Spin-offs in the field of production engineering

The Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) at the Campus Melaten of RWTH Aachen University was established in 2012. Continuous process chains for the mass production of lightweight components, especially multi-material systems, are investigated and implemented in collaboration with the institutes  IKV, WZL, IPT, ISF, IKA, SLA, ITA, ILT of the RWTH Aachen University. The center was founded by professor Hopmann, head of the Institute of Plastic Processing (IKV), and professor Brecher, ordinary professor at the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University as well as director of the department for production machines at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT).

The Complexity Management Academy focusses on the buildup of expertise within complexity management. Therefore the academy supports best-practise-sharing between involved companies. One core element is the complexity community, which represents a network of enrolled companies togehter with experts in their field of complexity management. Furthermore there are seminars and in-house-trainings which prepare for current challenges and research activities which deal with future trends of complexity management.

The Demonstration Factory is the key part of the Cluster Logistics at RWTH Aachen Campus Melaten. With the production of prototypes and intermediate products the Demonstration Factory offers the possibility to investigate questions in the field of production systematics in a real production environment. The main objective is to establish of a close interaction between practice, research and training.

With the Campus Digital Photonic Production (DPP) a new form of long-term cooperation between RWTH Aachen University, Fraunhofer Society and Industry is established. The aim is to concentrate different resources under one roof and use synergies. Basic physical effects and new methods are applied to lead the way toward light as a future production tool, contributing to issues such as mobility, energy, health or information and communication technology. The BMBF-Research Campus Digital Photonic Production (DPP) belongs to the Photonics Cluster.

e.GO Mobile AG was founded in 2015 by Prof. Dr. Günther Schuh as a manufacturer of electric vehicles. The approx. 450 employees work in highly agile teams on a variety of cost-effective and  particularly durable electric vehicles for short-haul traffic. They use the unique network of research facilities and more than 400 technology companies on the RWTH Aachen Campus. Since 2018, the company has been developing and producing the electric car e.GO Life in the industrial area Aachen Rothe Erde.

Within ICMEg e.V. experts deal with issues of integrated computer based material- and process developments. Their vision is to establish a simulation standard for different simulation tools for enabling a process- and scale independent development of new materials. The ICMEg association was founded in 2014.

KEX Knowledge Exchange AG focuses on providing solutions and methods for managing the ever increasing complexity of today‘s enterprises, products and processes. The company was established as an implementation-oriented problem solver in the industry. Its goal is to ensure the company’s success through their work as strategy and organizational consultants, as well as management coaches.

The Aachener Werkzeugbauakademie is a leading partner and platform for the tool and die industry. With 50 employees the Werkzeugbauakademie offers professional education for both junior and executive staff, applied research and also sector specific networking. Furthermore there is a close cooperation with institutes of RWTH Aachen University and Fraunhofer Society Aachen.