The Future of Mobility: Insights from the ELA Lightweight Materials Summit

Freek de Bruijn, from RAI AI NL, emphasized the crucial role of ELA in driving innovation and sustainability within the European and Dutch automotive sectors. He highlighted a significant gap in policy surrounding lightweight materials in the Netherlands and called for increased support to accelerate adoption.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

• Additive Manufacturing for the Automotive Industry: Mike Braat from Fontys Hogescholen showcased the potential of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry. By exploring real-world applications, he demonstrated how this technology can revolutionize production processes.
• Thomas Hipke (Fraunhofer IWU) is dedicated to researching and developing innovative lightweight materials, particularly focusing on aluminium. By specializing in cutting-edge foaming and joining techniques, they optimize the use of this versatile metal.
• Sustainable Wood Construction: A New Frontier Thomas Krenke from Innovationszentrum W.e.i.z. introduced innovative approaches to sustainable, lightweight wood constructions. By leveraging the natural properties of wood, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the mobility industry.

Building a Sustainable Future

The insights shared at the ELA Lightweight Materials Summit underscore the collective effort to drive lightweighting in the automotive industry. By embracing sustainable solutions and fostering collaboration, we can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future of mobility.

We invite you to share your thoughts on lightweight solutions for the automotive industry. Let's continue the conversation and explore new opportunities together. Would you like to know more about the ELA Lightweight Materials Summit, please contact Freek de Bruijn.

One day before this event, RAI Automotive Industry NL organized a study trip to Eindhoven for a delegation of A2LT, Hightech Zentrum Aargau and their members, under the umbrella of the European Lightweight Association (ELA).

Our Mission:

The mission brought together industry leaders and innovators in the field of design and lightweight materials. Our goal was to:

• Foster Connections: Facilitate valuable networking opportunities between our partners and key players in the Brainport region.
• Gain Insights: Provide a deep dive into the world of composites and additive manufacturing.
• Explore Business Opportunities: Identify potential collaborations and partnerships within the region.

Highlights of the Mission:

• Additive Industries: A visit to a leading company in industrial 3D metal printing, where we explored the latest advancements in additive manufacturing technology.
• VDL Fibertech: A tour of a facility specializing in the production of high-quality composite products for lightweight and durable solutions in the automotive industry.
• Fontys Hogescholen: A visit to the Additive Manufacturing department at Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), where we learned about the latest research and development in this field.
• Delegation Dinner: A networking event with guests from Austria and Switzerland to further strengthen international collaborations.

By participating in this mission, we aim to contribute to the growth and innovation of the lightweight materials industry and strengthen the position of the Brainport region as a global hub for advanced manufacturing.