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Liezen

MurauJudenburg

Mürzzuschlag

Knittelfeld

Leoben

Brucka.d. Mur

Deutsch-landsberg

Graz-Umgebung

Voitsberg

Leibnitz

BadRadkersburg

Feldbach

Hartberg

Fürsten-feld

Weiz

Graz

Active Technology TransferBIOGAScompetentRENEWABLE ImpulsesIdea FactoryINNOVITALNANONET-StyriaIntegrated Motor and Drive ConceptsRINO VERETEMPESTTechnology Axis Graz - MariborTrigon-designboxASIMEFoodControlFree SoftwareHigh efficient LED (HEL)Inerting of Fly AshInnovative Wire CoatingInnovatorsFood SafetyConversion of Martensite LayerMulti-Material ComponentsMYCONEXNanoTICOPTIVAP

POEM 2RTOETANNO meets GEMINITIBMobile Articulated-Arm Measurement

2 TECHNOFIT Projects - Overview

3Table of Contents

TECHNOFIT Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Sustainable Innovation through ActiveTechnology Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

BIOGAScompetent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

RENEWABLE Impulses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Idea Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

INNOVITAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

NANONET-Styria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Integrated Motor and Drive Concepts forPumps and Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

RINO VERE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

TEMPEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Technology Axis Graz - Maribor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Trigon-designbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

ASIME - Acoustics Simulation and Measurement . . . . . . . . .16

FoodControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Free Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

High efficient LED (HEL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Inerting and Removal of Fly Ash fromWaste Incineration Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Innovative Wire Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Innovators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Food Safety - New Method of Analysis forFood Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Plasma-Supported Conversion of Martensite Layer . . . . . . .24

Multi-Material Components of Wood and Plastic . . . . . . . . .25

MYCONEX - An Expert System for Food Mycology – Phase 1, Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

NanoTIC - Analysis of Signal Substances in the Human Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

OPTIVAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

POEM 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

RTOE - Reliability Test System for Organic Electronics . . . . .30

TANNO meets GEMINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

TIB - Technology Initiative Green Bio-Refinery . . . . . . . . . . .32

Mobile Articulated-Arm Measurement with Optical Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Outlook and Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

4

To ensure that the Land can maintain its

leading edge in technology, the program

TECHNOFIT 2002 – 2004 was launched. It

enabled the development of new projects,

processes, methods and services in Styria,

in which numerous sources of know-how

(universities, extra-university research ins-

titutions, small- and medium-sized enter-

prises) were involved.

The program was intended to enhance the

competitiveness of Styrian business and to

foster technological innovation in structu-

rally weak regions. Therefore the program

chiefly targeted Objective-2 regions in

Styria. All in all, 29 projects were realized

in the framework of two packages of mea-

sures (finding and evaluating ideas and sel-

ecting and implementing them).

TECHNOFIT was co-financed by the Euro-

pean Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The TECHNOFIT program was subsidized

with a total amount of e 4 million, with

e 2.8 being contributed by the European

Regional Development Fund. The total costs

of the program amounted to approx. e 7

million.

TECHNOFIT - Innovation Thrust in Styria

Styria has established itself as an excellent business location, and numerous innovative and efficient enterprises have meanwhile established their headquarters here.

5

The project supported small- and medi-

um-sized enterprises (SMEs) in innova-

tion projects whose main emphasis is on

environmental products, processes and ser-

vices. The assistance provided ranged from

the analysis of products and market strate-

gies and the negotiation and employment

of innovative measures to support in rese-

arch and technology transfer as well as the

search for experts for certain problems and

the acquisition of know-how and for coo-

peration partners. Furthermore, guidance

was offered during the first stages of imple-

mentation.

All these services could be provided thanks

to the coordinated approach of the 4 pro-

ject partners, who were able to draw from

a pool of innovation experts and expertise

in a variety of fields. If needed, the advice

of additional experts was sought. As a

result, new research projects were develo-

ped and planned, involving SMEs together

with their scientific partners. Some of the-

se are already in the stage of implementa-

tion.

Sustainable Innovation through ActiveTechnology TransferResearch and development for companies focusing on the environment

M E A S U R E 1

Project volume: 180,771 e

Total subsidy: 135,578 e

Project sponsors:TU Graz/Forschungs- und Technologieinformation,Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/For-schungsplanung, Technologieberatung & Projekt-management, Montanuniversität Leoben/Außen-institut, Quintessenz Organisationsberatung GmbHContact:DI Christoph Adametz, tel. (0316) 873-8393, [email protected],Schlögelgasse 9/III, 8010 Graz

6

M E A S U R E 1

Environmentally friendly and, at the

same time, efficient biogas plants are

in vogue and are increasingly resorted to as

alternatives to fossil fuel plants. It is there-

fore all the more important that manufac-

turers and designers be informed about the

state of the art of this technology.

