“It makes us very happy that we got the most online votes for our lightweight construction solution. Thank you to everybody who voted for us”, says Martin Werz. Werz is a researcher at the MPA, and along with his colleagues was presented with the award by Minister of Science Theresia Bauer.
We are very proud of this award and the performance of the Joining Technology and Additive Manufacturing team led by Martin Werz
Prof. Stefan Weihe, Director of the Materials Testing Institute
They were given the award for their work in developing so-called friction stir welding. This makes it possible to weld aluminum and sheet steel together. The resulting components can be used for example in the construction of car bodies. This reduces the weight of the car by around 10 percent.
German Champion: Martin Werz
Werz had already spoken about the principles of friction stir welding at the German Science Slam Championship in 2017, which he won [de].
About the ThinKing award
Leichtbau BW is a state agency for the promotion of business and science, and is the biggest network for lightweight construction in the world, representing 1,800 companies and 225 research institutions. It regularly awards the ThinKing award. In 2019, an expert jury selected the three best innovations in lightweight construction. It was also possible to vote for the winner of the Community Award online, which honors the best lightweight construction solution.