Recently, students and staff from Aalen University of Applied Sciences visited the Laser Application Center (LAC) of TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik SE in Ditzingen. The excursion, field trip took place within the framework of the lectures "Laser Technology 1 and 2" and "Advanced Laser Technology" and offered participants the exciting opportunity to experience industrial laser technologies up close.
The students from the degree programmes Process Engineering and Management (PEM), Optical Engineering (OE) and Applied Photonics (APH) were accompanied by staff from the LaserApplikationsZentrum (LAZ) - part of the Aalen School of Applied Photonics (AASAP) - as well as Malena Lindenberger-Ullrich and Prof. Dr. Anne Harth. The AASAP bundles the photonics activities of Aalen University of Applied Sciences and offers multidisciplinary vocational training and research programs in optical technologies, from teaching in Bachelor's and Master's programs to research projects and doctorates.
On site at the LAC, the participants were warmly welcomed by Dr.-Ing. Marcel Schäfer, Head /Director of the Laser Application Center. He gave a brief insight into the company and the areas of responsibility of TRUMPF's laboratories / labs around the world. The students were then given practical insights into the diverse applications of laser technology - from additive manufacturing and microstructuring to modern beam shaping. Lectures, technical lectures and direct exchanges with experts at TRUMPF rounded off the visit.
"The visit to TRUMPF was impressive and showed me how closely academic study and workplace training; theory and practical experience are interlinked and the wide range of prospects that open up after Studies," said Ekin Bulmak, a Bachelor's student on the PEM degree program.
The university group WiR - Women as inspiring Role models was also present during the visit to the Laser Application Center. The aim of the student organization of Aalen University of Applied Sciences is to inspire young people - especially women - for natural sciences and technical subject areas and to give them an early insight into exciting fields of application and career prospects.
The annual excursion, field trip to TRUMPF was experienced by all participants as very instructive, inspiring and motivating. It not only liaises with (companies); appointment funds, but also encourages students to pursue their personal strengths and professional goals with confidence - an important building block in the institution of higher education.