The aim of the project was to prepare a trai-

ning program together with Austrian

experts for Styrian biogas producers and

planners tailored to the needs of a modern

biogas plant.

A first pilot training course was held for

several biogas experts. Based on this first

experience, the program was improved and

adjusted to the actual needs.

The program should serve as model which

can be applied in all of Austria as well as

abroad in neighboring countries, especially

in the new EU member countries and can-

didate countries. Plans therefore aim at

adapting the program to international stan-

dards.

BIOGAScompetent

Optimal conditions for Styria’s biogas scene



Project sponsors:Lokale Energieagentur Oststeiermark

Contact:Ing. Karl Puchas, tel. (03152) 8575-500, fax (03152) 8575-510, [email protected],Auersbach 130, 8330 Feldbach

7

The aim of the project was to economi-

cally exploit the research results that

had evolved from the research efforts pro-

moted by the Land of Styria. To this end, the

Network Öko-Energie Steiermark (Noest)

set 3 impulses, which encouraged innova-

tive and economic projects.

“Impulse A” sought to improve the transfer

of knowledge between research and busin-

ess communities. About 150 researchers

and representatives of SMEs met in 5 “Ener-

gy Lunches” to network shared areas of ac-

tivities. As a result, 90 percent of the sub-

sidies that were allocated had foreseeable

benefits for Styria’s economy.

“Impulse B” tried to identify new fields of

activities for entrepreneurs. Newsletters, PR

activities, lectures, the competition ‘Energy

Globe Styria’, joint appearances at trade

fairs and new forms of cooperation created

a new spirit of innovation among Styrian

SMEs.

“Impulse C” explored areas and activities

that were thought to be particularly eligible

for subsidies. The resulting sectors ‘Biogas’

and ‘Small Power Plants’ have already been

communicated and implemented.

RENEWABLE Impulses

A fresh spirit among Styrian utility companies



Project sponsors:LEV - Landesenergieverein Steiermark

Contact:Bernhard Puttinger, tel. (0316) 877-4562, fax (0316) 877-3391, [email protected],www.noest.or.at, Burggasse 9/II, 8010 Graz

8

M E A S U R E 1

The aim of the project to provide entre-

preneurs with a “Method Suitcase”,

which should help them to overcome clas-

sical obstacles to innovation and which

should be applicable in companies. The

“Method Suitcase” was not only intended

for SMEs, but should serve as a valuable tool

for young graduates and potential founders

of new companies. It contained informati-

on gathered in the “Idea Factory” in the

course of workshops and training courses

during 800 man days of training. The pro-

ducts to be turned out by the Idea Factory

were advanced methods and tools to

accompany innovations. These included,

inter alia, information on how to develop

strategies, patent law, statistical test plan-

ning, assessment of ideas as well as analy-

ses of methods and classical creativity

techniques, in particular new techniques as

applied successfully in the development

departments of international corporations,

such as the “contradiction-oriented inno-

vation strategy”. In a number of additional

events, new trends, opportunities and po-

tential risks were presented.

Idea Factory

With the “Method Suitcase” to innovative success



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH

Contact:DI Clemens Schinagl, tel. (0316) 876-1124 and (0316) 8769-1124, [email protected],www.joanneum.at, Steyrergasse 17, 8010 Graz

9

In order to compete favorably on the free

market, it takes innovative minds and

innovative actions. The aim of the project

INNOVITAL was to develop a manual to help

SMEs to enhance their innovative perfor-

mance. It starts out with developing an idea

and its assessment, proceeds with feasibili-

ty studies to evaluate the results and leads

to the choice of necessary steps to be taken

when finding new or better products.

Based on this modular concept, SMEs

should be able to carry out product finding

and evaluation processes by themselves.

This was the idea underlying the 90-page

innovation manual, which was prepared by

the Project Sponsors together with re-

presentatives of SMEs and which has alrea-

dy been used successfully on a trial basis by

several pilot companies.

INNOVITAL - A Manual Full of Help for Innovative PlansSmall- and medium-sized companies are always faced with new challenges.



Project sponsors:Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz/Institut für Inno-vations- und Umweltmanagement, TU Graz/AGfür Industriebetriebslehre und Innovationsfor-schung, Technologietransferzentrum Leoben

Contact:DI Dr. Stefan Vorbach, tel. (0316) 380-3235 and -3238, fax (0316) 380-9585, [email protected],Universitätsstraße 15, 8010 Graz

10

M E A S U R E 1

The aim of the project was to set up and

to develop further NANONET-Styria,

Austria’s largest regional network for nano-

technology. To this end, 2 modules were

employed. The first module was geared to

pooling existing expertise and to improving

cooperation in the field of bio-nanotech-

nology.

