On September 24, 2024, a special double event took place at the University of Paderborn, which focused on the interdisciplinary power of mechanical engineering and additive manufacturing. The network meeting of OWL3D, an initiative to promote 3D printing in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region, cooperated with the Mechanical Engineering Forum. The hosts were the Direct Manufacturing Research Center (DMRC) for OWL3D and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering for the Mechanical Engineering Forum.
OWL3D kicked off the event, which took place in Building L from 12:30 pm. The focus was on practice-oriented presentations on innovative applications of additive manufacturing, such as component innovations in SMEs and material solutions for series production. The event also offered participants the opportunity to find out about the latest developments and network intensively at exhibitions and laboratory tours. The OWL3D network meeting offers a platform for exchange between science and industry and once again highlighted the central role of the further development of additive manufacturing technologies.
The OWL3D presentations included:
- “When CAD reaches its limits” Tobias Erlemeier, Antonius K?ster
- “Component innovations through 3D printing: practical examples from East Westphalian SMEs” Simon Jürgens, Krause DiMaTec
- “Material solutions for additive manufacturing” Matthias Fischer, Forward AM
- “The production of series components using 3D printing requires new materials” Johannes Lohn, Protiq
- “From vision to reality - additive manufacturing of spectacle frames with HP Multi Jet Fusion” Fabian Schuster, HP
- “Quality First: WAAM structures in aviation” Sascha Berbalk, Heggemann
- panel discussion: “Exploiting the full efficiency and sustainability potential of additive manufacturing through digitalization” Moderation: Christian Lindemann, VDI-TZ
Parallel to this, the Mechanical Engineering Forum took place from 13:30, also in the L-Building, which was chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Mirko Schaper, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The presentations offered exciting insights into topics such as joint industrial research, sustainable production and the role of large-scale equipment in research.
The presentations at the Mechanical Engineering Forum included:
- “Industrial joint research - Shaping excellent research and innovative steel applications together” Dr. Gregor Nüsse, Research Association for Steel Applications e.V.
- “Individual public transportation” Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Tr?ster, University of Paderborn
- “Sustainable production” Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Schlüter, University of Paderborn
- “Transfer through spin-offs - the OWL start-up ecosystem” Prof. Dr. Sebastian Vogt, Technology Transfer & Start-up Center
- “ILH large-scale equipment - enabler for research” Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Homberg, University of Paderborn
A joint highlight of both events were the concluding tours of the facilities in the Y-building and the laboratories in the W-building, where participants had the opportunity to see technical innovations at first hand. The supporting program also included an exhibition on mobility, lightweight construction and additive manufacturing in the foyer of the L building. The lively participation and intensive exchange between the participants made the event a success.
