Foundry Technology Aalen GTA

The Aalen University is one of the strongest universities of applied sciences in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The foundry laboratory at the university, the GTA – Foundry Technology Aalen, is the largest laboratory of the university and, aside from Munich, the only foundry lab in southern Germany. The GTA is chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lothar H. Kallien. The foremost aim of GTA is the education of young students in the area of metal forming processes. This includes all casting processes and cast materials, from cast iron in sand molds to aluminum permanent mold casting to die casting. In research, the GTA is specialized in the die casting of zinc, aluminum, and magnesium alloys. Their equipment includes 4 die casting machines, a sand laboratory, facilities for permanent mold casting and a laser sintering machine for the manufacturing of prototypes. This permits students to mold and pour cast parts on their own. They also contribute to ongoing research projects related to their bachelor and master theses. The GTA is a long-time partner of MAGMA and applies MAGMASOFT® in both education and in research. Accordingly, MAGMASOFT® simulation stations are available for the education in a computer room within the foundry laboratory. All students in production/engineering learn the basics of casting simulation. At GTA, the virtual and the real foundry are closely linked.