Special emphasis was placed on the esta-

blishment of the network BioNanoNet,

which was focused on developments in the

pharmaceutical and medical sector. The

second module concentrated on public

relations work with measures ranging from

the attendance and organization of regio-

nal, national and international events to

activities in the media. It was not least

owing to this project that Styria turned out

to be Austria’s most successful Land in the

1st call for proposals for the Austrian NANO-

Initiative. The project has been so succes-

sful that the “NANONET-Styria Network

Activities 2004 - 2006” will be subsidized

as a follow-up project by the Austrian

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Labor and

the Styrian Future Fund.

NANONET-Styria

Styrian nanotechnology on the advance -and of interest for everyone



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH

Contact:DI Helmut Wiedenhofer, tel. (0316) 876-1160,[email protected],Dr. Frank Sinner, tel. (0316) 876-1130, [email protected], www.joanneum.at,Steyrergasse 17, 8010 Graz,Auenbruggerplatz 20/3, 8036 Graz

11

Pumps, fans, mixers, chillers and com-

pressors are used in a large variety of

applications. The ambitious goal of this pro-

ject was to completely redesign the mar-

ket. This was to be achieved by a new com-

bination of hydraulics, electronics and me-

chatronics. The implementation was a coll-

aborative effort between the Project Spon-

sor and 6 medium-sized Styrian companies.

Together, solutions to current problems as

well as novel ideas, from which new pro-

ducts were to evolve, were sought. During

subsequent inquiries conducted among the

operators of such machine systems, propo-

sals were examined, with special emphasis

on exploring their acceptance among cur-

rent and potential customers. Furthermore,

they were to be investigated for their tech-

nical feasibility. This brought on board new

cooperation partners with overlapping

interests. The result of the project is a choi-

ce of new machine systems for which per-

formance specifications have been defined

together with a development plan. Based

on these data, development projects can be

started immediately.

Integrated Motor and Drive Concepts for Pumps and FansNew machine technology



Project sponsors:TU Graz/Institut für HydraulischeStrömungsmaschinen

Contact:DI Christian Hermann, DI Klaus Senfter, tel. (0316) 873-7574,[email protected],Kopernikusgasse 24, 8010 Graz

12

M E A S U R E 1

The aim of the project RINO VERE was to

foster economic development in Styria’s

so-called Volcano Region. More than 40

ideas to refine local resources were collec-

ted within one year, and 20 of them were

analyzed in more detail. The objective was

to translate ideas into practice to return a

profit.

The service offered by RINO VERE started

with an analysis of the company. Then,

based on the description of the ideas, ways

of implementation were sought as well as

structures, complemented and assisted by

a rough cost and business plan and recom-

mendations on financing and eligible sub-

sidies.

In order to put the project on a broader

basis, it was managed together with Styrian

know-how sources (Graz University of

Technology, Joanneum Research, extra-

university research institutions) and regio-

nal development institutions (Styrian

Volcano Region, Eco-Cluster Upper

Styria).The project created more than 40

new jobs, more than the 18 that had been

defined initially as project goal.

RINO VERE

A regional innovation network to refine local resources



Project sponsors:Verein zur Förderung des Steirischen Vulkanlandes

Contact:DI Dr. Christian Krotscheck, tel. (03152) 8575-300,[email protected],Dörfl 2, 8330 Kornberg

13

New products open up new production

methods within which interesting op-

portunities present themselves time and

again to companies active in the materials

sectors.

To exploit this potential for Styrian SMEs,

the project TEMPEST was initiated, with the

main focus on finding new products and on

improving existing product lines. Support

was granted to 15 select SMEs from the

materials industry, whose innovation pro-

cesses were accompanied and examined for

their technical feasibility. The methods

applied included analyzing procedures to

determine the actual situation, structured

problem descriptions and idea-finding

methods according to TRIZ. In each partici-

pating company 2 to 3 useful ideas were

identified. These were analyzed by experts

and developed further so that a research

project can follow immediately. This war-

rants sustainability of the project results.

TEMPEST

Technical progress calls for ever new special materials and tools.



Project sponsors:Montanuniversität Leoben/Außeninstitut

Contact:DI Jürgen Jantschgi and Mag. Wolfgang Schabereiter, tel. (03842) 46010-11,[email protected], [email protected],Peter-Tunner-Straße 27, 8700 Leoben

14

M E A S U R E 1

The target group was SMEs, and these

should be motivated to join forces with

universities and extra-university instituti-

ons in the field of research. The aim was to

step up research efforts and to encourage

development in the region as well as to

promote technology and know-how trans-

fer between research and production.

To this end, the existing infrastructure for

research and development as well as fields

of research and technology that had been

emphasized so far were analyzed in the

districts of Leibnitz, Bad Radkersburg and

Deutschlandsberg in a first step. This was

followed by 36 interviews to identify the

potential for innovation. Intensive counse-

ling by experts then led to pilot projects,

and events and workshops resulted in a new

approach to innovative processes. Conse-

quently, 29 concrete projects or project ide-

as evolved. These took shape in 12 short

counseling sessions. Ultimately, 4 major

technology transfer projects materialized

and were implemented.

