Representatives of seven companies and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) signed at the AMTC conference in Munich a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of establishing the “Bavarian AM Cluster” (BAMC).
Representatives from the companies AUDI AG, EOS, GE Additive, Linde, MTU Aero Engines, Oerlikon
and Siemens and the TUM have agreed to establish the “Bavarian AM Cluster” (BAMC) as a non-profit
association in spring 2023. The purpose is to facilitate a state-supported, close consortium cooperation
between companies and the university to overcome technical and economic hurdles on the way to the
industrialization of additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D
printing, allows metal components to be produced in a “layer-by-layer” manufacturing process. Thanks
to its ability to create significantly lighter structures with the same function using less raw material and
also to set up production in a decentralized manner, additive manufacturing can make an important
contribution to the sustainability of industrial products.
The members of the cluster decide on research priorities and projects that are implemented jointly or
as part of research contracts with TUM. In addition to initiating new integrative research and
development approaches, the cluster also aims to establish partnerships with other commercial
enterprises and academic partners, develop innovative education and training concepts and launch
lighthouse projects to demonstrate the benefits of additive manufacturing.
Unique about this cooperation is the immediate proximity of all partners and institutions to each other
as the association’s premises will be located on the Garching campus in the same building as those of
the relevant chairs at TUM, as well as those of the TUM-Oerlikon AM Institute. “With the Bavarian AM
Cluster, the industry in Bavaria is clearly preparing for the future,” explains Prof. Michael Süss,
Executive Chairman of Oerlikon. “In addition to the AMTC congress and the AM Institute founded in
February between Oerlikon and TUM, this is the third initiative for joint cooperation for the
industrialization of AM that we are launching. I am convinced that with the cluster, we are taking a
decisive step towards the full integration of additive manufacturing into the industrial process.”
Prof. Thomas Hofmann, President of TUM adds, “With the AM Cluster, we are further expanding
research and development activities in the field of additive manufacturing here in Munich, thus
maintaining Bavaria’s leading position in this technology field.”
In the building on the TUM Campus Garching, teaching, research and development are carried out on
around 10 000 square meters and transferred directly to the production of economically attractive,
technologically advanced products. The special feature here is that the university and the company
conduct research together under one roof. This means maximum efficiency through the mutual
provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure and a rapid exchange of knowledge along the value
chain and across all stages of maturity. Currently, final construction activities are taking place so that
the Chair for Materials Technology of Additive Manufacturing (Prof. Mayr), the Chair for Laser-based
Additive Manufacturing (Prof. Wudy), the TUM-Oerlikon-AM Institute, Siemens and Oerlikon can move
into the building promptly. It is planned to start research operations this winter, and the “Bavarian AM
Cluster” will be founded in spring 2023.
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon is a global innovation powerhouse for surface engineering, polymer processing
and additive manufacturing. The Group’s solutions and comprehensive services, together with its
advanced materials, improve and maximize the performance, function, design and sustainability of its
customers’ products and manufacturing processes in key industries. Pioneering technology for
decades, everything Oerlikon invents and does is guided by its passion to support customers’ goals
and foster a sustainable world. Headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, the Group operates its
business in two Divisions – Surface Solutions and Polymer Processing Solutions. It has a global
footprint of more than 12 000 employees at 202 locations in 37 countries and generated sales of
CHF 2.65 billion in 2021.
The founding members of the Bavarian AM Cluster:
AUDI AG
The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the
premium and luxury segments. The brands Audi, Ducati, Lamborghini and Bentley produce automobiles
and motorcycles at 21 locations in 13 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100
markets worldwide. In 2021, the Audi Group delivered around 1.681 million cars from the Audi brand, 8,405 sports cars from the Lamborghini brand and 59,447 motorcycles from the Ducati brand to customers. In the 2021
fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved a total revenue of €53.1 billion and an operating profit before special
items of €5.5 billion. More than 89,000 people all over the world work for the Audi Group, around 58,000
of them in Germany. With its attractive brands, new models, innovative mobility offerings and
groundbreaking services, the group is systematically pursuing its path toward becoming a provider of
sustainable, individual, premium mobility. https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en
EOS
EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology to
manufacturers around the world. Connecting high quality production efficiency with its pioneering
innovation and sustainable practices, the independent company formed in 1989 will shape the future
of manufacturing. Powered by its platform-driven digital value network of machines and a holistic
portfolio of services, materials and processes, EOS is deeply committed to fulfilling its customers’
needs and acting responsibly for our planet. https://www.eos.info/en
GE Additive
GE Additive – part of GE (NYSE: GE) is a world leader in metal additive design and manufacturing, a
pioneering process that has the power and potential to transform businesses. Through our integrated
offering of additive experts, advanced machines, and quality powders, we empower our customers to
build innovative new products. Products that solve manufacturing challenges, improve business
outcomes, and help change the world for the better. GE Additive includes additive machine brands
Concept Laser and Arcam EBM, along with additive powder supplier AP&C. Press Releases | GE
Additive
Linde
Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2021 sales of $31 billion (€26
billion). We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality
solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to
sustain and protect our planet.
The company serves a variety of end markets including chemicals & energy, food & beverage,
electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde’s industrial gases are used in
countless applications, from life-saving oxygen for hospitals to high-purity & specialty gases for
electronics manufacturing, hydrogen for clean fuels and much more. Linde also delivers state-of-theart gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions
reductions. www.linde.com
MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines AG is Germany’s leading engine manufacturer. The company is a technological
leader in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors, turbine center frames as well as
manufacturing processes and repair techniques. In the commercial OEM business, the company plays
a key role in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-tech components together with
international partners. Some 30 percent of today’s active aircraft in service worldwide have MTU
components on board. In the commercial maintenance sector the company ranks among the top 3
service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. The activities are
combined under the roof of MTU Maintenance. In the military arena, MTU Aero Engines is Germany’s
industrial lead company for practically all engines operated by the country’s military. MTU operates a
network of locations around the globe; Munich is home to its corporate headquarters. In fiscal 2021, the
company had a workforce of more than 10,000 employees and posted consolidated sales of almost 4.2
billion euros. www.mtu.de
Siemens AG
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure,
transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter
buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare,
the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real
and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets,
helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in
the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider
shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a
global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2021, which ended on
September 30, 2021, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €62.3 billion and net income of
€6.7 billion. As of September 30, 2021, the company had around 303,000 employees worldwide.
Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s leading research universities, with more
than 600 professors, 48,000 students, and 11,000 academic and non-academic staff. Its focus areas
are the engineering sciences, natural sciences, life sciences and medicine, combined with economic
and social sciences. TUM acts as an entrepreneurial university that promotes talents and creates
value for society. In that it profits from having strong partners in science and industry. It is represented
worldwide with the TUM Asia campus in Singapore as well as offices in Beijing, Brussels, Mumbai,
San Francisco, and São Paulo. Nobel Prize winners and inventors such as Rudolf Diesel, Carl von
Linde, and Rudolf Mößbauer have done research at TUM. In 2006, 2012, and 2019 it won recognition
as a German “Excellence University.” In international rankings, TUM regularly places among the best
universities in Germany. www.tum.de
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