Esteemed collegues,

we are glad to announce the upcoming conference on “Sustainable Heat Treatment and Metal Production,” organized by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wärmebehandlung + Werkstofftechnik e. V. (AWT). The event will take place on April 15-16, 2026, in Aachen, Germany.

Process chains for high strength materials and components rely on complex manufacturing operations incorporating extensive use of resources along production. Along with perfection in terms of form, function and endurance, these resources need to be minimized at reasonable costs to be competitive in worldwide economy. External constraints such as climate change and the costs of energy are pushing challenges for companies along a demanding process chain from the molding to the finishing of metal products. Resource efficiency along the entire process chain is the ultima ratio for future-oriented products that ensure growth of industries in a complex market environment. This is a challenging task in a markedly traditional economic sector. Solutions to the associated problems need to be found and implemented as a matter of urgency.

We extend a warm invitation to experts from both industry and academia who are engaged in the fields of heat treatment and metal production.

Cordially, 

Matthias Steinbacher and Christian Wuppermann