Technology Axis Graz-MariborBased on the motto “boundless ideas for near-border regions”, the pro-ject “Technology Axis” focused on the region to the south of Graz.



Project sponsors:Technologieachse Graz-Maribor Ges. n. b. R.

Contact:Peter Perkonigg, tel. (0316) 7093-204, [email protected],www.technologieachse.com, Nikolaiplatz 2, 8020 Graz

15

This Technofit project had set itself the

goal to increase the acceptance of con-

temporary design as a means of enhancing

competitiveness. The first phase of the pro-

ject was intended to acquaint Styrian SMEs

with the idea of design in general and of

industrial design in particular as a compe-

titive factor. Threshold companies should be

motivated to use design more intensely as

a competitive factor, to emphasize existing

products in the contest for market shares

and to develop new products featuring a

new design. For this purpose, the Trigon-

designbox was sent to Styrian enterprises.

During this tour through Styria, some 1000

entrepreneurs could be contacted directly

and personally in 7 events. The subsequent

“fast forward” design competition” encou-

raged 240 companies to think about the use

of design. A design catalogue was handed

out to the visitors of the event. The 2300

copies issued in total are meanwhile out of

print. A 16-page supplement to a newspa-

per with a circulation of 320,000 copies

served as additional information material

and drew attention to industrial design.

Trigon-designbox

The Trigon-designbox is an industrial container that has been speciallyadapted and includes everything needed for a successful event.



Project sponsors:Perform Design Dienstleistungs- undOrganisations GmbH

Contact:DI Wolfdieter Dreibholz,tel. (0676) 3080076,[email protected], www.designstiftung.at,Grabenstraße 23, 8010 Graz

16

M E A S U R E 2

Music, conversation, noise are expres-

sions of acoustic information. The

aim of the project was to assess and opti-

mize acoustic properties early on. The beha-

vior of these acoustic stimuli in a room

depends on the nature and constitution of

the materials used. Simulation programs

make it possible to assess acoustic quali-

ties already before realization. ASIME

should develop a measuring system which

greatly enhances the efficiency of existing

simulation programs by making acoustic

simulation programs measurable. Acoustic

parameters, such as absorption and diffusi-

vity of a material, are decisive for the acou-

stic quality of a room. With the help of ASI-

ME systems, it is now possible to determi-

ne the acoustic properties of materials al-

ready installed on site and to predict them

with high precision via simulation pro-

grams. ASIME should be employed chiefly

outside of laboratories and make it possible

to offer material testing for acoustic pro-

perties as a service.

ASIME - Acoustics Simulation and MeasurementWith ASIME towards more quality in the field of acoustics - new measuring systems make it possible



Project sponsors:Technisches Büro rohde-jegger acoustics,Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH,TU Graz/Institut für Breitbandkommunikation

Contact:DI Thorsten Rohde, tel. (0664) 76 55 212 andtel./fax (0316) 67 21 53, [email protected],www.rja.at, Weidweg 9, 8051 Graz

17

When foodstuffs are stored for an

extended period, they will perish

with time. This is why they are often pack-

aged in the absence of oxygen, which allo-

ws meat, fish, hamburgers, nuts, sausages,

beverages and many more products to be

stored for a longer period of time. This kind

of packaging is widely used in the USA,

South America, Western Europe as well as

in many Asian countries.

However, an oxygen-free or at least low-

oxygen environment cannot always be gua-

ranteed, which may impair quality and, in

the worst case, even completely ruin a pro-

duct. In the course of FoodControl, a new

method was developed, which allows deter-

mination of the oxygen content of packed

food without damaging the packaging and

thus rendering its content unfit for con-

sumption. The quality of foodstuffs can now

be tracked and checked along the entire

production chain.

FoodControl

The quality of packaged food often deteriorates sooner than anticipated.FoodControl reveals shortcomings along the production chain.



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/Institut für chemische Prozessentwicklung und Kontrolle

Contact:Dr. Volker Ribitsch, tel. (0316) 876-12 20 and(0316) 876-12 30, [email protected],www.joanneum.at,Steyrergasse 17, 8010 Graz

18

M E A S U R E 2

Simple clarity instead of confusing com-

plexity! A completely new approach,

guided by what is necessary, was adopted.

In a survey, Graz University of Technology

identified those server functions truly nee-

ded by Styrian enterprises. Idata built the

“Erzherzog-Johann-Server” (EJS) and had

the suitability of this prototype confirmed

by TU laboratory tests, whereby EJS was

able to prove its qualities by emerging as

the winner in terms of installation time.

Sustained reliability instead of permanent

updates! Thus, the Styrian business com-

munity has now at its disposal this LINUX

server for installation by their EDP provi-

ders. Everybody interested is welcome to

participate in this project.

