Excursion to Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH in Heuchelheim

This year, first-semester students were again able to tackle practical engineering tasks as part of the Bachelor's lecture “Production Technology”. The task of the 4th case study “powder metallurgy” was to bring a component, which is typically manufactured by 3D printing, into a form suitable for sintering. Subsequently, an economic efficiency calculation between the two processes had to be performed. Here, both material costs and plant costs had to be taken into account.

The teams of the best submissions were invited to an excursion to the partner company. In the case of the powder metallurgy case study, Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH took over the partnership, as it did last year. The excursion led to the headquarters of Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH in Heuchelheim, where the group was accompanied by Dr. Baumgärtner, Head of Research & Development. In Heuchelheim, the history and special features of the Schunk Singermetalltechnik were first discussed. The individual contributions of the winning teams were discussed again and practical feedback was given. Afterwards, the students were able to view all the production steps of a sinter production on site during a tour of the plant. Starting with the powder pressing to the green compact up to the quality inspection of the finished parts after sintering and tempering, all process steps could be viewed in reality. The exciting and instructive day was rounded off by a lunch together in the company's own canteen.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Baumgärtner and Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH for the successful cooperation and the friendly reception by the company management. We hope that in the future cooperation in the field of apprenticeship will continue to be possible.