Cetex

What Cetex does

Cetex Institut gGmbH is a non-profit research institute headquartered in Chemnitz, Germany, founded in 1957 and affiliated with Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz) since 2008. It develops new technologies and machines for manufacturing technical textiles, textile-based semi-finished products, and fiber-reinforced composite structures, operating under a parent association (Förderverein Cetex Chemnitzer Textilmaschinenentwicklung e.V.) and employing 52 staff across textile engineering, special machine construction, drive and control technology, and material testing.

The institute's technical portfolio centers on continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic processing. Proprietary processes include Ce-Preg® thermoplastic prepregs (UD fiber-reinforced tapes with PP, PA, PBT, PC, TPU, or PE matrices on glass, carbon, basalt, or aramid fibers), the ARWeS automatic roving change system enabling 24/7 continuous fiber production, and HYROV hybrid roving materials using electronically controlled gates for tension adjustment. Laboratory equipment offerings comprise the FSA 600 fiber spreading device (up to 40 m/min, 620 mm width), FFA 600 fiber film system, LSE 2000-2 laboratory spinning unit, and ACPM 200P bending stiffness tester. Service capabilities span microsection preparation and microscopy (using Carl Zeiss Smartzoom 5 and Struers Tegramin-30), mechanical testing on Zwick/FAVIMAT+ equipment, organic sheet production on interval hot presses and static presses, plus sustainability services including Product/Corporate Carbon Footprint analysis.

Revenue is generated through five streams: customer-funded contract R&D (professional services), laboratory equipment sales, semi-finished product sales in small series (Ce-Preg®, HYROV, 3D printing materials), metrological and material testing services, and prototype/special machine manufacturing. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customer engagement is sales-led and direct. The institute targets SMEs as its primary segment, with end-use applications spanning automotive, aerospace, rail, sports, and oil & gas. Go-to-market relies on trade show presence (Techtextil, JEC World, ITHEC, K Trade Fair), publications, and network memberships (ZUSE Gemeinschaft, SIG Forschung, Alliance of Textile Lightweighting, Composites United). Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed given the non-profit gGmbH status.

Name

Cetex

Legal name

Cetex Institut gGmbH

Website

https://cetex.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cetex Institut gGmbH is a non-profit German research institute in Chemnitz that develops machines, processes, and semi-finished products for manufacturing technical textiles and fiber-reinforced composites, serving SMEs and industrial customers across automotive, aerospace, rail, sports, and energy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Contract Research and Development in Technical Textiles

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Other Specialized Design Services (54149)

SIC

Textile Mill Products (2200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro primary industry

Testing, Inspection, Certification & Commissioning (TICx) Technical Services (BPAHAIAL)

Keywords

• Contract research services
• Technical textile machinery
• Fiber composite materials
• Thermoplastic prepregs
• Laboratory equipment manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Chemnitz

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Contract Research and Development: Customer-funded contract projects where Cetex provides exclusive research and development services. Strictly confidential treatment of customer interests and work results. Personnel and technical resources available for custom contract projects.
2. Laboratory Equipment Sales: Sale of innovative machines and systems developed through R&D activities for laboratory use, including fiber spreading devices, UD fiber film systems, laboratory spinning units, bending stiffness testing devices, and automatic roving change systems.
3. Semi-finished Products Sales: Sale of technical textiles and fiber composite semi-finished products in small series, including Ce-Preg® thermoplastic prepregs, HYROV hybrid roving materials, and 3D printing materials.
4. Material Testing and Metrological Services: Measuring and testing services for fibers, textiles and fiber composite materials including mechanical testing, thread tension measurement, strain measurement, microsection preparation and microscopic examinations.
5. Prototype and Special Machine Manufacturing: Design, development and manufacture of prototypes and special machines for textile and related processes including mechanical manufacturing, electrical installation, and control systems.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cetex Institut gGmbH is a non-profit research institute that provides contract research and development, manufactures and sells laboratory machines for technical textiles and fiber composites, and supplies semi-finished composite products in small series. Its portfolio spans fiber-reinforced thermoplastic processing, organic sheet production, mechanical testing, metrology, and prototype/special machine construction, delivered as customer-funded R&D projects and as catalog laboratory equipment.

