Hosts Prof. Dr. Wolfram Volk (TUM) and Dr. Steffen Klan (Fraunhofer IGCV) consciously chose not to dwell on the challenges facing the German foundry industry. Instead, Prof. Dr. Volk urged the many guests gathered in the foundry hall, “Let us recognize the opportunities that arise from these challenges!”
The foundry hall at the Fraunhofer Institute in Garching is now excellently equipped. Among the latest additions is an installation for Injector Casting, further expanding the technological capabilities.
As always, the event offered a successful mix of three inspiring keynotes and the popular research marketplace, showcasing current topics and demonstrations from Fraunhofer IGCV, TUM’s utg, Aalen University, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, and innovative start-ups.
Keynotes
- Dr. Ingo Ederer, Voxeljet AG: Printed Sand in New Dimensions
- Stefan Kneer, Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG: Think Big! Growing Potential for Large Castings in Die Casting
- Filho Ferreira de Oliveira, FILL Ges.m.b.H.: A Glimpse into the Future of the Digitalized Foundry World
"Limits Exist Only in Our Minds"
With this thought-provoking assertion, Dr. Ingo Ederer, founder and pioneer of Voxeljet AG, opened his presentation. Once primarily used for prototyping, printed sand cores are now indispensable in series production due to their unparalleled complexity.
Dr. Ederer impressively showcased advancements in printed cores for large-scale casting, such as complete wind turbine molds. High precision relies on detailed datasets, with components assembled like Lego bricks.
A particularly notable development is underway in Friedberg near Augsburg, where a new large-format printer featuring innovative lifting technology and a bridge design is being built. This printer processes 3,900 liters of sand in 24 hours and is conceptually designed for recycled sand. This ambitious project highlights how quickly the European engineering industry can respond to challenges. (Foundry-Planet will keep you updated!)
Giga-, Mega-, Hyper-Casting – A View from Biberach
Since the installation of the Bühler Carat 610 mega press, Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG in Biberach has frequently been asked about the insights and visions behind its bold moves.
In his keynote, Stefan Kneer shared the courage of this fifth-generation family-owned company, which invested in the future despite challenging market conditions.
Positive trends in the automotive industry are particularly encouraging: the aluminum content in vehicles is set to rise to 125 kg per vehicle by 2030, with analysts forecasting increasing demand for megacastings, especially for rear-end structures, battery frames, and, in the future, front-end structures.
Handtmann is already working with clients on several pre-development projects, aiming to implement series production as a full-service supplier. The 6,100-ton machine has already secured three series production orders. With high production depth, Handtmann is well-prepared for transformation, both at its main plant and international site.
Digitalization and Robocast – A Future-Oriented Perspective
Filho Ferreira de Oliveira’s presentation offered fascinating insights into Robocast and the ongoing pursuit of optimal solutions in a digitalized foundry world
The Barbaratagung 2024 in Garching proved, once again, to be a true highlight, thanks to excellent organization and a positive atmosphere. Particularly in these challenging times, the event provided not only valuable insights but also optimism and inspiration for the entire industry.
