The preliminary programme for the 14. Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage 2026 (Ranshofen Light Metal Days) is now available online. On 4 and 5 November 2026, the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology will bring together the international light metals community at Gut Brandlhof in Saalfelden. Under the title “Economical, Sustainable & Resilient Lightweighting: Circular Design and Smart Processes”, the conference will focus on current developments in the circular economy, digitalisation and decarbonisation in process and materials development, as well as in the characterisation of light metals. For the first time, the conference will be held entirely in English.
Three Keynotes on Recycling, Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Design
Three high-profile keynote presentations will highlight key topics. Ulf Sjöström (Ferro Arcum AB) will address the recycling of aluminium scrap and residues from aluminium production and provide insights into experiences gained through Swerim’s collaborative research activities.
Martin Jackson (University of Sheffield) and Thomas Klein (LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen) will present “DED-FAST”, an approach to the sustainable hybrid manufacturing of titanium alloy structures. The focus is on combining Field-Assisted Sintering Technology with Directed Energy Deposition.
The third keynote will be delivered by Evgeniya Kabliman (University of Bremen and Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering – IWT). Under the title “Innovative Approaches in Materials Design: High-throughput Screening and beyond”, she will explore new methods for accelerating the development and investigation of materials.
Two Panels on Digital Transformation and a Resilient Industry
In addition to the technical presentations, two panel discussions will provide a forum for direct exchange between industry, research and the public sector. The first panel, “Driving Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Metal Industry”, will examine the opportunities and challenges associated with digital transformation in the metals industry. Participants will include Werner Fragner (AMAG), Herwig Eichler (IBA) and Evgeniya Kabliman (University of Bremen). The discussion will be moderated by Carina Schlögl (LKR).
On the second day of the conference, the focus will shift to the competitiveness and future viability of the European metals industry. Under the title “Forging Resilience: Sustainability and Competitiveness in the Metal Industry”, Christina Sobotka (Mercedes-Benz), Sabine Sigle (Nemak), Alexander Pogany (BMIMI) and Alexander Wimmer (Constantia Teich) will discuss the interplay between sustainability, resilience and industrial competitiveness. This panel will also be moderated by Carina Schlögl.
Six Technical Sessions from Circularity to Simulation
The scientific and technical programme is divided into six sessions:
- Session 1: Advanced Alloys and Recycling – Materials and Life Cycle Analysis
- Session 2: Forming and Processing Technologies
- Session 3: Advanced Alloys and Recycling – Casting, Characterisation and Digital Aspects
- Session 4: AM and Welding
- Session 5: Innovative Materials Testing
- Session 6: Simulation in Advanced Light Metal Processing
The contributions reflect the broad range of current developments in light metals research. Topics include AI-supported sorting of end-of-life aluminium scrap for circular recycling systems, new production routes for CO₂-reduced aluminium foils, the processing and characterisation of new aluminium and magnesium alloys, as well as additive manufacturing and welding processes.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence also feature prominently throughout the programme. Contributions will address topics such as humanoid robots and Physical AI in the foundry of the future, robotic and data-driven materials testing, AI-enhanced CAE, and digital-twin approaches for predicting quality and mechanical properties in aluminium casting.
Sustainable Approach and Strong Partners
Sustainability is also a key consideration in the organisation of the Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage. The event will be organised in accordance with the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events, placing a strong emphasis on resource-efficient and environmentally responsible event management.
The 14. Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage are supported by numerous strong partners and sponsors. Special thanks go to voestalpine, Zwick/Roell, iba Austria, AMAG Austria Metall, Fronius and UAR Upper Austrian Research for their support and contribution to the successful organisation of the event.
International Platform for Research and Industry
The Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage have established themselves as a recognised platform for exchange between research and industry in the DACH region and beyond. Around 120 participants from academia and industry are expected to attend. In addition to keynotes, panels and technical sessions, the conference will provide opportunities for networking, expert discussions and new collaborations addressing the future of lightweighting.
Registration for the 14. Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage 2026 is now open.
Preliminary programme, further information and registration:
www.lmt.ait.ac.at
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