For further information please see the pro-

ject website: www.ejs.at.

Free Software

Under the code name “Erzherzog-Johann-Server”, a server prototypewas developed for Styrian SMEs on the basis of free software.



Project sponsors:IDATA GmbH,IT Konzeptions- und Realisierungs GmbH

Contact:DI Franz Josef Suppanz, tel. (0699) 154 154 12and (0316) 574 606-50, [email protected],www.idata.at, Heinrich-Heine-Straße 40, 8020 Graz

19

Illumination technology is currently still

dominated by 2 systems: The incandes-

cent lamp with a poor light efficiency - 90

percent of the energy is converted into heat

- and the fluorescent lamp - admittedly

with a better light efficiency, but an emis-

sion spectrum which makes colors no lon-

ger appear natural.

A similar problem was inherent in LEDs. For

a long time it was impossible to produce

pure white light. It is only since the mid-

80s that it has been possible to generate a

whitish sensation of color by combining the

LED-created radiation with the lumines-

cent radiation of the LED cover, which was

provided with a special conversion layer.

The objective of HEL was to use organic pig-

ments bound in the matrix for color con-

version to offer an alternative to the pro-

blem of defined and consistent application

of the conversion layer and, at the same

time, to optimize the quality of color repro-

duction.

High efficient LED (HEL)

New illumination technologies - LEDs (light-emitting diodes) - willoust incandescent lamps and fluorescent tubes from the market.



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/Institut fürnanostrukturierte Materialien und Photonik

Contact:Dr. Georg Jakopic (Projektleitung), ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Günther Leising (Institutsvor-stand), tel. (0316) 876-2701 bzw. -1181,[email protected],[email protected], www.joanneum.at, Franz-Pichler-Straße 30, 8160 Weiz

20

M E A S U R E 2

The aim of the project was to remove

residual contaminants from combusti-

on products. To achieve this, the residues

were subjected to fusion-metallurgical tre-

atment. The toxic constitutes were remo-

ved from the waste incineration ash via a

redox process by enriching them in the ex-

haust gas stream and and trapping them in

a glass matrix and in the pig iron mold res-

pectively. For this purpose, a resistance-

heated electric furnace was developed and

tested in a series of trials and thermodyna-

mic calculations, which confirmed its effi-

ciency.

Inerting and Removal of Fly Ash in Waste Incineration PlantsResidues from waste incineration plants do not always fulfill the requirements for depositing.



Project sponsors:INTECO special melting technologies,ARP GesmbH - Aufbereitung und PrüftechnikGmbH, Montanuniversität Leoben/VTIU - Institutfür Verfahrenstechnik des industriellenUmweltschutzes, TU Graz/Institut für Apparate-bau, Verfahrenstechnik und FeuerungstechnikContact:DI Alexander Scheriau (INTECO) and DI Thomas Wiessler (ARP),tel. (03862) 53110-126 and (03842) 26900-431,[email protected] [email protected],Wiener Straße 25, 8600 Bruck/Mur

21

This project had set itself the aim of deve-

loping a new production method which

would allow quicker and more efficient pro-

duction of profiled wires for connectors.

Traditionally, connectors are manufactured

from uncoated square wires, which are

wound into conical springs. After the win-

ding process, the springs are protected

against corrosion by barrel electrogalvani-

zing and then further processed.

The coating procedure consisted of three

steps: electrogalvanizing, chemical passi-

vation and sealing with an organic coat.

Based on the results, coating parameters

were determined. If these are adhered to,

the wires are protected so well against cor-

rosion that they are able to withstand salt

spay tests of more than 50 hours without

rust formation.

Innovative Wire Coating

Producing coated profiled wire is complex procedure



Project sponsors:TU Graz/Institut für chemische Technologie anorganischer Stoffe

Contact:o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jürgen O. Besenhard, Dr. Bernhard Gollas, Mathilde Frießnegg,tel. (0316) 873-82 60 or -82 81 and -82 76,[email protected], [email protected],mathilde.frieß[email protected],Stremayrgasse 16/III, 8010 Graz

22

M E A S U R E 2

The aim of the project was to develop and

test an intelligent control system for

picking and sorting tasks to enhance effi-

ciency within the goods distribution chain.

By replacing order-specific picking by

article-specific multistage picking and sub-

sequent sorting, logistic distribution cen-

ters were able to significantly enhance their

efficiency.

This could be achieved by implementing a

new software, which can be used for the

complex control algorithm of national and

international automation projects. In addi-

tion, a 70-page innovation guide was pre-

pared to aid SMEs in their approach and

choice of methods when launching new

projects. This guide has already proved its

worth in practical application.

INNOVATORS

Large and comprehensive goods distribution centers require complexcontrol mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.