Product overview

Cetex Institute operates as a research institution offering laboratory equipment and semi-finished products for technical textiles and fiber composite applications. The product portfolio comprises five main laboratory machines (ARWeS automatic roving change system, Laboratory Fiber Spreading System FSA 600, Laboratory Fiber Film System FFA 600, LSE 2000-2 laboratory spinning unit, and ACPM 200P bending stiffness testing device) and three semi-finished products (HYROV hybrid roving materials, Ce-Preg® thermoplastic prepregs, and 3D printing materials). These are complemented by a comprehensive range of composite processing services including fiber spreading, powder spreading, UD-tape production, slitting, organic sheet production on interval and static presses, microsection preparation with microscopy, and mechanical testing. The portfolio follows a vertically integrated approach where laboratory equipment enables production of semi-finished products, which are further processed into finished composite components through the service offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ce-Preg®: Thermoplastic prepregs - unidirectional continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic prepregs developed by Cetex
• HYROV
• ARWeS
• ACPM 200P
• LSE 2000-2

Products and services

• Contract Research and Development Customer-funded contract R&D services delivered under strict confidentiality, covering textile and fiber composite technologies, machine development, and process engineering for industrial clients and SMEs.
• ARWeS - Automatic Roving Change System Automated material change system enabling roving changes while the machine runs at reduced speed, supporting 24/7 continuous operation. Compatible with glass, basalt, and carbon reinforcement fibers.
• Laboratory Fiber Spreading System (FSA 600) Laboratory fiber spreading device producing dry UD tapes with optimized spreading for glass, basalt, carbon, and aramid fibers. Creates homogeneous weight per unit area over tape widths up to 600mm.
• Laboratory Fiber Film System (FFA 600) Continuous production system for continuous-fiber reinforced thermoplastic and thermoset prepregs, using infrared heating for sizing activation and calendar roll impregnation.
• Laboratory Spinning Unit (LSE 2000-2) Compact modular laboratory spinner for processing staple fibers (cotton, wool, man-made fibers) with interchangeable drafting systems for core, compact, siro, S and Z, and fancy yarns.
• ACPM 200P - Automatic Bending Stiffness Testing Device Automatic testing device operating via Cantilever method according to DIN 53362 for determining bending stiffness of flexible homogeneous materials such as textiles, papers, and films.
• Ce-Preg® Thermoplastic Prepregs Unidirectional continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic prepregs (FRTP) with carbon, glass, basalt, or aramid fibers embedded in thermoplastic matrices (PP, PA, PBT, PC, TPU, PE). Used as basic material for multidirectional lay-up to manufacture load-adapted multi-ply laminates.
• HYROV Hybrid Roving Materials Innovative hybrid roving and tape materials produced via continuous process combining reinforcement fibers with matrix fibers, with homogeneous mixing without compressed air for textile processing applications.
• 3D Printing Materials Innovative 3D printing materials including PLA/PBS (biodegradable and mechanically robust), PC/ABS (durable and resistant), and PLA + wood fibre (light, eco-friendly with natural aesthetics).
• Material Testing and Metrological Services Measuring and testing services for fibers, textiles and fiber composite materials including mechanical testing, thread tension measurement, strain measurement, microsection preparation, and microscopic examinations.
• Prototype and Special Machine Manufacturing Design, development and manufacture of prototypes and special machines for textile and related processes including mechanical manufacturing, electrical installation, and control systems.
• Drive and Control Technology Services Development and planning of energy-efficient drive solutions and control systems for textile and processing machinery.
• Sustainability Services Sustainability and LCA services including Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) determination, carbon footprint analysis for machines/systems, and supply chain due diligence support.
• Mechanical Design and Construction Services Mechanical design services using Solid Works and Inventor CAD programs for textile machinery and composite processing equipment.
• Mechanical Manufacturing and Electrical Installation Workshop-based mechanical manufacturing and electrical installation services supporting prototype builds and special machine construction projects.

