From 1976 to 2009 – More than 30 years of metal forming at Technische Universität Darmstadt

The institute’s history

Technical research and teachings look back on a 100 year old tradition in Darmstadt. In 1976 metal forming evolved as a separate discipline from the institute for machine tools. Professor Dr.-Ing. Dieter Schmoeckel became head of the at that time called institute for metal forming (IfU). Since 1989 the institute bears its today’s name institute for production engineering and forming machines (PtU). It is led by professor Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Peter Groche since 1999.

The test area on campus Lichtwiese is equipped with a multitude of test facilities and machine tools. A cooperation between the PtU and the Institute for Production Management, Technology and Machine Tools (PTW) allows to run a common mechanical workshop with 20 skilled workers, where forming tools and test rigs can be manufactured locally. In 2007 a second experimenting hall, built for the collaborative research centre CRC 666, opened for more experimenting capacities. Research projects access most modern simulation and construction software and cutting-edge technologies for measuring, running on modern computer hardware.

Since the early days of the institute, the number of employees constantly rose to an average of now 25 scientific assistants. Managing to draw 85% of their costs from third-party funds since years proofs the institute’s good reputation within research foundation and industrial partners. The PtU employs additionally five administrative and technological members of staff as well as 40 student research assistants.

Organisation

The Institute for Production Engineering and Forming Machines, led by Professor Dr. Ing. Dipl. Wirtsch. Ing. Peter Groche, is organised in three technical departments:

• Process chains and forming units
• Process development
• Tribology and surface technology

»Process chains and forming units« mainly addresses the examination of entire production processes and the increase of their productivity and stability. Technological subjects are in particular roll forming, tube hydroforming and the development of servo-driven presses.

»Process development« deals with the redevelopment and enhancement of forming processes to achieve both technological and economical advantages. Current projects deal with roll forming, incremental bulk forming and hydroforming.

»Tribology and surface technology« dedicates itself to the characterization and improvement of tribological interactions within system boundaries of tool materials, semi-finished parts and process materials. The institute provides applicable test stands for bulk and sheet metal forming, hydroforming and cutting.