optimization.

Environmental simulation (climatic and vibration)

Real external influences such as vibrations, shocks, cold, heat, humidity, spray water or dust are simulated on vibration tables and in climatic chambers.

Mechanical vibrations or impact loads are transferred to materials and components under real and extreme conditions to determine functional performance and lifetime.

Electrical testing

Applus+ IMA tests electronic, electrical and electromechanical parts, components and systems to ensure functionality, quality, safety and compliance with the various technical specifications.

In the high-performance field, connector, switchgear and switchgear combinations are tested through short-circuit tests, comparing operating behaviour to insulation and service life tests.