Machine Park

Our technical center bridges the gap between fundamental theoretical research and industrial applications. With our extensive range of machinery, we can simulate, analyze, and optimize real-world casting processes under conditions that closely resemble those of mass production. Our focus is on innovative lightweight construction solutions and the further development of resource-efficient casting processes.

Bühler Carat 140 Compact die casting cell with Comptech rheocasting slurry maker for aluminum alloysImage: GTK

Fully Automated Vacuum Die-Casting Cell (Bühler Carat 140)

At the heart of our lightweight construction research: The fully automated cold-chamber die-casting machine, with a clamping force of 14,000 kN, offers ideal conditions for large-format structural components.


  • Cast weight: up to 20 kg
  • Equipment: Vacuum system (Bühler SmartVAC), 800 kg Al and Mg melting furnaces (Meltec)
  • Special feature: Integrated rheocasting area with a Comptech Rheometal slurry maker for semi-solid processes.
  • Contact: Paul Becker
Frech W 200 hot-chamber machine at the Department of Foundry Engineering at the University of Kassel

Hot-chamber die-casting machine (Frech W 200)

For the precise and cost-effective casting of magnesium components, we use our fully electrically heated Frech W 200.


  • Clamping force: 2,200 kN (casting volume up to 856 cm³)
  • Melting furnace: 200 kg magnesium alloy
  • Contact: Niklas Schwenke
Yizumi Thixomolding System at the Department of Foundry Engineering in Kassel

Magnesium Thixomolding Machine (Yizumi UN1250MGII)

Pioneering magnesium lightweight construction: Using our Thixomolding machine (1,250 metric tons of clamping force), we process magnesium alloys in a partially solidified state. This enables the production of extremely thin-walled, low-porosity components while simultaneously reducing process temperatures.


  • Shot weight: up to 3 kg (100 mm screw diameter)
  • Process: Fully automated cell, including part inspection (SAr Elektronic).
ExOne S-Max-Pro inorganic 3D printer at the Department of Foundry Engineering at the University of Kassel

Inorganic 3D Sand Printer (ExOne S-Max-Pro)

Additive Manufacturing for the Casting of Tomorrow: Using our 3D molding material printer, we produce highly complex sand cores and molds entirely without tools. Using an inorganic binder system (including microwave curing), we are conducting research into emission-free and environmentally friendly casting processes.

  • Build volume: Box-in-Box system (1,800 x 1,000 x 400 mm)
  • Features: Includes a finishing station for final surface treatment.

Other Equipment & Peripherals

Cold-chamber die casting

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  • Production of semi-solid feedstock by stirring in in-house material into the melt
  • Continuous production of in-house material (EEM) using a slurry maker
  • ABB dosing robot with ladle (max. 9 kg)
  • Støtek melting and dosing furnace for up to 1,200 kg
  • Fully automated, 6-axis
  • Load capacity 180 kg
  • Böhmer gripper tool
  • Vacuum gripper system
  • Fully automated, 6-axis
  • Böhmer spray head and release agent mixing system
  • Minimal-volume and conventional spraying
  • 3 oil temperature control units: Robamat Model 5212
  • 2 heat transfer oil circuits each, max 350 °C
  • 3x water temperature control units: Robamat Type 2212
  • 2 circuits each of pressurized water, max. 160 °C
  • 1x cooling medium distribution cabinet: Lieb TGA
  • 13 channels, adjustable cooling water flow rate per valve
  • AVD20K Vacuum Ceramic Dosing Unit; Max. dosing weight 20 kg
  • Crucible capacity: 800 kg Al
  • Melting capacity: 250 kg Al/h 
  • Maximum crucible capacity: 1,300 kg
  • Dosing furnace for the rheological range
  • MVD10K Vacuum Ceramic Dosing Unit - Max. dosing weight 10 kg
  • Crucible capacity: 450 kg Mg
  • Melting capacity: 200 kg Mg/h
  • Piston / Washing Board
  • Vacuum connection to the molding chamber, fixed and movable plates, ejector box
  • Suction capacity 155 m³/h
  • Tank volume: 1,000 l

Hot-chamber die casting

  • Refrigerant: R134a 
  • Carrier gas: nitrogen

Nominal temperature: 500 °C

  • Inhibitor gases: R134a or SO2
  • Carrier gas: Nitrogen
  • Blending gas: Carbon dioxide

Gravity die casting

  • Clamping surface: 526 x 350 mm
  • Stroke of moving platen: 550 mm
  • Ejector cylinder stroke: 450 mm
  • Platen distance: max. 885 mm
  • 4 hydraulic circuits for pusher
  • 4.2 kW, 12.6 l/min, 40 - 180 bar

 

Melting furnaces

  • Capacity 100kg Fe (35kg Al)
  • 120 kW
  • 500 Hz
  • Melting capacity 150 kg Fe/h
  • Alternatively switchable to small furnace with 30 kg Fe and 10 kg Al capacity

Melting capacity: 80 kg Mg/h

Nominal power: 28 - 44 kW

Nominal temperature: 660 °C

Crucible volume: 300 kg Mg

  • Capacity 180 kg Al (550 kg Cu)
  • 50kW
  • Melting capacity 126 kg Al/h
  • up to 1000°C
  • Capacity 10 kg Al
  • 3,6 kW
  • 2x available

Heat treatment furnaces

  • 6 heating units with temperature-controlled resistance-heated heating terminals
  • Integrated cooling fans
  • Tmax: 600 °C
  • 30 kW
  • Oven chamber 500 l
  • max. 850 °C
  • 5.5 kW
  • Oven chamber 60 l
  • max. 650 °C

Melting and hand-molding area

  • Capacity 75l / 120Kg
  • For the preparation of molding sand
  • Recording the cooling curve
  • analysis:
    • chemical composition
    • degree of refinement etc.
  • Determination of the density index to evaluate the hydrogen content in aluminum melts
  • Impeller for degassing and cleaning Al melts

Workshop

  • CNC gantry milling machine with automatic tool changer
  • Machining of aluminum and magnesium
  • Clamping surface: X 1000 / Y 1000 mm
  • Vertical clamping surface: X 390 / Y 620 / Z 1000 mm
  • Travel distances: X 1020 / Y 1000 / Z 420 mm

Contact person: Jonas Arimont M. Sc.

  • Drilling machine
  • Lathe
  • Milling machine
  • Band saw
  • Lifting saw
  • Chop saw
  • Various tools

Contact person: Christian Schütz

Interested in our machinery?

Are you looking for a way to produce prototypes or conduct material analyses, or would you like to collaborate with us on a research project? Please contact us! We’d be happy to work with you to develop solutions.

Interested in our machinery?: Kontaktformular