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• H2Select Network PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024Eight partners working on a system solution for plastic recycling using hydrogen-based selective hydrogenation. Project runs December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2027. Cetex coordinates the network.
• Technische Universität Chemnitz (TU Chemnitz)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Affiliated institute relationship established in 2008. Close cooperative relations with the university including shared research activities, access to academic expertise, and recognition as an affiliated institute. Provides pathway for technology transfer and student involvement in research projects.
• ZUSE Gemeinschaft (Deutsche Industrieforschungsgemeinschaft Konrad Zuse e.V.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership in the German industrial research association. Shapes the non-university research landscape in Saxony and Germany. Goals include improving framework conditions for non-university research and promoting cooperation and networking.
• SIG Forschung (Sächsische Industrieforschungsgemeinschaft e.V.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership in Saxon industrial research association. Promotes non-university research and regional cooperation in Saxony.
• Alliance of Textile Lightweighting (ATL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCetex is a partner of the Alliance of Textile Lightweighting coordinating over 350 research projects. Partners include TU Chemnitz, Fraunhofer Research Center STEX, and STFI. Cooperates with regional companies and research facilities.
• Verband innovativer Unternehmen e.V. (VIU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in association of innovative companies supporting SME research and development activities.
• INMOLDNET Network PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational ZIM cooperation network bundling Polish and German expertise with 23 partners. Goal is to develop and produce high-end components in injection moulding efficiently.
• Composites United e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership in Composites United association. Participates in joint presentations at ITHEC and other composite industry events.
• ThermoPre e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch association focused on thermoplastic composite technologies. Cetex participates in thermoPre-related projects and technology development.
• Fraunhofer IWUcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch cooperation partner in Saxon lightweight construction ecosystem. Joint participation at JEC World and other industry events. Collaboration on automotive and industrial applications.
• STFI (Forschungsinstitut)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner within Alliance of Textile Lightweighting. Joint participation in research projects and exhibition at trade shows including Techtextil.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Fraunhofer IWU: Named as a research cooperation partner of Cetex, this Fraunhofer institute focuses on production technology and lightweight construction — directly comparable in automotive and lightweighting research but at substantially greater scale and with broader manufacturing-engineering scope than Cetex's textile-focused specialization.
• Fraunhofer IFAM: One of Europe's largest applied research organizations, Fraunhofer IFAM's Composite Materials and Processing division overlaps with Cetex's composite R&D scope but operates at much larger scale with broader portfolio spanning adhesives, surface technology, and shaping — a broad incumbent that competes for similar automotive and aerospace contract research budgets.
• Fraunhofer LBF: German Fraunhofer institute specializing in structural durability and system reliability of polymer and composite components — overlaps with Cetex's material testing and mechanical characterization services (ILSS, tensile, Charpy, bending) but operates at Fraunhofer scale across multiple sectors beyond textiles.

Emerging players

• Cevotec: German startup commercializing patch-based fiber composite layup automation for aerospace and automotive — an emerging player in the same fiber composite processing technology space as Cetex, focused on scaling complex preform manufacturing rather than pilot equipment sales.
• Airborne: Dutch composite automation specialist that builds pilot and production lines for fiber-reinforced composites, overlapping with Cetex's equipment-building and process-development capabilities for thermoplastic composites — an emerging commercial player that scales composite manufacturing technologies to industrial volumes.

Direct peers

• Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe (IVW): Leibniz Association research institute in Kaiserslautern focused on fiber-reinforced composites — directly comparable to Cetex in materials focus (composites, prepregs, organic sheets), customer industries (automotive, aerospace), and translational research mission bridging academia and industry.
• STFI (Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V.): Cooperation partner of Cetex within the Alliance of Textile Lightweighting (ATL), this Chemnitz-based non-profit textile research institute offers nearly identical services — contract R&D, material testing, prototype development — for technical textiles and nonwovens, making it a close geographic and functional peer.
• Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University: One of Europe's largest university textile research institutes, conducting applied R&D across fiber-reinforced composites, technical textiles, and textile machinery — directly comparable to Cetex in mission, customer base (automotive, aerospace), and contract research delivery model.
• TITK (Thüringisches Institut für Textil- und Kunststoff-Forschung e.V.): Non-profit institute in Rudolstadt, Thuringia conducting R&D on polymer-based fibers, technical textiles, and fiber-reinforced composites — a closely comparable German regional peer with a similar mix of contract research, small-series materials, and pilot manufacturing services.
• DITF Denkendorf (Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung): Germany's largest textile research center with three institutes covering textile chemistry, process engineering, and management — a direct peer offering contract R&D, testing, and pilot manufacturing for technical textiles, fibers, and composites across automotive, construction, and medical applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cetex-institut-ggmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Cetex