The European Lightweight Association (ELA) invites you to the Lightweight Materials Summit: The Future of Mobility in Helmond (Netherlands). The focus of the event is on the key technology of lightweight construction, which is of immense importance for climate protection and resource conservation. The event is free. We would like to invite all our partners to take part.
The day before we organize an exclusive company tour to selected lightweight construction specialists:
Program
13:30h Walk-in with coffee and tea
14:00h Introduction of the European Lightweight Association, by Freek de Bruijn, RAI Automotive Industry NL
14:15h Additive manufacturing for the Automotive industry, by Mike Braat, Fontys Hogescholen from the Netherlands
14:40h Sustainable lightweight wood hybrid basis, by Wolfgang Knöbl, Weitzer Woodsolutions from Austria
15:05h Coffee break
15:35h Lightweight textile in mobility solutions, by Thomas Hipke, Fraunhofer IWU from Germany
16:00h Most recent research and developments, by Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials AG from Switzerland
16:25h Closing and drinks
The workshop will be moderated by Freek de Bruijn, RAI Automotive Industry NL.
Meet our speakers
Fontys HogescholenAdditive manufacturing offers several advantages to the automotive industry, particularly in relation to sustainability.
This technology not only allows for more flexible and innovative design approaches where designers can create parts with integrated functionalities, combining multiple components into a single unit, but it also often reduces the number of features required in a vehicle, simplifying assembly and disassembly processes, ultimately making end-of-life recycling and remanufacturing easier.
Additive manufacturing aligns well with circular economy principles by promoting recycling and reusing materials. Many 3D printing technologies also allow for using recycled or bio-based materials, further reducing the environmental impact of automotive production.
Weitzer WoodsolutionsWeitzer Woodsolutions transforms the robust raw material into the lightweight construction material of the future. Instead of components made of carbon, aluminum, fiberglass or steel: wood can do anything if you know how. Less weight, sustainable production cycles, efficient costs.
Easy to work with and extremely versatile, wood is a companion for eternity that knows no limits. When processed correctly, the raw material does not splinter, is non-flammable and extremely durable. It is not without reason that wood was and is used in all climate zones to make life better for all of us.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials AGThe Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials group's area of activity includes, on the one hand, the area of high-performance plastics. The company produces semi-finished products and technical finished parts as well as technical injection molded parts from engineering plastics. These are used in wide areas of industry, including plant and apparatus engineering, the chemical and pharmaceutical process industry, the electrical and electronics industry, medical technology, food processing, material transport, mining, power generation, etc the automotive industry.
The second business area, Plastic Composites and Cable Protection Systems, includes the production of glass and natural fiber reinforced thermoplastics, cable protection tubes and connectors made of polyolefins for automobiles (structural and interior components) as well as telecommunications and power distribution.
Fraunhofer IWUThe Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU is a driver for innovations in the research and development of production engineering. Around 670 highly qualified employees work at our locations in Chemnitz, Dresden, Leipzig, Wolfsburg, and Zittau. We open up the potential for competitive manufacturing in automotive and mechanical engineering, aerospace technology, medical engineering, electrical engineering, and precision and microengineering. We focus on scientific developments and contract research regarding components, processes, methods, and the associated complex machine systems and their interaction with humans – the entire factory.
About ELARAI Automotive Industry NL is a partner of
ELA. The goal of ELA is to make its members more competitive in the field of lightweight technology. Together, small and medium-sized businesses in Europe can effectively compete on the global stage. All European businesses and research institutes have greater access to clients, technologies, and best practices because to the collaboration within ELA. ELA is a potent platform for promoting the advantages of lightweight technology for trade and the environment at the same time. This technology not only offers a billion-dollar market, but it also lowers CO2 emissions and energy consumption, paving the way for a more sustainable future. ELA wants to highlight the importance of lightweight technology for policymakers and assist the Green Deal initiative of the European Union.
Fotocredit (c) AdobeStock/KPixMining/Rai Automotive Industry NL