Representatives of seven companies and the
Technical University of Munich (TUM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of founding the ‘Bavarian AM Cluster’ (BAMC). Representatives from the companies Audi AG, EOS, GE Additive, Linde, MTU Aero Engines, Oerlikon, and Siemens — and the TUM — agreed to establish the BAMC as a non-profit association in spring 2023. They say its 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 industrialisation of additive manufacturing (AM).
The members of the cluster will decide on research priorities and projects that will be implemented jointly or as part of research contracts with TUM; and 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’ that demonstrate the benefits of AM.
‘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 thevchairman of the TUM, as well as those of the TUM-Oerlikon AM Institute.
Michael Süss, Oerlikon’s executive chairman, said: “With the Bavarian AM Cluster, the industry in Bavaria is clearly preparing for the future. I am convinced that with this venture, we are taking a decisive step towards the full integration of AM into the industrial process.”
Thomas Hofmann, president of TUM, added: “With the AM Cluster, we are further expanding research and development activities in the field of AM here in Munich, and maintaining Bavaria’s leading position in this technology field.”