Project sponsors:Knapp Systemintegration GesmbH,LN-Consult, TDE: Thonhauser Data Engineering,Montanuniversität Leoben/Institut für Erdöl- und Erdgasgewinnung,Technologietransferzentrum Leoben,Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz/Institut fürInnovations- und Umweltmanagement,TU Graz/AG für Industriebetriebslehre undInnovationsforschung

Contact:DI Markus Badent and DI Dr. Stefan Vorbach,tel. (03842) 805-481 and (0316) 380-3235,[email protected] [email protected], www.knapp.com, Waltenbachstraße 9, 8700 Leoben bzw.Universitätsstraße 15, 8010 Graz

23

While the list of residues is increasingly

getting longer, certified chemical

indicator substances to furnish evidence of

their presence do not exist. The aim of the

project is to develop new methods of ana-

lysis which make it possible to detect and

quantify herbicides in a large variety of

foodstuffs. The screening methods develo-

ped in the course of the project go beyond

currently available standard procedures

and offer reliable methods of analysis in the

food sector at high rates of throughput.

Food Safety - New Method of Analysis for Food ContaminationToday, numerous herbicides are in use and their residues are often still present in foodstuffs.



Project sponsors:Technisches Büro und chemisches Labor Dr. Wagner

Contact:Dr. Franz Siegfried Wagner, tel. (03182) 29976,[email protected],Parkring 2, 8403 Lebring

24

M E A S U R E 2

Currently, the wire is treated in a scra-

ping process, generating a so-called

(friction) martensite layer. This layer has to

be removed via elaborate thermal proces-

ses so that the wire can be drawn out fur-

ther. What is new about the method is that

the scraping process is followed by thermal

treatment using plasma, which converts

the martensite layer, allowing the wire to

be processed further without a thermal-

chemical intermediate step. Based on the

fundamental experiments performed at the

Institute of Experimental Physics, the elec-

trical and mechanical parameters could be

optimized, enabling plasma-supported

conversion.

Plasma-Supported Conversion of the Martensite LayerThis subsidized project was to ease and accelerate the production of steel wire.



Project sponsors:TU Graz/Institut für Experimentalphysik,Montanuniversität Leoben,Joh. Pengg AG, Plasmait GesmbH

Contact:Prof. Dr. Theo Neger and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ernst,tel. (0316) 873-8147 and -8140,[email protected], [email protected],Petersgasse 16, 8010 Graz

25

The aim of this subsidized product was to

combine the good properties of wood

and those of plastic in a new composite ele-

ment. The first part of the project consisted

in working out guidelines and methods for

the design of building components compo-

sed of wood and plastic. Together with the

Higher Technical School (HTBL) of Kap-

fenberg, composite test specimens were

prepared by injection molding and analy-

zed for their mechanical properties.

The composite materials thus produced not

only proved to be superior even to pure solid

wood in their mechanical properties but

also in durability. For the material wood,

this opens new fields of application and, at

the same time, it is enhanced in value as a

material for innovative products. This

world-wide new technology, which has

evolved, has meanwhile been filed for

patent application as a process.

Multi-Material Building Components of Wood and PlasticProducts made of wood are still very popular.



Project sponsors:IB Steiner

Contact:DI Gottfried Steiner, DI Herbert Eichler,tel. (03512) 72 77 6-12, fax (03512) 72 77 6-6,[email protected], www.ibsteiner.com, Poststraße 12, 8724 Spielberg

26

M E A S U R E 2

The aim of this project was to develop an

expert system to identify fungi species

which are mostly detrimental to health and

are present in foodstuffs. The project cover-

ed a wide range of activities. It included a

review of literature on food fungi and their

toxic ingredients, the determination of dia-

gnostic features of these species of fungi,

the establishment of a fungi data base as

well as laboratory work to identify the fun-

gi and the establishment of a culture col-

lection, which can be resorted to for future

comparison.

The methods employed in practice were

both traditional and modern methods of

analysis as well as newly developed techni-

ques, which may be combined to characte-

rize fungi and can be validated for applica-

tion in food hygiene. The data-base, which

has thus been created, is a pool of know-

ledge based on which a future expert

system can be built up.

MYCONEX - An Expert System for FoodMycology - Phase 1, DevelopmentFungi in foodstuffs - often detrimental to health



Project sponsors:Hygienicum, Institut für Mikrobiologie undHygiene-Consulting GesmbH, Audit Softwareent-wicklungs- und HandelsgmbH, Karl-Franzens-Universität/Institut für Pflanzenwissenschaften,TU Graz/Institut für Lebensmittelchemie und -technologie

Contact:Dr. Michael Stelzl, tel. (0316) 694 108,[email protected], Andritzer Reichsstraße 13, 8045 Graz

27

The analysis of metabolic signal sub-

stances can provide valuable informati-

on on defects in the body. The aim of the

project was to visualize metabolic proces-

ses and to establish the highly specialized

analytical procedure required to do so.

