19. March 2025
Once a year, the Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) opens its doors to companies and research partners. The AZL Open Day on April 9 provides exclusive insights into current projects, laboratories, and production facilities. Eight institutes, six of which are located on Campus Melaten—including the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV), the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) – present the latest developments in lightweight production. The event has established itself as an international industry meeting point: In 2025, around 100 key players are once again expected to discover innovations, expand networks, and initiate joint projects.

Research Meets Industry – Technology Transfer in Lightweight Production

The integration of new lightweight technologies into industrial processes requires close collaboration between research and industry—this is precisely the approach of AZL. As part of the technological ecosystem of RWTH Aachen Campus, it collaborates with over 100 companies, serving as a unique interface between science and industry. Through joint knowledge exchange and development projects, innovations emerge that drive markets and technologies forward. Start-ups, medium-sized businesses, and large corporations leverage the campus’s excellent infrastructure to test new lightweight technologies and transition them into series production.

From Research to Industrial Application

A key success factor of AZL is direct technology transfer: Research findings are systematically integrated into industrial applications—through pilot projects, development collaborations, or new manufacturing technologies. The interplay between ‘technology push’ and ‘market pull’ is crucial: While research institutes develop innovative materials and manufacturing processes, companies contribute their specific market requirements.

AZL Open Day 2025

DF Fotografie/Dominik Fröls

Significant progress is being made, particularly in the areas of sustainable mobility, alternative propulsion concepts, and circular production. Lightweight construction enhances the efficiency of electric vehicles, reduces CO₂ emissions, and enables high-performance components for fuel cells, batteries, and hydrogen propulsion systems. At the same time, recyclable materials and resource-efficient manufacturing processes are gaining importance—essential building blocks for sustainable value creation.

Experience Innovation – Register Now for AZL Open Day

The close integration of science and industry is also reflected in the infrastructure of Campus Melaten. AZL Open Day offers the opportunity to experience this ecosystem firsthand and connect directly with leading experts. Click here to register.