Dr. Gernot Hochleitner appointed new group leader for thermal joining technologies at SKZ
At the beginning of October, Dr. Gernot Hochleitner took over as head of the thermal joining technologies research group at SKZ, thus strengthening the joining and surface technologies division. The group, consisting of four employees, focuses on the research and development of industrially relevant welding processes and related procedures.
Dr. Eduard Kraus (left), Division Manager and former Group Head, hands over to his successor Dr. Gernot Hochleitner (right). (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
Research Group Aims to Continually Expand Thermal Joining Capabilities
"For our industrial customers, it is crucial that we set the right priorities and work with our finger on the pulse," says Hochleitner's predecessor and head of the Joining and Surface Technology Division, Dr. Eduard Kraus. Although thermal joining has been an established technology for decades, the rapid global development of modern industry makes it a dynamic playing field.
Making thermal joining accessible to customers and partners
In this context, cross-cutting issues such as artificial intelligence, advancing automation or the need for sustainable closed-loop processes are also points of contact for thermal joining technology. The Group's strategy is to continuously expand the possibilities of thermal joining, mostly through publicly funded research projects, and to make them accessible to partners and customers through expert circles, training courses and industrial services.
Hochleitner with extensive experience in polymer science and process engineering
Gernot Hochleitner also brings the right tools for the job. His experience as head of process development at Covestro Thermoplast Composite and his doctorate in additive manufacturing give him a decade of experience in polymer science and process engineering. His focus is on the synergy of these two different worlds: structured academic research with a customer-oriented perspective.
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