NanoTIC made it possible for the Institute

of Medical Systems Engineering and Health

Management to purchase the highly spe-

cialized equipment - a precondition for the

development of the analytical technique,

which excels in detection reliability and

accuracy. Using a new mass spectrometer

and a nano HPLC apparatus in concert with

established techniques, such as open mi-

cro-perfusion and the production of mono-

lithic separating agents, new avenues could

be embarked upon in the determination of

signal substances in human tissue fluids. It

is now possible to quickly and reliably

detect even the minutest quantities (less

than one billionth mg) of various insulins.

NanoTIC - Analysis of Signal Substances in the Human BodyDiseases are the consequence of disturbances in human metabolism.



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/Institut für medizinische Systemtechnik undGesundheitsmanagementContact:Dr. Frank Sinner, tel. (0316) 876-21 06,[email protected],Auenbruggerplatz 20/3, 8036 Graz

28

M E A S U R E 2

Effluents from industrial enterprises

have to undergo treatment before they

can be discharged into the sewerage sys-

tem, the chief goal usually being the remo-

val of water and the separation of the then

more highly concentrated constituents.

While the latter are deposited or recycled,

the withdrawn water can be reused or con-

ducted directly into the sewer. OPTIVAP has

simplified the process of water removal,

which has been largely automated and

requires hardly any staff. The process uses

a vacuum evaporator which, thanks to a

number of control functions, operates

without human intervention for many days.

Important operating parameters are recor-

ded continuously and transmitted to a con-

trol center by modem. In case of any pro-

blems, an alarm is sent by SMS and imme-

diate intervention into the system is possi-

ble, if necessary. The project OPTIVAP has

thus laid the foundation for further deve-

lopments in the field of thermal waste-

water treatment.

OPTIVAP

The project should make the treatment of industrial effluents easier and more efficient.



Project sponsors:INAFIN

Contact:Ing. Gerald Altgajer, tel. (03512) 86 701, fax (03512) 86 701,[email protected],Sonnenring 52, 8724 Spielberg

29

The goal of the project is to encourage

the use of vegetable oil in engines in

Styria and to provide an impulse towards

considering alternatives in the choice of

fuels. The employment of vegetable oils was

promoted deliberately in areas where the

use of other fuels is contraindicated, such

as in hydraulic engineering and in farm ma-

chinery operated in protected water catch-

ment areas.

POEM 2 laid the foundation for the neces-

sary logistics with central storage and dis-

tribution facilities as well as filling stations

on farm estates, prepared the vegetable oil

products and started investigations on local

air pollutant emission values. A special

aspect considered was that of eco-power:

Decentralized plants for the generation of

electricity run on vegetable oil achieve an

efficiency of 90 percent at an input of pri-

mary energy of not more than 15 percent.

POEM 2

In view of the discussion on the harmful effects of diesel exhaust emission,the substitution of diesel fuel by vegetable oil is gaining in importance.



Project sponsors:Ökocluster Oststeiermark

Contact:Robert Santner, tel. (03179) 8112,[email protected],Schmied in der Weiz 36, 8160 St. Kathrein am Offenegg

30

M E A S U R E 2

In the framework of this project, a mea-

suring desk was designed to determine

the reliability and long-term stability of

organic electronic and opto-electronic ele-

ments. The test system can be employed

wherever these elements are used in futu-

re, e.g. in the production of display units,

intelligent labels, chip and ID cards as well

as in intelligent clothing and possible appli-

cations in medicine.

The measuring desk allows organic field

effect transistors - the basic elements of

organic electronics - to be exposed to dif-

ferent stress situations. To make this possi-

ble, the desk does not only include the elec-

tronic control unit together with a multi-

plexer for simultaneous measurement of a

larger number of elements but also a minia-

ture chamber, which can either be heated

or cooled and is able to create defined tem-

peratures, different gas environments as

well as light conditions.

RTOE - Reliability Test System for Organic ElectronicsThe use of organic electronic components and circuits is increasingly gaining in importance.



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/Institut fürnanostrukturierte Materialien und Photonik

Contact:Dr. Georg Jakopic (Projektleitung) and ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Günter Leising (Head ofDepartment), tel. (0316) 876-27 03,[email protected],Franz-Pichler-Straße 30, 8160 Weiz

31

The aim of the project was to combine

the hitherto separate ideas, concepts

and experiences underlying these two types

and to develop them further together. The

outcome envisaged was to be detached,

semidetached and terraced houses which

were self-sufficient in energy or even had

an “energy plus” and could be afforded by

everyone. To achieve this, the project used

domestic wood species such as fir and robi-

nia for facades, floors and paneling, high-

grade cellulose insulating material obtai-

ned from residues in paper production and

developed wall structures both of light-

weight and solid wood.

