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VDMA sets up Working Group Hybrid Lightweight Technologies

25 Jan '16

2 min read

The German machinery manufacturers association, VDMA has announced the formation of the Working Group Hybrid Lightweight Technologies replacing the VDMA Composite Technology Forum.

“Multi-material design sees materials increasingly being combined in lightweight applications and the 175 VDMA member firms in the Composite Technology Forum will concern themselves with composite-metal bonding,” a VDMA press release stated.

According to VDMA, more than 115 companies were present for the Working Group's inaugural event and elected one of the members, Peter Egger of Engel Austria GmbH, as chairman.

The aim of the Working Group is to match the VDMA's existing machinery manufacturing skills in lightweight construction, which are not confined to any particular material, with the needs of customer industries.

“In future, user and supplier industries and research institutes active in the field will therefore also take part in this important exchange,” VDMA said.

“Motivated by the need to save energy and resources, the automotive industry, alongside aerospace, transport and the wind industry, is now the force driving lightweight construction,” the trade body added.

“If the most suitable material, with its particular characteristics, is deployed in the right place, this will ideally produce the optimal system solution sought both in terms of design and economy,” it observed.

The Working Group's areas of activity will extend from materials by way of bonding technologies to production technology networking.

The overarching issues to be examined will include simulation methods, functional integration and life cycle considerations.

The Working Group Hybrid Lightweight Technologies will be application-oriented and consider a wide range of materials and industries.

“We are creating a platform for the exchange of experience that will be accessible across Europe, with the aim of helping its members to develop markets and strengthen their market position worldwide,” Peter Egger said.

“An event concept and the development of existing trade fair activities will make an important contribution to this,” Egger too added. (AR)

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