"Suppliers in Orbit"

In November, Villingen-Schwenningen became a meeting place for representatives from business, science, and politics to discuss how companies in the automotive and supplier industry can gain access to aerospace technology. With the specialist event “Suppliers in Orbit – Opportunities in Aerospace,” Furtwangen University (HFU), together with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the AuToS-SW-BW network and other regional partners, sent a clear signal for technology transfer, innovative strength and cross-industry networking. Over 100 participants from industry, research and politics used the platform to discuss new perspectives and initiate partnerships.

Internal link opens in the same window:Prof. Dr. Bahman Azarhoushang provided technical impetus with his presentation “Understanding differences, exploiting potential − precision machining in aviation.” As professor of manufacturing technology and head of the External link opens in a new window:KSF - Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at HFU, he highlighted the key role of high-precision machining and manufacturing technologies for aerospace. The machining of lightweight materials, high-performance alloys and complex component geometries requires maximum process stability and manufacturing accuracy opening up strategic growth potential, especially for medium-sized companies.

Azarhoushang emphasised that the manufacture of safety-critical parts in aviation is subject to strict quality and safety requirements. He cited high-performance milling and grinding, wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), deep grinding, laser machining, and additive and hybrid manufacturing processes as key technologies. Using examples of the machining of titanium, nickel-based alloys, and ceramic matrix composites (CMC), he showed how small and medium-sized enterprises can successfully enter the aviation industry through specialization, small-batch production, and close cooperation with research institutions.

With the title “Hybrid energy systems for sustainable aviation – batteries and hydrogen electrolysis as a bridge to a climate-neutral future for flying,” Internal link opens in the same window:Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger emphasised the strategic importance of energy supply for the future of flying. He pointed out that aviation is facing its biggest transformation since the introduction of the jet engine and that sustainability is now a key driver of innovation. The focus was on hybrid system architectures that combine the high power density of batteries with the high energy density of hydrogen, thus bringing together efficiency, range, and climate targets. Other key topics in his presentation included safety aspects, thermal management, weight and volume optimisation, and certification issues.

At the Innovation and Research Center (IFC) in Tuttlingen, Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger heads the Energy Storage Systems Working Group (AG ESS). The focus of the work is on the development and analysis of battery and energy storage systems for industrial and mobile applications. Battery cells are tested under realistic operating conditions and analyses of service life, safety and stress are carried out. Another focus is on electrochemical systems, in particular electrolysis (PEM and AEM systems) and fuel cell systems, as central components for a future hydrogen economy and for applications in the aerospace sector. The focus is also on issues relating to the cross-sector coupling of electricity, hydrogen and synthetic energy sources.

At the event, HFU presented itself as an active shaper of regional innovation processes. This was particularly evident in the precision manufacturing expertise at the KSF and the research work carried out by the ESS working group in the IFC laboratories on the Tuttlingen campus. In close cooperation with industry partners, HFU is strengthening its role as a high-performance transfer university for forward-looking key technologies, particularly in the context of aerospace applications.

HFU's transfer management, represented by Internal link opens in the same window:Rudolf Merz, supported targeted networking between the university, industry, and network partners. Merz emphasised, “Events such as ‘Suppliers in Orbit’ are key platforms for us to initiate collaborations and strengthen sustainable transfer structures in the region.” In addition, the Download file:HFU Academy presented its portfolio of practical continuing education programmes and positioned itself as a strong partner for application-oriented qualification.

The event impressed with a multifaceted programme. The keynote speech by ESA reserve astronaut Nicola Winter lent the evening a special professional aura and provided important impetus for the discussion on future technologies. The contributions by Prof. Azarhoushang and Prof. Allmendinger complemented these perspectives and underscored the role of HFU as a driver of innovation and a reliable transfer partner. The programme was accompanied by contributions from industry, research, and innovative start-ups, as well as a trade exhibition and a panel discussion.

At the same time, the innovation potential of the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg region was apparent − the close interlinking of industrial expertise, applied research at Furtwangen University, strong partners, and networks such as the External link opens in a new window:Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce and External link opens in a new window:AuToS SW-BW, creates ideal conditions for positioning companies sustainably in forward-looking markets. The “Suppliers in Orbit” event highlighted the growing openness of the regional economy to new fields of application beyond traditional industries.