All these efforts have resulted - thanks to

the use domestic ecological building mate-

rials - in a form of housing which is not only

self-sufficient in terms of energy but also

more cost-efficient than traditionally built

houses. To allow the regional economy to

profit from the project as well, a value-

added chain was established with Styrian

forest enterprises.

TANNO meets GEMINI

Innovative and low-energy housing projects, such as Tanno or Gemini,are to be found on the market more and more frequently.



Project sponsors:Architekt DI Erwin Kaltenegger,Fa. Herbitschek,Clima Supper/Ing. Lackner

Contact:DI Ziegerhofer, tel. (0664) 82 80 568 and (03137) 23 58,[email protected],Kirchenviertel 142, 8673 Ratten

32

M E A S U R E 2

This project turns grass into a valuable

and sustainable resource. Green bio-

mass (grass, clover) can be converted into a

large variety of products in a single plant.

These range from chemical base materials

(organic acids, solvents, amino acids), ener-

gy (biogas, fuels) to various building mate-

rials (insulants, bio-composite materials).

The aim of the project was to separate

valuable substances, such as amino acids

and lactic acids, and to process them furt-

her. The grass fibers, in turn, can be used in

a separate industrial product line. The pro-

ject provided key data to determine and

refine the process technology required to

set up a pilot plant. Implementing such

plants will open up new development

opportunities in rural areas.

Technology Initiative Green Bio-Refinery - TIBIn Austria, grassland areas which are no longer used are increasing inacreage, leading to a surplus in green biomass (grass).



Project sponsors:Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/Institut für Nachhaltige Techniken und Systeme

Contact:DI Michael Mandl, tel. (0316) 876-2953,[email protected],Am Ökopark 7, 8230 Hartberg

33

The project offers a new form and tech-

nology in this field of instrumentation.

Although light in weight and operable with

one hand, this novel system should excel in

measuring accuracy. It is ergonomic, yet

robust in design and can be handled almost

intuitively. The first prototype should be

available by May 2005. Based on these

experiences, the new articulated-arm mea-

suring technique can be developed further,

so that volume production may be expec-

ted in the foreseeable future.

Mobile Articulated-Arm Measurement with Optical TriggeringMobile articulated-arm measurement is employedin areas that are difficult to access.



Project sponsors:USUS-Network (UAP Austria, Techn. BüroSallegger, M&H CNC Technik und VCI Consulting),TU Graz/Institut für Fertigungstechnik,Joanneum Research Forschungs GmbH/Institut fürdigitale Bildverarbeitung

Contact:Wolfgang Ulm (UAP-Austria), tel. (0316) 89 00 51,[email protected], www.usus-network.at, Strassgangerstraße 289, 8053 Graz

34

In the framework of the TECHNOFIT pro-

gram, 4 Project Sponsors specialized in

finding new products (Industrial Liaison

Department of the University of Leoben,

Joanneum Research, Center for Research

and Technology Information (FTI) of Graz

University of Technology, Institute of En-

vironmental Studies and Innovation Mana-

gement of Graz Karl-Franzens-University)

were commissioned early in 2004 to design

a service package to support and encoura-

ge Styrian SMEs in innovation processes. At

the same time, the foundation was to be

laid to carry on the consultancy methods

and innovation processes developed in

TECHNOFIT.

Even after the expiration of the TECHNOFIT

program line in 2004, Styrian SMEs should

still be able to avail themselves of an opti-

mal range of services as provided by regio-

nal scientific institutions to identify new

products and processes. The key of this

model of innovation support is the experti-

se of the 4 Project Sponsors. Depending on

the respective phases of the individual

innovation processes launched in Styrian

enterprises, measures requiring different

counseling intensity and frequency - tailo-

red to the needs of the enterprise - will have

to be taken. The process should be an on-

going one and also support enterprises in

their practical development work.

Outlook and Perspectives

35

In the follow-up project TECHNOFIT PRO,

four service packages with four levels of

counseling intensity will be offered to four

target groups of different size. The project

will be rolled out in four phases:

1. Special events including

awareness-raising campaigns

2. Initial and ad hoc counseling during

company visits

3. TECHNOFIT PRO consultancy package

4. TECHNOFIT PRO innovation

management consultancy package

The Core Target Group of TECHNOFIT PRO: 1. Innovation threshold companies

2. Small- and medium-sized enterprises

(SME) with a maximum of 250

employees at their business location

3. Companies in the industrial and

commercial production sector as well as

business-related service companies

4. Companies headquartered in the current

Styrian Objective-2 and Phasing-out

regions (2000 - 2006)

This approach adopted for the TECHNOFIT

program is to be continued in the new peri-

od of the EU Structural Fund 2007 - 2013

and should guide Styrian companies syste-

matically towards innovation so as to ensu-

re that they will maintain their position am-

ong the top in the world.

TECHNOFIT PRO

36

T E C H N O F I T – F I T F O R F U T U R E

co-financed by the european regional development fund...

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