Rector Prof. Harald Riegel opened the colloquium and paid tribute to Kallien’s outstanding commitment to the university and to cast metal technology.
The program offered several technical highlights:
- Prof. Wolfram Volk (TU Munich) presented the 3D-printing-based Liquid Shaping process, capable of producing ultra-thin aluminium castings (approx. 0.5 mm) without cold shuts and with excellent mechanical properties.
- Prof. Babette Tonn (TU Clausthal) showcased the impressive potential of high-damping CuAlMn casting alloys. Their martensitic transformation enables remarkably effective vibration damping—dramatically demonstrated with three differently tuned rods reacting distinctly when doused in hot water. The alloy also performs well in die casting: roughly 700 test parts have already been successfully produced.
- Prof. Martin Fehlbier (University of Kassel) explained how AI and thermography can bring new transparency to die casting. Thermal imaging and trained models automatically optimize the spraying process, improving tool conditioning, process stability, and resource efficiency.
- Prof. Gotthard Wolf (TU Freiberg) introduced the UHT Thermo-Jet, an electrically heated high-temperature system designed for the decarbonization of light-metal foundries. This plug-and-play solution replaces fossil-fuel burners, reaches temperatures above 1050 °C, and improves energy efficiency, process quality, and furnace longevity.
Adding a humorous twist, Dr. Schwarz (Steinbeis Center) contributed a collection of video greetings and light-hearted personal anecdotes themed around megacasting and Prof. Kallien’s character.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Kallien looked back on 21 fulfilling years at Aalen University—marked by major research initiatives, substantial laboratory upgrades, and especially the close collaboration with Senior Engineer Thomas Weidler, to whom he expressed heartfelt thanks.
The event concluded with the traditional Gießerabend among the die-casting machines in the foundry lab—this year so lively that many guests didn’t leave until 4 a.m.
