Cluster for Lightweight Design

The Cluster for Lightweight Design is a network of companies, research institutions and service providers that supports and fosters cross-sectoral cooperation in lightweight construction technologies. Its objective is to enhance the innovative strength and competitiveness of its affiliated partners. 

Key areas of focus for the cluster are materials for lightweight design, lightweight structural design and manufacturing technologies for lightweight design

The organisational team of the Cluster for Lightweight Design supports its partners in the following four areas: information and communication, training, cooperation, and marketing / PR.  Target groups in the network include companies, research facilities and institutions from a wide variety of industrial sectors for which innovative solutions in the field of lightweight construction technologies are an important topic.

Key Topics

The areas on which the network focuses are determined in accordance with the trends and developments in lightweight design. The needs of the partners in the cluster are accorded particular attention. 

Technologies for Lightweight Design

  • Primary shaping and reshaping technologies
  • Joining and connecting systems
  • Process simulation
  • ... 

Materials for Lightweight Design

  • Lightweight steels
  • Lightweight metals
  • Plastics
  • Composites
  • Cellular materials
  • ...

Lightweight Structural Design

  • Lightweight construction methods
  • Mounting and attachment concepts
  • Structural stability
  • Optimisation of structures
  • Use of CAx and simulation methods
  • ...

Areas of Activity of the Cluster for Lightweight Design

The organisational team of the Cluster for Lightweight Design supports its partners in four areas:

Marketing / PR - Showcasing of Lightweight Construction Expertise!

From Lower Bavaria the Cluster for Lightweight Design and its partners are presented to the public across regional borders with the support of specialist journals and associations. 

The expertise of the partners in the Cluster for Lightweight Design is also highlighted through joint presentations at exhibitions and specialist trade fairs.

Cooperation - Stronger Together!

Mutual benefits can be achieved by pooling skills. Cooperations produce synergy effects in different areas and lead to an increase in productivity. These synergy effects can be used across sectors. 

As the lead organisation in the Cluster for Lightweight Design, Landshut University of Applied Sciences manages and coordinates the initiation of collaborations and offers support in the implementation of ongoing cooperations. It assists in the initiation, organisation and implementation of research projects. 

Examples of successful cooperations that came about through the Cluster for Lightweight Design include the "LeitHybproject (Lightweight Design Hybrid Structure for the Chassis of Motorhomes), the "MagFestproject (Structural Stability Analysis for Lightweight Structures made from Wrought Magnesium Alloys) and the "IMVALproject (Innovative Mineral Foam Composite Applications for Lightweight Design).

Training - A Competitive Edge Through Knowledge!

Lifelong learning is a major factor in this day and age. The capacity for innovation is highly dependent on the availability of essential knowledge and manufacturing resources on the different operational levels. In this regard, education and training help secure the economic competitiveness and enhance the innovative strength of companies. 

Through regular events dealing with current lightweight design topics, the cluster partners can enhance their level of expertise and have their knowledge of lightweight design technologies brought right up to date. 

Specialist events and learning platforms stimulate the transfer of know-how and offer the ideal opportunity to initiate new business contacts. Examples of this include: 

  • Landshut Conference for Lightweight Design (Landshuter Leichtbau-Colloquium (LLC))
  • Landshut-Ingolstadt Symposium for Lightweight Design (Landshut-Ingolstädter Leichtbausymposium)
  • themed evenings
  • seminars, workshops
  • cooperation events with other clusters.

Information and Communication - A Competitive Edge Through Information!

The possibilities of information and communication technologies are significant in a network. For example, they make the performance capabilities of a region clear. Furthermore, they provide support when it comes to making contacts between companies and institutions in lightweight construction. 

The role of the LC organisation team includes disseminating and consolidating lightweight construction-specific information.


In more detail this includes:.

  • website of the Cluster for Lightweight Design
  • mailshots with the Cluster for Lightweight Design and lightweight technology news
  • a database with partner profiles and contact addresses 
  • company visits - "Lightweight Design In Situ"
  • Cluster for Lightweight Design conferences

Contact

Research Director

Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Otto Huber
ROOM:  J1 06
PHONE:  +49 (0)871 - 506 655
otto.huber(at)haw-landshut.de

Commercial and Organisational Director

Marc Bicker

Marc Bicker
ROOM:  N2 29
PHONE:  +49 (0)871 - 506 134
FAX:  +49 (0)871 - 506 506
marc.bicker(at)haw-landshut.de