On March 11–12, 2026, VDI Wissensforum GmbH invites participants to the 7th VDI Conference “Chassis and Body Components – Structural Application of Cast Components.” This renowned technical conference will take place in Biberach an der Riß and will bring together experts from the automotive industry, supplier companies, as well as research and development. The aim of the event is to shed light on current technological developments, practical solutions, and strategic perspectives related to the use of cast components in modern vehicle structures.
The conference will focus on the opportunities and future prospects of aluminum casting for chassis and body applications—both in conventional vehicle manufacturing and in hybrid vehicles. In addition, the use of magnesium and thixomolding in automotive engineering will be discussed in depth, covering the current status and outlook for future industrial applications.
Another key topic is process data-driven AI: innovative approaches will demonstrate how data analytics and artificial intelligence—particularly in mega casting—can be used to significantly reduce development times and make processes more robust. Sustainability also plays a central role, for example through aluminum alloys for structural cast parts with a higher share of post-consumer scrap, combining ecological requirements with high mechanical performance. The program is rounded off by practical experience reports on mega casting and insights into innovative tooling technologies.
Foundry visit at Handtmann – Europe’s first Tier 1 supplier with mega casting equipment
A special highlight of the event is the company visit to the foundry of Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG. Participants will gain exclusive insights into state-of-the-art foundry processes and lightweight metal expertise at the highest industrial level—from material selection and manufacturing to quality assurance of complex structural components.
The conference is chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Fehlbier (Chair of Foundry Technology, Center for Lightweight Casting and Design, University of Kassel) and Dr.-Ing. Heinrich Fuchs (HF Engineering, Offenbach). Practice-oriented technical presentations will be given by, among others, BMW, Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk, Hydro Aluminium, Nemak Europe, Martinrea Honsel Germany, the International Magnesium Association, the University of Stuttgart, and other renowned industry and research partners.
The VDI Conference thus offers a high-level platform for knowledge transfer, discussion, and networking, targeting developers, designers, materials and manufacturing specialists, as well as decision-makers who want to actively shape the future of chassis and body structures.
