The Engineering Materials and Components Department focuses on the analysis and evaluation of cyclically stressed components and materials (metal, plastic). The emphasis is on experimental and numerical investigations to understand the effects of manufacturing processes, material inhomogeneities, and local properties on reliability and service life. A particular focus is on the development of methods and material characteristics for optimizing assemblies and systems under variable loads. Current priorities include digital process chains for structural components and circular material systems – including the structured use of data throughout component development. This involves the use of our own fatigue strength database for plastics to accelerate development processes and base decisions on a reliable data foundation. The department aims to use innovative methods and digital technologies to advance the development of sustainable, reliable, and high-performance materials and components—with the goal of increasing efficiency and precision in component development, establishing circular material systems, and maximizing service life and resource conservation in manufacturing.