New focus of study: 3D printing is revolutionizing mechanical engineering!

New focus of study: 3D printing is revolutionizing mechanical engineering!

A new major in mechanical engineering will be offered at the Birkenfeld Environmental Campus from the winter semester of 2025/26: additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. This decision presents itself as a further step into the future of technology, which is becoming increasingly important. Loud Trier University The students are not only familiarized with the theory, but also get to know the entire process chain. From material production to the printing process to final processing – the aspiring mechanical engineers are getting ready for the market.

A special unique selling point of the environmental campus is the in-house powder atomization system, which produces metal powder for 3D printing. This modern equipment is unique in the university landscape. The new focus is on resource efficiency and sustainable practices, which will be further deepened as part of the “CZS Center KRAFt” research project with impressive funding of 12 million euros from the Carl Zeiss Foundation. The aim is to convert waste into valuable materials, such as high-purity metal powder from industrial residues. The responsible use of resources is a clear appeal from Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Wahl, who emphasizes the importance of sustainability in studies.

Innovation through research

The laboratories for additive manufacturing at the Environmental Campus under the direction of Prof. Wahl are not only known regionally, but are also enjoying growing international attention. The machine park is continually being expanded, most recently with an innovative production system for the powder bed process, which melts metal powder in layers using a laser. This creates components with mechanical properties that can keep up with conventionally manufactured products. This shows the enormous potential: layered production enables complex geometries, such as integrated, circular cooling lines and lightweight components, which are often not possible in traditional production.

The “OMAS” project (surface-functionalized and wear-resistant components made of metastable-austenitic steels) is currently being launched, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The Ernst Abbe University of Jena and the Birkenfeld Environmental Campus work closely together to qualify specially prepared steels for additive manufacturing and to optimize their properties through heat treatment. Adrian Huwer, project manager, sees great potential for innovative applications in tool making.

The future of additive manufacturing

In recent years, additive manufacturing of metals has developed rapidly and now offers numerous applications in various industries. More and more prototypes and pilot projects are being replaced by the production of smaller and larger product series. Choosing suitable designs ensures work that is both resource-efficient and economical. However, studies that analyze the transfer of additive processes into small-scale industrial production are still needed to support decision-making for potential users Fraunhofer EMI reported.

The Birkenfeld Environmental Campus is not only a pioneer in the teaching and research landscape, but also offers the region's companies support in the application of new technologies. Anyone who would like to find out more about the special equipment or new projects can take advantage of tours of the modern production facility. A visit is definitely worth it!