Events
The IWM-IAPK Colloquium
Every year, the Institute for Materials Applications in Mechanical Engineering (IWM) at RWTH Aachen University and the Institute of Applied Powder Metallurgy and Ceramics (IAPK) host the colloquium in Aachen. The focus is on current research results and developments. The event promises not only professional enrichment, but also numerous opportunities for networking with other industry participants and researchers.
The most recent edition of our colloquium was successfully held on March 12 under the theme “Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Materials Engineering.” The event brought together experts from various fields and provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion and inspiring insights.
Detailed information about the program, the individual presentations, and the participants is available here.
For a recap of the event and a summary of the key findings and impressions, please click here.
News
Here you'll find the latest news from the IAPK in the areas of research, teaching, and academia that you won't want to miss.
Ceramitec 2026
Once again this year, Ceramitec served as a meeting place for the ceramics industry, and our team was on site in Munich from March 24 to 26. As one of the world’s leading trade fairs for ceramics, Ceramitec brings experts together every year and provides a platform for exchange and innovation.
Our institute was represented with a booth where our staff members Dr. Anke Kaletsch, Yuanbin Deng, Meng Zhou, and Leonhard Gertlowski actively shared valuable insights into our institute’s network with visitors.
Our institute was also represented with two presentations in the conference program:
Dr. Anke Kaletsch with the presentation “Flexible Material Development for Additive Manufacturing” in the session “Advanced Materials and Applications in Powder Metallurgy” Leonhard Gertlowski with the presentation “Accelerated Fatigue Testing of PM-HIP Tool Steel” in the session “Advanced Processes in Powder Metallurgy” In addition, participants were able to enjoy the traditional Bavarian evening, which took place on the eve of the conference at the Löwenbräukeller in the heart of Munich—the perfect setting for lively conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.
We would like to thank the organizers and participants and are already looking forward to Ceramitec 2028!
IWM-IAPK Colloquium 2026
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science
Under the theme “Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science,” participants from industry and research gathered on March 12 at the Aachen Technology Center to discuss current developments in powder metallurgy, digital process modeling, and data-driven materials development.
A series of nine presentations vividly illustrated the significant impact that digital methods, data-based models, and artificial intelligence are having on research and industrial applications in powder metallurgy.
The lecture series kicked off with presentations on the use of artificial intelligence and data-driven models for analyzing and predicting complex processes. The presentations highlighted current research approaches to AI-supported modeling and the development of predictive models. Dr. Oliver Schenk, head of Heat Treatment Research Group set the tone with his presentation and emphasized these very points in the specific case of powder metallurgy. That realistic digital models can only be achieved with a solid experimental foundation was demonstrated by Tobias Sedlatschek from the Micromechanics research group in his presentation on micromechanical experiments as the basis for simulation-based material models. His presentation underlined how experimental investigations on the microscale provide essential parameters for realistic material modeling. In his presentation, Ziping Sang from the Process Simulation, Powder Metallurgy and Ceramics research group shifted the focus of data analysis and modeling to the binder jetting process, specifically using the shell printing strategy.
The field of binder jetting was also addressed by Dr. Lennart Waalkes from Fraunhofer IAPT, Hamburg. He showcased computer vision methods for the automated density and defect analysis in metal binder jetting, thereby opening new possibilities for efficient quality control.
Our guest from LWT at Ruhr University Bochum, Dr. Santiago Benito demonstrated how deep learning methods can be used to automatically quantify solidification structures in tool steel powders.
The industrial angle was not left out either, thanks to Dr. Christopher Schaak from Bleistahl. His contribution on digital transformation and sustainability in powder metallurgy focused on the integration of measurement technology, data acquisition, and cloud solutions, as well as the potential for dynamic CO₂ footprint calculations along the production chain.
A special highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Hilti Award, which provides doctoral students with a platform to showcase their research findings. First place went to Lutz Horbach from the Micromechanics research group for his outstanding presentation on the topic of Predictive Materials Engineering for Large Castings. The focus was on data-based models for predicting microstructure evolution and material properties.
The colloquium concluded with a presentation by Yuanbin Deng, head of the Process Simulation, Powder Metallurgy and Ceramics research group, on simulations in powder metallurgy and ceramics, in which he discussed current developments and the future potential of AI-based approaches for material-specific process simulation.
The rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is transforming how innovation happens, uniting experimental research, data-driven modeling, and industrial practice to create more efficient and sustainable solutions.
We would like to thank all the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and look forward to the next colloquium!
IWM-IAPK Colloquium 2025
Strength and Reliability in Powder Metallurgy and Ceramics
The Institute for Materials Applications in Mechanical Engineering (IWM) at RWTH Aachen University and the Institute for Applied Technology in Powder Metallurgy and Ceramics at RWTH Aachen University e.V. (IAPK) once again hosted this year’s IWM–IAPK Colloquium. The colloquium, themed “Strength and Reliability in Powder Metallurgy and Ceramics”, took place on March 20, 2025. Nine cutting-edge presentations from industry and academia provided the basis for exciting discussions and scientific exchange.
