SKZ expands research and education in joining and surface technology
The SKZ Plastics Center in Würzburg has expanded its research and training activities in the field of joining and surface technology by moving into the new premises of the Model Factory. The members of Dr. Eduard Kraus' team are now divided into three groups led by experts with many years of experience.
Standing for application-oriented research and education (from left:) Michael Heilig, Group Manager Bonding and Surface Technology, Dr. Gernot Hochleitner, Group Manager Thermal Joining Technologies, Johannes Kocksch, Course Center Manager and Group Manager Education, and Dr. Eduard Kraus, Division Manager Joining and Surface Technology. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
New technologies and educational opportunities - this area is divided into three groups
With new research technologies and expanded training programs, the SKZ aims to provide even more intensive support to the plastics industry and develop forward-looking solutions.
The Joining and Surface Technology Research Department, headed by Eduard Kraus, is now divided into three groups:
Thermal Joining Technologies and Bonding and Surface Technologies
The Thermal Joining Technologies group, led by Dr. Gernot Hochleitner, will focus more on topics such as laser welding, digitization and AI support for joining processes, direct joining and recycling. The Adhesive Bonding and Surface Technology research group, led by Michael Heilig, is expanding its extensive portfolio of expertise to include adhesion research on recycled materials, VUV pretreatment, plasma coating of polymers, modification of adhesives and tapes, and sustainable adhesive solutions. The new pilot plants of these research groups are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and enable SKZ to research innovative joining processes and polymer materials in the field of joining and surface technology. In close cooperation with industrial partners, practical solutions will be developed to meet the requirements of modern production.
Education group with a wide range of courses
The continuously growing Education Group, headed by Johannes Kocksch, is expanding the range of training courses in the field of joining and surface technology. In addition to seminars and workshops, the SKZ also offers customized training courses in accordance with the guidelines of the DVS (German Welding Society) and DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) for companies in order to keep their employees up to date with the latest technology in the field of welding and bonding and to qualify career changers for tasks in the joining sector in a practice-oriented manner.
"Contributing to the development of the plastics industry"
"By expanding our expertise in thermal and adhesive joining technologies, we want to contribute to the further development of the plastics industry," says Eduard Kraus. "Through our research and training activities, we want to help companies in the plastics industry develop innovative solutions and receive training at the highest level. This is an important contribution to increasing competitiveness and long-term success.
The SKZ invites interested companies to benefit from the new research and training opportunities in the field of joining and surface technology and to work together on forward-looking projects.
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