To deepen their knowledge of Foundry Technology 2, the students of Aalen University travelled with their professor Lothar Kallien to Bühler AG and DGS Druckguss Systeme in Switzerland.
To deepen their knowledge of Foundry Technology 2, the students of Aalen University travelled with their professor Lothar Kallien to Bühler AG and DGS Druckguss Systeme in Switzerland.
Visit to DGS Druckguss Systeme AG
DGS Druckguss Systeme AG, based in St. Gallen, is a global developer and manufacturer of sophisticated die-cast components and system solutions made of aluminum and magnesium alloys. Prof. Dr. Lothar Kallien, head of the foundry laboratory at Aalen University, also gives lectures on foundry technology, among other things: "Establishing contacts with industry and possible employers for our students is important to us." The group received a warm welcome in St. Gallen and was given insights into production, finishing and quality control. Two former students from Aalen University, who now work at DGS, gave an overview of the parts that are manufactured at DGS. They were particularly proud of a new production line that runs almost autonomously. "During the company tour, it was impressive to see the sizes of the individual process steps of die casting," said one student. Not only the huge 4,400 ton die-casting machines, but also the mold used for casting to produce structural components for Audi, for example, or the melting furnaces in which the aluminum is heated until it liquefies.
Mechanical engineering students are in demand by industry
"Towards the end of the tour, we were advised to apply urgently to DGS after graduation, as they depend on students with experience and knowledge in foundry technology from Aalen University," one student reported.
Visit to Bühler AG
Afterwards, the group went on to Bühler AG in Uzwil, where they were also warmly welcomed by Hermann Roos, the Structural Process Manager and also a former student of Aalen University. In the showroom, the students were shown the corporate divisions of Bühler. Two billion people eat food made with Buhler equipment every day, and one billion people ride in vehicles that contain die-cast components made with Buhler technologies. "Given this global relevance, our mechanical engineers who know foundry technology are immensely important for the challenges of the future," says Kallien. During the tour of development and production, the students were able to marvel at, among other things, the enormous casting unit of the new Carat with 8,400 tons of clamping force (the force that presses the mold halves together in die casting), which Buhler is currently setting up.
Further information on the courses of study
Students interested in Mechanical Engineering/Production and Management with the three elective specialisations Production, Business/Management and Digital Production
can find more information on the Instagram account maschinenbau.hsaalen, at www.maschinenbau-aalen.de or by WhatsApp to the mechanical engineering student advisory service on 0152 27 14 93 14.