Doctoral examination at the IUL

Professor Volk from the Chair of Metal Forming and Casting at TU Munich and Professor Tekkaya from the IUL served as reviewers for the presentation. The examination committee also included the chairman PD Dr. Tobias Kaiser from the Institute of Mechanics and examiner Professor Matthias Faes from the Chair for Reliability Engineering at TU Dortmund University.

In his dissertation, Mr. Gebhard focuses on the continuous extrusion of aluminum. This process combines direct and indirect extrusion methods to enable continuous profile output even while the extrusion blocks are being reloaded. As part of his dissertation, Mr. Gebhard was able to investigate this principle experimentally and numerically for the first time. The material flow is controlled using a movable or stationary valve. With a stationary valve, a profile speed four times higher can be achieved. Although continuous extrusion requires a higher die force than conventional extrusion processes, the improved profile properties help prevent scrap. The 39% increase in weld quality also offers the potential to directly recycle aluminum scrap. Compared to remelting, this can save 38% in energy.