On 5 and 6 November 2014 the Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage light alloys conference was held for the eights time. Under the auspices of LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen, internationally renowned experts held lectures on innovative and largely unpublished research results.
At the experts’ conference in the seminar centre of the spa resort hotel in Geinberg the latest trends and scientific findings in light metals research were presented. Lectures from 22 speakers from companies such as AMAG, Airbus, HAI, Miba, Linde Gas, KTM Sportcar, Magna Powertrain, Recaro and Volkswagen as well as scientists from renowned universities from Austria, Germany and Switzerland dealt with the question of how to achieve energy-saving mobility in the future.
For several years, the trend in materials research has been towards the development of new, high-performance materials for increasingly diverse applications – be it for building new generations of engines or to improving the properties of crash body panels. As the technical possibilities for the application of light metals in vehicle design are continually expanding, new approaches are needed. For mobility developments that will ensure personal mobility into future, high-performance materials are essential. A further development in the automotive industry can succeed only if suitable materials are available; these need to be safe and environmentally friendly, but also affordable.
“Meeting this challenge requires intensive development in the field of materials science, especially in applied research,” explains Andreas Kraly, Managing Director of LKR. “Networking and cooperation between industry, universities and non-university research bodies is essential.” And networking was also the focus of the light metals conference. Centred on the programme of lectures and presentations with speakers from the automotive and supplier industries as well as science, networks have been formed and strengthened.
Highlight of the conference was a panel discussion with representatives of senior industrial companies from the automotive sector. Main topic of the discussion was the question of the ideal material: What material will take take lead in lightweight design: light alloys, steel, CFK? The experts discussed the ideal mix of materials to slim down cars, aircraft and other vehicles.
For further reading on the presented research results, conference proceedings with the experts’ contributions has again been published this year.
Twenty years’ research expertise
LKR Light Metals Technologies Ranshofen is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Established on 1 July 1994 with a staff of three, LKR today has 45 employees. We are grateful for the numerous people and organizations who have provided us with both practical and financial support to help us achieve our position as a well-known European lightweight design and light alloys research organisation. LKR celebrated its anniversary with an exhibition at its Ranshofen premises on 4 November. On the occasion of the company’s 20th anniversary, visitors were given an insight into the company’s research activities that are currently being conducted together with customers and partners.