Lectures at the University of Wuppertal

At the end of 2021, WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH was invited to give lectures at the University of Wuppertal. The topic: "Initial Design and Component Design" as part of the special mechanical engineering lecture series, a cooperation with the Bergisch Land mechanical engineering network.

The mechanical engineering specialist has over 100 years of experience in the successful development of high-performance machines and is one of the leading manufacturers of innovative machines and tools for cold and semi-hot forming for the efficient and highly precise production of fasteners (for example, screws) from wire in various metals and alloys.

So it is not surprising that University Professor Dr. Peter Gust from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Safety Engineering wishes to make the knowledge of the WAFIOS experts available to the students.

As part of the special mechanical engineering lecture series, Justin Kunze, a young Master of Science and WAFIOS machine designer, got the students very interested in his exciting field of expertise. The practical relevance of the lectures is of particular importance to him. To this end, he enlivens his lectures with many examples from the real mechanical engineering world with actual components and assemblies. Videos and photos help students understand the effects of a design on finished, working machines.

For the exams, some companies offered practical work experience as a part of the examination achievements, while others - including WAFIOS - provided their part of the grade evaluation in the form of written examination questions.

WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH is very pleased with the direct contact and the relationships that have been built up over many years with the University of Wuppertal!

How does the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Safety Engineering itself see this cooperation? A few questions:

• What is the concept of the Special Mechanical Engineering lecture series?

"The lecture series is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about all the important steps in the development and construction of a special machine. Various engineers give students insights into their everyday work and impart their knowledge in a practical way. In the process, all the lectures finally add up to a coherent overall picture. The series of lectures concludes with internships in companies, which, due to the current difficult situation, are supplemented with a written exam."

• How do students benefit from the cooperation with WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH?

"Through Mr Kunze's lecture, the students gain a detailed insight into the design of machines and production lines. The material is supplemented by experiences from everyday work, making the entire lecture exciting and lively for the students. Thanks to the various speakers, who always have a different focus, the students receive a variety of inputs from practical experience. Many thanks for that!"

• What is planned for the future?

"The lecture series on special mechanical engineering will be continued in the coming years. The aim is that in the long term, students will again be able to complete their exams entirely through internships, thus gaining an insight into various companies and being able to apply the knowledge gained from the lectures to practical tasks."