International symposium in the competence field of lightweight „IMTC 2015“ in Chemnitz
From 1st to 2nd October 2015 the International MERGE Technologies Conference (IMTC) took place in the new auditorium of the Technische Universität Chemnitz. Over 250 experts from science and industry discussed new developments and trends in lightweight construction. The conference dealt among other things wit manufacturing technologies of fibre composite semi-finished products, metal and plastic compounds, interface themes, the use of renewable resources, the integration of sensors in fibre composites as well as the modelling and simulation of processes and components. In order to bundle the competences in the lightweight construction field, a joint session was developed in cooperation with other research clusters in Germany, such as the research campus OHLF (Open Hybrid LabFactory e.V.) in Wolfsburg and the research campus ARENA 2036 (Active Research Environment for the Next Generation of Automobiles) from Stuttgart. Keynote presentations by Audi AG and EDAG Engineering GmbH from the Industry Advisory Board of MERGE have revealed trends in the economic implementation of lightweight construction solutions in large-scale production. A trade fair with exhibitors from the partner companies of the Cluster of Excellence completed the symposium.
On the second day, the MERGE manufacturing complex was inaugurated by the company KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH in the new MERGE Technology Centres for Lightweight Structures. Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Best Paper and Best Poster Award during the evening event that took place in the newly established Saxon Museum of Industry Chemnitz. The Best Paper Award was awarded to Dr. Michael Hofmann for his contribution entitled “Efficient Simulation, Optimization, and Validation of Lightweight Structures”. The team of the Best Poster Award consisted of Marc Fleischmann, Tristan Timmel, Song Ren, Kay Schäfer, Stefan Schwanitz and Prof. Frank Helbig, whose poster entitled “Physiologically optimized lightweight car seat in Multi-Material Desig” convinced the jury. During the conference dinner visitors could also visit the newly opened exhibition at the Museum of Industry.
Conference programme
Ceremonial handover of the MERGE Technology Centre
With the completion of the first construction phase of the research halls of the Federal Cluster of Excellence MERGE, the Technische Universität Chemnitz receives an exceptional „high-tech component“ in terms of research and teaching.
The ceremonial handover of the research halls took place on 1st October 2015. Among those present were Uwe Gaul, State Secretary in the Saxon Ministry of Science and the Fine Arts, the Department Manager Johann Gierl from the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the Saxonian Real Estate and Construction Management and of the Technische Universität Chemnitz.
In a project managed by the Chemnitz branch of the Saxonian Real Estate and Construction Management (SIB) an area totaling approximately 3,154 square meters was built here within a very short construction period. A total of 18 companies, of which 13 came from Saxony, were involved in the construction. In the coming years the complex will be expanded in two further construction phases. A TV report of the handover of the research halls can be found on the YouTube channel of the TU Chemnitz.
Inauguration of the MERGE manufacturing complex by KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
On 2nd October 2015, as part of the 2nd IMTC, the MERGE manufacturing complex was inaugurated by the company KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH in the new MERGE Technology Centres for Lightweight Structures.
Dr. Micaela Schönherr, CFO of KraussMaffei Group GmbH held a welcoming speech to greet the conference participants. Subsequently, Mr. Georg P. Holzinger, CTO of KraussMaffei Group China and chairmen of the Industrial Advisory Board of the cluster explained the technical refinements of the MERGE manufacturing complex (ILCx: Integrative Lightweight Manufacture Complex). It represents the heart of the MERGE Technology Centre and allows the combined processing of plastic and metal-based materials, from which components of up to 1.5 m x 1.5 m are produced using the basic technologies of forming and injection moulding. Subsequently, guided tours were offered by the MERGE Technology Centre, where the visitors could get an overview of the existing and newly created technology park.
TV report of Sachsen-Fernsehen [german]
