Mülheim an der Ruhr, 4 June 2019 Student projects enable companies and organizations to tackle complex problems without major financial outlay. The latest example: HRW students from the Mechanical Engineering and Technical Production Management degree programs solve a task for the Mülheim-based company August Penkert GmbH.

August Penkert GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality occupational safety products in Germany. In addition to the production of body protection products, the company offers protective sheathing for moving machine parts with a focus on bellows and loading hoses. Previously, bellows were wound, sewn or glued. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology in the mechanical engineering laboratory at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences, further creative production options are opening up.

Jan Melchior (bachelor's student in mechanical engineering), Daniel Heiderich and Jan Kissmann (master's students) worked on two new manufacturing processes for movable protective elements in accordance with the company's specifications. Prof. Dr. Joachim Friedhoff, Head of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, provided advice and support during the research work.

At the end of May, they presented the results of their research and development work to company representatives in the laboratory. They presented two new processes to Martin Eberhard, Technical Director of August Penkert GmbH:

First, Daniel Heiderich presented protective elements that were produced directly in the 3D printer. A wide variety of materials were tried out until an optimum result was achieved. Only the conversion of the 3D printer in combination with a special material brought the desired success. Heiderich always kept an eye on the production costs. He tested the protective elements in a test bench he had developed himself; they withstood a very high test cycle.

Jan Kissmann and Jan Melchior worked on a second process. They received the material for their research and development work from the company Penkert. However, the students designed and constructed the mold for the production of their protective elements independently in the CAD system. In the end, they had produced what they describe as a "creative but simple mold." Kissmann and Melchior's next big challenge was to heat and shape the material evenly. They also tested their products on the test bench they had developed themselves.

Her conclusion: "Both processes are ideal for producing protective elements in different quantities and sizes."

After the presentation, the company representatives were impressed. "This saves the company several hours of research work. The quality requirements of our customers have increased, whether for the smallest production quantities or very large quantities. These two developed processes allow us to remain competitive and even give us advantages, e.g. in terms of delivery times. Unfortunately, we don't have the freedom to deal with new technologies and innovative processes in our day-to-day production," explains Martin Eberhard.

That is the advantage of an application-oriented university. In addition to teaching and research, the third pillar at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences is being strengthened: transfer services. This will further shape the strategic role and profile of the university in the regional innovation system, says Prof. Dr. Joachim Friedhoff. He was also impressed by the high level of motivation and results orientation ("there were also some setbacks") of his students. "With these projects, the students have learned to master the entire process chain. Material purchasing, cost control, tool design, production and quality management. Innovative products and processes were created here with a spirit of research," says Friedhoff.

The results will now be handed over to the company as the client. August Penkert GmbH has received solutions that are based on the latest knowledge, are surprisingly creative and thus ensure the company's long-term competitiveness on the global market at low cost and risk.

10 years of Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences

Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences was founded 10 years ago, on May 1, 2009. We can look back on a successful history and are proud to have a total of 6,377 students on 21 Bachelor's and nine Master's degree courses in the 2018/19 winter semester. We would like to say thank you and celebrate our 10th birthday together!