WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe

WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe provides tailored materials for specific defense applications as well as generic systems that are not available in the civilian sector. In this context it is important to note that WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe develops efficient materiel protection concepts and procedures to maintain the functionality and the value of Bundeswehr equipment during its use, transportation or storage.

The “Materials, Designs and Structures” division conducts research primarily on new armor and penetrator materials as well as on high-performance lightweight materials, on the operational behavior and repair of fiber composite components as well as on military material protection and surface technology.

The “POLPetrol, Oil and Lubricants Products and Tribology” division analyzes how an unrestricted supply of these products to the Bundeswehr can be achieved under extreme climatic conditions. Military use brings about particularities that are handled differently in the civilian sector or do not exist there at all. The work in the division focuses on understanding the performance behavior of POLs, on the subject area of electrorheological and magnetorheological fluids (smart fluids) as well as on compatibility and contamination tolerance.

The “Chemical Product Safety, Occupational Safety and Health and Environmental Protection” division analyzes the effects of chemical agents on human beings and the environment. The main objective in this context is to minimize the threat potential of materials and POLPetrol, Oil and Lubricants products to human beings and to the environment during their entire life cycle. In addition, the researchers at WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe develop new specific analysis methods to quantitatively determine harmful ingredients and reactants in materials and POLPetrol, Oil and Lubricants products. Another particular focus is on determining and assessing the threats posed by environmental influences in the theaters of operations to Bundeswehr personnel and on developing tailored protective measures.

In the research field “Personal Gear of the Soldier”, WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe develops camouflage and deception measures and provides solutions for mission-adapted and system-compatible clothing with optimum fits and materials. Moreover, the research field ensures optimum wearing comfort in all climate zones and determines the relevant comfort characteristics using suitable test methods. This caters to the deployment-related, ever-changing requirements for functional clothing in order to achieve a significant performance increase in the five core areas, i.e. effective engagement, command and control capability, mobility, survivability and sustainability.

WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe supports newly developed and fielded projects with materiel protection concepts and specific test procedures throughout the entire life cycle of the device or equipment. In case of damage, WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe can identify the causes and thus help to avoid such occurrences in the future. A particular focus is on regular on-condition monitoring of the materiel, e.g. by ultrasonic testing.

In order to ensure the long-term use of Bundeswehr equipment, WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe develops concepts for materiel protection and protection during storage and transportation and implements these concepts together with military agencies. Moreover, WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe makes lifetime predictions for individual components in order to determine how long and how intensively an equipment item can be used. Another focus of work at WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe is on repairs, both in its repair center in Germany and in the theaters of operations.

The Bundeswehr Hazardous Substance Measurement Office South, which is part of WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe, is the central point of contact for civilian and military Bundeswehr personnel in all matters relating to environmental protection and occupational safety and health. It conducts workplace measurements in barracks, civilian buildings and in the Bundeswehr theaters of operations and ensures the safe handling of hazardous substances by conducting environmental analyses. As a precaution, WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe examines the materials for potential hazards already prior to their employment to ensure they will be tolerated by human beings.

In addition, WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe prepares expert reports on the extension of the shelf life and service life of fabrics relevant for aviation safety after the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty period and thus helps to reduce procurement costs.

WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe’s statutory responsibilities include Government Quality Assurance inspections, type tests and first article inspections. In addition, the Institute developed a laboratory container which allows quality checks of POLPetrol, Oil and Lubricants products under the technical control of WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe even on operations abroad.

The Bundeswehr Control Center for Welding Engineering is another WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe facility. It deals with all regulations and requirements for welding operations in the Bundeswehr and is responsible for monitoring their compliance.

Manufacture and maintenance of defense products must meet defined quality standards due to the static and dynamic stresses acting on these products, their applications and the special safety and reliability requirements applicable to the products. Consequently, all companies conducting welding operations on defense products must obtain a special manufacturer qualification certificate in accordance with DINDeutsches Institut für Normung 2303, “Welding and Allied Processes – Quality Requirements for Production and Maintenance Companies for Military Products”.

These certificates are issued by organizations recognized by the Bundeswehr Control Center for Welding Engineering.

Tasks and activities of the Bundeswehr Control Center for Welding Engineering

• Responsible management of DINDeutsches Institut für Normung 2303
• Designation of recognized organizations
• Provision of advice, coordination and guidelines for the work of the recognized organizations with regard to DINDeutsches Institut für Normung 2303
• Preparation of a work instruction to provide the recognized organizations with internal reference material that supplements DINDeutsches Institut für Normung 2303
• Representation of Bundeswehr interests vis-á-vis the DINDeutsches Institut für Normung Standards Committee for Shipbuilding and Marine Technology
• Responsible management and updating of Volume 1050 of the Construction Regulations for German Navy Ships (BV 1050), “Erzeugnisse aus metallischen Werkstoffen, Schweißzusätze und Schweißhilfsstoffe, Qualifikation und Schweißverbindungen” (Products made from metallic materials, filler materials and welding consumables, qualification and welded joints)
• Qualification and approval of new metallic materials and filler materials in accordance with BV 1050
• Support of major Bundeswehr projects with regard to welding

Additional Information

Manufacturer Qualification - German version (PDF, 622.8 KB)
Manufacturer Qualification Certificates for Parent Materials in Accordance with BV 1050 - German version (PDF, 10.3 KB)
List of Companies Authorized to Manufacture and Deliver Welding Consumables - German Version (PDF, 12.7 KB)

Take Autobahn A 92 and take the exit at “München Flughafen“ (Munich Airport) towards Erding. Follow the road towards “Erding Nord/Zentrum”. In Erding follow the signs towards “Moodburg/Berglern”. You will drive by the Air Base and through the district of Langengeisling. About 500 m after the end of town, you will see WIWeBWehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe on the right-hand side.

Take a train to München Hauptbahnhof (Munich central station). From there, take the S-Bahn (city train S2) towards “Ostbahnhof”. Ride the train until its final stop. If you notify us well in advance, we will be pleased to arrange for a driver to pick you up.

Take a plane to Munich Airport and continue by taxi. If you notify us well in advance, we will be pleased to arrange for a driver to pick you up.