Innovation leadership in die casting technologies
Successful completion of the InDruTec-E research project
In mid-September, the project partners of the "InDruTec-E - Innovation leadership in die-casting technologies for electromobility" project funded by the BMWK in the Lightweight Construction Technology Transfer Programme (TTP-LB) met at the Frech company in Plüderhausen to officially conclude a very successful research project.
Under the leadership of the Institute of Vehicle Concepts, the project partners - Robert Bosch GmbH, Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG, Gühring KG and Aalen University, supported by the associated partners Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG and EJOT GmbH & Co. KG and Rheinfelden Alloys, achieved all the project objectives and developed various components that can make a significant contribution to technological leadership in die casting.
Using the example of a gearbox cover from the electric drive train, the technology was demonstrated and validated in trials in both an aluminium and a magnesium variant close to series production.
Compared to an aluminium reference component with the same function, the weight of the optimised aluminium version was reduced by 35% and that of the magnesium version by as much as 51%. By using a specially developed secondary aluminium alloy, the CO2 emissions of the aluminium variant were reduced by 86%. The emissions of the Mg version were also significantly reduced by 63% thanks to the lightweight construction effect and the use of green magnesium. The potential cost savings through the use of the technology modules are considerable and ranged between 26% (aluminium) and 29.5% (magnesium). The partners were recently honoured with the Award of Excellence from the International Magnesium Association for their innovative development.
The companies involved are now endeavouring to implement the results of the project in their products as soon as possible and make them available to the market. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A good opportunity to find out more about the project is the upcoming WerkstoffPlus Auto 2025 conference, where the most important results will be presented in a lecture by the DLR.