Rheinmetall subsidiary secures funding for the development of NanoLam™ capacitors
Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, a subsidiary of the Rheinmetall technology group, is set to receive funding for the NanoLink project at its facility in Hartha, located in the Mittelsachsen district. The company will benefit from approximately 1.5 million euros allocated by the Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB), with co-financing support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and tax revenues authorized by the State Parliament of Saxony.
The focus of the NanoLink project is to advance the research and development of innovative production processes and analytical methods for manufacturing intermediate circuit capacitors utilizing NanoLam™ technology. This state-of-the-art technology offers significant technical advantages, positioning it as a key component for future electric powertrains.
The facility in Hartha is home to the first European demonstration site dedicated to the production of NanoLam™ capacitors. Unlike traditional capacitors, which utilize polypropylene film, these new capacitors feature dielectric layers crafted from thermosetting plastics in the sub-micrometre range. The innovative manufacturing process not only enhances compactness and lowers weight but also improves temperature resistance, dielectric strength, and thermal conductivity. These properties will unlock various applications in the realm of electromobility that are not achievable with conventional capacitor technology.
As part of the NanoLink initiative, the entire manufacturing process for NanoLam™ capacitors is actively being refined for large-scale production. The project aims to ensure that this cutting-edge technology is economically feasible, energy-efficient, and automatable without compromising on quality or reliability.
Collaborating with Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH on the NanoLink project are AKON GmbH from Geringswalde, Chemnitz University of Technology, and the Laserinstitut Hochschule Mittweida (Laser Institute at University of Applied Sciences Mittweida). This consortium brings together a wealth of expertise in research and development, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the best technologies and processes into future production endeavors. The success of the NanoLink project is expected to bolster Germany’s position in the global electric mobility components market and enhance the resilience of its value chain.
The project commenced on 1 June 2025 and is projected to conclude by 31 January 2028, promising advancements not only for the German automotive industry but also across various sectors.
About Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH’s Hartha Facility
For over 30 years, the Hartha facility has been an integral part of the Rheinmetall Group, gaining recognition for its innovative capabilities. The site produced its first patent in 1996 with the electric water circulation pump (WUP), leading to continued success with products like the hydrogen recirculation blower (HRB) and the CWA 2000 high-voltage coolant pump for fuel cell applications. This modern product portfolio extends beyond the automotive sector, including strategic initiatives in hydrogen technology aimed at securing sustainable success.
Currently, approximately 400 employees work at the Hartha site, which spans 45,000 m², with thousands more engaged indirectly through the supply chain. The facility also offers various apprenticeship programs. Over the years, the Hartha site has been recognized for its quality, winning the Ludwig Erhard Prize in silver in 2023 and bronze in 2022, an accolade for exceptional achievements within the German economy.
