As a research and educational institute, the Foundry Institute at the RWTH Aachen University is a global leader in its field. Three main components have contributed to the Institute’s reputation for excellence. First is the way research and education are brought together at the Institute. Second is the width of topics researched. Third is the Institute’s close and fruitful partnership with the world of industry and business. The Institute offers its engineering students a thorough background, not only in the theoretical, but also in the hands-on aspects of casting technology.

Foundry Institute at the RWTH Aachen University, Univ. Prof. Dr.-Ing. A. Bührig-Polaczek
Foundry Institute at the RWTH Aachen University, Univ. Prof. Dr.-Ing. A. Bührig-Polaczek

Research at the Institute focuses on the basic principles of metallurgy, solidification, production technology, casting materials and processes. A further focus is the identification of solutions to application-based tasks in the field of casting technology.

Enjoying the benefits of state-of-the-art facilities, the specialist team at the Foundry Institute is able to look back on a long and successful history as a reliable partner for industry in the field of development. Their story has been one of expertise and excellence. Today, as a member in the cluster of excellence, "Integrative production technology for high-wage countries", the Foundry Institute is helping to shape the production technology of tomorrow. The research is focused in three main areas:

  • Permanent mold casting and light metal casting materials
  • Sand casting, investment casting, and ferrous and high temperature materials
  • Numerical simulation and experimental principles

Since the early 1908s, the Foundry Institute and its previous director, Prof. Peter R. Sahm, have been instrumental in the development of casting process simulation. MAGMASOFT® has always been an integral part of the research activities and the education of foundry students. During recent years, the Foundry Institute and MAGMA have also engaged in several joint research projects.