Visiting IKT Master’s Students
on June 17, 2025 in Stuttgart
How can the gap between theory and practice in plastics engineering be successfully bridged? SPE Central Europe demonstrated at IKT Stuttgart how students can be inspired by practical, hands-on formats.
The event focused on the presentation of selected SPE AutomotiveAward exhibits, presented by dedicated sponsor representatives: Cyprian Golebiewski (Akro-Plastic), Andreas Weinmann (Kuraray), Dr. Erik Licht (LyondellBasell), and Dr. Carsten Tüchert (Syensqo). Among the exhibits were lightweight components, high-strength structural parts, and functionalized surfaces, offering innovative solutions for current challenges in plastics engineering. In small groups, approximately 30 master’s students discussed sustainable material concepts, recycling strategies, and innovative manufacturing technologies with the experts.
A special highlight was the newly introduced student competition within the framework of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Bonten’s lecture “Designing with Plastics”. The task: to develop a modular hook system with maximum load capacity at minimum mass. After short pitches, the designs were tested and evaluated live. Finally, SPE CE awarded the best contributions with a small cash prize.
Prof. Bonten emphasized: “Formats like these demonstrate the importance of plastics engineering for the future of mobility – lightweight, efficient, sustainable. And they motivate our students to engage with real-world challenges.”
The event was organized by the SPE team: Dr. Thomas Wolff, Heinrich Lingnau, and Bernard Rzepka. The day concluded with a joint dinner at Taverna Elia – filled with many conversations, new contacts, and ideas.
Conclusion: A thoroughly successful event that made high-tech tangible and fostered exchange between industry, research, and young talent.
