SINDLHAUSER MATERIALS GMBH

Their core work

Sindlhauser Materials GmbH is a German engineering SME based in Kempten that develops and supplies specialist materials and material-based components for high-performance transport applications. Their work covers two technically demanding domains: advanced journal bearing materials for next-generation geared turbofan aircraft engines, and wide band gap (WBG) semiconductor solutions — including chargers and test systems — for electric drivetrains. The company name signals that materials science is the core identity: they are likely suppliers, formulators, or characterizers of specialized materials rather than system integrators. This dual focus on aerospace and electromobility gives them an unusual cross-sector footprint for a company of their size.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Both projects launched simultaneously in 2018, so there is no long timeline to trace — the organization entered H2020 with two parallel bets in aviation and electromobility at the same moment. The absence of keywords on HIPERFAN versus rich keyword coverage on HiPERFORM suggests that the WBG semiconductor and EV drivetrain domain is where their more articulated technical identity sits. If a trend exists, it points toward electromobility materials and power electronics testing as the area with growing specificity and likely commercial pull.

Sindlhauser appears to be positioning its materials expertise toward the electromobility transition — WBG semiconductors (SiC, GaN) and EV drivetrain components are among the fastest-growing demand areas in European transport R&D, making this a commercially promising trajectory.

How they like to work

Sindlhauser operates exclusively as a consortium participant — they have never led a project — which is typical of specialist SMEs that contribute a defined technical component rather than orchestrate broad research programs. Their two projects place them inside large, multi-partner consortia (38 unique partners from just two projects), suggesting they work comfortably in complex international teams without needing a central role. A potential partner should expect a focused, deliverable-oriented contributor rather than a project management resource.

Sindlhauser has built a network of 38 unique consortium partners across 8 countries through only two projects — a high partner density that reflects the large multi-partner structure of Clean Sky 2 and RIA consortia. Their network spans primarily European aerospace and automotive R&D ecosystems.

What sets them apart

Sindlhauser sits at a rare intersection: aerospace-grade materials expertise (turbofan bearing technology) combined with electromobility materials (WBG semiconductors), within a single small German SME. Most materials suppliers specialize in one transport mode; this dual presence means they can transfer materials knowledge across sectors in ways larger, siloed companies cannot. For consortium builders needing a credible German materials SME with both aviation heritage and EV relevance, they represent an unusual combination in a compact, agile package.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HiPERFORM
  The largest funding award (EUR 151,500) and the project that best defines Sindlhauser's technical identity, covering WBG power electronics, chargers, and test systems for electric drivetrains — a commercially active R&D area.
• HIPERFAN
  A Clean Sky 2 Joint Technology Initiative project on journal bearing technology for geared turbofan engines — participation in the EU's flagship aviation research program signals credibility in high-specification aerospace materials.