Ceramitec 2024
Come meet us on April 9, 2024 at Ceramitec in Munich! This international gathering of the ceramics industry offers industry professionals an opportunity to exchange ideas on the latest trends and innovations in the field.
If needed, we’d be happy to provide a visitor ticket. To request one, please contact our secretariat.
IWM-IAPK Colloquium 2024
Development of New Tool Materials
On March 21, 2024, the two Aachen-based institutes (IAPK and IWM) welcomed friends and members of the IAPK Friends Association to the TEMA Pyramid in Aachen. Following a welcome address by Institute Director Prof. Dr. Christoph Broeckmann, Prof. Dr. Thomas Bergs from the Manufacturing Technology Institute opened the lecture series with an engaging discussion on the frontiers of manufacturing technology.
The focus of this year’s IWM-IAPK Colloquium was on the “Development of New Tool Materials.” Dr. Uwe Schleinkofer from Ceratizit Austria GmbH encouraged a sustainable approach to cemented carbide tools in his presentation. Manfred Weigand discussed innovative coating technologies from CemeCon AG, and Dr. Michael Zins from Fraunhofer IKTS addressed the use of ceramic cutting materials in wood machining. For the first time, the Hilti Award was included in the agenda of the IWM-IAPK Colloquium, providing doctoral students with a platform to present their research findings. Leonhard Gertlowski from the IAPK kicked off the event with an engaging presentation on the use of MAX-phase composites in precision blank pressing.
Siyuan Qin (IAPK) discussed the influence of the microstructure of additively manufactured hot-work steels on thermal conductivity, toughness, and hardness. Marie Luise Scheck (IAPK) presented her findings on the material development of additively manufactured carbide-rich tool steels. Finally, Michael Ackers of Kolibri Metal GmbH discussed hybrid 3D printing of novel tool materials. Leonhard Gertlowski was honored as the winner of the IWM-IAPK Colloquium for his presentation on the adjustability of the coefficient of thermal expansion in MAX-phase composites.
The event was rounded out by a presentation from Prof. Dr. Christoph Escher on current trends in the field of tool steel, as well as remarks by Prof. Dr. Arne Röttger on challenges and potential solutions in the additive manufacturing of tool steels.
IWM-IAPK Colloquium 2023
Sinter-Based Additive Manufacturing
On March 23, 2023, the IWM and IAPK held their annual colloquium. As in the previous year, the event was held at the TEMA Pyramid Technology Center, and approximately 80 participants made their way to Aachen.
This year’s overarching theme was “Sinter-Based Additive Manufacturing.” What are the trends and new developments in this field? Where do we stand today, and where is the journey headed?
The presentations covered a wide range of topics, from traditional structural ceramics to ceramic composites, cermets, and tool steels. In ten informative presentations followed by lively discussions, the participants of the IWM-IAPK Colloquium explored these questions.
Speakers included some of our colleagues as well as researchers from other companies in the industry. More detailed information can be found in our program brochure.
We would like to thank all the speakers and participants and look forward to seeing you again at the 2024 IWM-IAPK Colloquium!
IWM-IAPK Colloquium 2022
Design and Engineering with Hard Materials
The colloquium organized by the IWM and IAPK institutes took place again this year. On September 20, 2022, Prof. Christoph Broeckmann, director of both institutes, hosted a high-caliber knowledge exchange under the title “Design and Engineering with Hard Materials.”
The event, held at the TEMA facilities in Aachen, attracted around 50 participants from all over Germany to Aachen. Speakers and attendees listened to a total of nine interesting presentations on current research topics from academia and industry. The wide-ranging topics spanned everything from classical structural ceramics to ceramic composites and hard metals, all the way to tool steels. The full list of topics can be found in our program flyer.
Among the speakers were several colleagues from the IWM, who shared the progress and findings of their current work, thereby contributing to an informative and enlightening day.
The colloquium, which was a success last year, was thus successfully held again in 2022 and was very well received by those in attendance.
IWM-IAPK Colloquium 2021
Additive Manufacturing of Hard Materials
On September 23, 2021, the IWM-IAPK Colloquium finally took place in Aachen. Under the title “Additive Manufacturing of Hard Materials”, numerous high-profile speakers gave presentations and led discussions on the topic.
The event attracted over 60 participants from industry and the business community to Aachen. Among the program highlights was a tribute to Prof. Horst Maier (founder and honorary member of the IAPK, formerly IPAK). To mark his 80th birthday, which he celebrated this year, he was presented by Prof. Broeckmann and Ms. Scharrer (Göller Verlag) with a special edition of CFI (Ceramic Forum International) featuring articles by his former doctoral students.
The event, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 situation but was finally able to take place in person, was a complete success and delighted everyone in attendance. In particular, the personal exchanges and the lively debates sparked by the presentations were greatly appreciated.
