RWTH establishes copper processing innovation network

Copper alloys are becoming increasingly important for future technologies - especially for electromobility and for power and data transmission. In order to promote cooperation between science and industry characterized by innovation in this area as well, the founding event of the Innovation Network Copper Processing (IKB) took place on September 16, 2021 at the Machine Tool Laboratory WZL of RWTH Aachen University. The network for generating a technological edge in copper processing counts 21 founding companies from the copper processing industry. At the same time as demand is increasing, the use of critical alloying elements such as lead in Cu alloys is being severely limited by international regulations (REACH, RoHS). As a result, a large number of new copper alloys are coming onto the market, the processing of which is much more difficult compared to classic materials containing lead. In addition, there is increasing pressure to digitalize production in order to meet the increased quantities and quality requirements. In everyday industrial life, it is often difficult to meet all challenges equally. This is where the Copper Processing Innovation Network comes in to develop production processes and solutions.