27. - 29. Sep 2022 | Bad Nauheim, Germany
Car Body Parts

Recently, much attention has been paid to achievements in series car body developments incorporating very large (Aluminium) castings, taking the complexity and functional part integration of such “Gigacastings” to new levels, with some voices regarding these achievements as a quantum leap, opening up a new era of car body engineering, and others still remaining sceptical regarding the performance or the economic viability of such parts.
At the same time…
- car body platform design is in the process of changing towards BEV-led architectures, often simplifying geometrical demands on structural car body parts,
- new car body materials, such as 3rd Gen. AHSS, modern hot-forming aluminium alloys, fibre reinforced plastics, or hybrid materials are increasingly found in modern series car body parts, often requiring adapted or novel processing technologies, but also enabling greater freedom of design and improved parts performance.
- both the process technologies and part materials are required to respond to questions regarding their sustainability, especially their cradle to grave CO2eq footprint,
- cost-efficiency demands on car body part production processes remain very high.
In this situation, Automotive Circles new conference Car Body Parts – from development to production aims at critically analysing and discussing specific progress in all relevant processes that are being used, or show a high potential of being used, in industrial car body part manufacturing.
The new event expands Automotive Circles previous and well-known conference Forming in Car Body Engineering to three days, providing time to cover the full variety of relevant technologies.
Module 1: Casting, Molding, Additive Technologies
September 27/28
Module 2: Panel Forming, Profiling
September 28/29
We are looking forward to meeting you in Bad Nauheim in September!
Agenda

Module 1: Casting, Molding, Additive Technologies
September 27: 9.00 AM - 5.45 PM CEST
September 28: 8.30 AM - 3.45 PM CEST
Module 2: Panel Forming, Profiling
September 28: 8.30 AM - 6.00 PM CEST
September 29: 8.30 AM - 3.30 PM CEST
Joint Sessions Module 1/Module 2 on September 28
Module 1 and Module 2 will overlap on the first half of September 28 for joint sessions, with presentations of interest to participants of either module.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
Module 1: Casting, Molding, Additive Technologies
9.00 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Welcome and introduction to Module 1
Dr. Dirk Meine, Automotive Circle, DE
COMPLEXITY AND SIZE: CASTING CAPABILITIES
9.15 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Prototyping and pre-series production of aluminum structural castings for body-in-white and chassis applications
Kentaro Higaki, Kimura Foundry Co., Ltd., JP; Dr. Joachim Gundlach, Grunewald GmbH & Co. KG, DE
9.45 AM CEST (UTC+2)
How to prototype megacastings
Jay Schofield, Keith Denholm, Grainger & Worrall Ltd., UK
10.15 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Virtual product development challenged by large HPDC structural parts
Stephan Philipp, GF Casting Solutions AG, CH
10.45 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Coffee and contacts
11.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
tba (invited)
tba
12.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Fields of action in production and product for the industrialization of megacasting of automotive car bodies
Falko Fiedler, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL), RWTH Aachen University, DE
12.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Megacasting: intelligent, sustainable lightweight design? - A dispute between experts
Prof. Thilo Röth, University of Applied Sciences Aachen, Laboratory for Automobile Technology, DE;
N.N.
1.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Lunch break
PROCESSING CAST PARTS
2.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Simulation of suitability for welding of aluminium high-pressure die casting parts
Dr. Norbert Hoffmann, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for Welding and Joining (ifs), DE
3.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
New conceptions for joining and additive manufacturing of casting parts
Dr. Axel Jahn, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, DE
3.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers /Coffee and contacts
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF COMPLEX PARTS
4.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Hybrid manufacturing of functionally integrated car body parts via robotic screw extrusion additive manufacturing
Nicolas Unger, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Vehicle Concepts, DE
4.45 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Additive manufacturing using innovative structural steels
Dr. Simon Hoeges, GKN Additive, DE
5.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Generative design for hybrid additive manufacturing from CAD to CAD
Rolf Fischer, Intes GmbH Stuttgart, DE
5.45 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Get Together
7.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Networking Night Module 1
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Joint sessions for both modules
Module 1: Casting, molding, additive technologies
Module 2: Panel forming, extrusions
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8.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Welcome and introduction to Module 2
Dr. Dirk Meine, Automotive Circle, DE
OEM PROJECTS AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS
8.45 AM CEST (UTC+2)
A 360° overview on all parts in the car body of the new BMW iX
Klaus Sammer, Dr. Thomas Kopp, BMW Group, DE
9.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Casting and panel forming developments at NIO
Gary Hughes, NIO Inc., CN
10.15 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers /Coffee and contacts
11.00 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Development of sharp edge technology for attractive styling
Egawa Susumu, Honda Motor Co., JP
11.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Implementation of super large AL clamshell hood sharp character using UP-CAM
Tae Wan Kim, Hyundai Motor Company, KR
ADDITIVE AND HYBRID MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES
12.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Additive Tooling for car body parts: A cost-effective way to manufacture prototype parts
Bernd Löffler, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL), RWTH Aachen University, DE
12.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Additive manufacturing of car body components in high strength steels
Dr. Martin Hillebrecht, Edag Engineering AG, DE; Dr. Matthias Höfemann, Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung GmbH, DE
1.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Lunch break
2.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Cost-effective high-performance metal additive manufacturing (MAM) for Tooling
Isaac Valls, Rovalma S.A., ES
PROCESS CONTROL
2.45 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Detection of surface contaminations on large and complex parts - A robot-guided laser-scanner for fluorescence imaging
Dr. Alexander Blättermann, Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, DE
3.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Power additive for virtual layout
Dr. Christian Klimmek, Simuform Search Solutions GmbH, DE
3.45 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Coffee and contacts
Module 1:ends
Module 2: Panel forming, extrusions continued
PROCESSING HIGH-STRENGTH MATERIALS I
4.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Optimized combination of materials and technologies for maximum part performance
Dr. Patrick Kuhn, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, DE
5.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
New concept of bringing simplification to car body parts - Multi Part Integration concept
Jesse Paegle, ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks, FR
5.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Large scale component production of hot-formed high-strength aluminium
Dr. Michael Machhammer, AP&T Sweden AB, SE; Marc Schweizer, Fischer Group SE & Co. KG, DE
6.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Get Together
7.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Networking Night Module 2
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
Module 2: Panel forming, extrusions
DIGITALISATION IN THE PRESS SHOP
8.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Smart press shop - increased efficiency and transparency through a comprehensive track & trace solution
Dr. Robert Vollmer, Schuler Pressen GmbH, DE
9.00 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Sensorized gas springs for industry 4.0
Ignacio Garcia Acha, Azol Gas Group, ES
9.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
The creation of physical process twins to enable smart(er) production
Gianfranco Ruggiero, AutoForm Engineering Italy S.r.l., IT
10.00 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Part tracking and model driven control in stamping at Volvo Cars: First steps of implementation of evoTrQ and future plans
tba, Volvo Car Corporation, SE
10.30 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Coffee and contacts
GEOMETRY CONTROL
11.15 AM CEST (UTC+2)
The new compensation strategy for concave outer panels
Dr. Kadir Akcan, Ford Otosan, TR
11.45 AM CEST (UTC+2)
Visualization of spring back generation factors of ultra-high-tensile-steels to clarify its mechanism
Jumpei Tetsuka, Honda Motor Co., JP
12.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Stamping simulation applications beyond process validation
Dr. Omar Ghouati, Ford-Werke GmbH, DE
12.45 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Meet the Speakers / Lunch break
PROCESSING HIGH-STRENGTH MATERIALS II
2.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Advanced rollformed components based on ultra-high strength steel for crash absorbing
Stephane Anquetil, Shape Corp, DE
2.30 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Lightweight potential in car body using roll forming for ultra-high-strength alloys
Christoph Grüllich, Dr. Tilman Traub, Dreistern GmbH & Co. KG, DE
3.00 PM CEST (UTC+2)
OEM conclusions
The conference´s OEM Advisory Board experts on current challenges in car body part production.
3.15 PM CEST (UTC+2)
Farewell address and end of the conference
(Status as of August 5, 2022 - Program is subject to change)
International OEM COMMITTEE

Dr. Martin Kasparbauer
Audi AG
Marc Hummel
Audi AG

Klaus Sammer
BMW Group
Dr. Thomas Kopp
BMW Group

Hideki Taoka
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Thomas D´Hautefeuille
Groupe Renault
Loic Vaissière
Groupe Renault

Daniele Bassan
Stellantis

Ghislaine Couturier
Stellantis

Niklas Sonesson
Volvo Car Corporation
Participating Companies
- AP&T Sweden AB, SE
- ArcelorMittal, FR
- AUDI AG, DE
- AutoForm Engineering Italy S.r.l., IT
- