AWL organizes successful Customer Days "Don’t think light about weight”
On June 29th and 30th of this year, customers from across Europe came to Harderwijk where, during a lunch2lunch meeting, they gained more insight into the connection of lightweight structures. By the end of the event everyone had gathered all the relevant information on various lightweight materials and the use of bonding techniques.
The programme was filled with interesting presentations and various guest speaker sessions. Both Tata Steel and DSM shared their visions for the future in terms of materials. Tata focused on the use of High-Strength Steel and DSM devoted more attention to the use of plastics and on their recycling.
A guest speaker from Fraunhofer ITL was also present and gave a presentation on laser transmission welding, using a rear seat of a car as an example.
Laser transmission welding is a unique development in which fibre-reinforced plastics are joined by using a laser source.
Johnson Controls GmbH gave a presentation on product development, with a glued back-seat serving as a model. Note: the prototype machine for this project was developed and built by AWL.
Another interesting presentation was given by AFPT, a company that saw a market need for lightweight materials that need to be strong. They developed a new technology based on fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites. AWL helps AFPT to integrate this technology and equipment into the machines. It was a highly engaging and innovative presentation on new opportunities in lightweight.
AWL presented their ideas in laser welding, which most attendees found extremely interesting. Over the past three years, AWL has become one of the leading organizations in the field of laser welding, in addition to which, with the arrival of no less than two "European Adhesive Specialists", AWL also has extensive knowledge in the field of adhesives. As AWL has worked on various projects in which adhesives where a substantial component, they were able to demonstrate how to manage the complex process of bonding by using their case studies.
AWL looks back on two very successful, interesting, inspiring and enjoyable days. And one thing is certain: AWL will again organize a networking event in 2012.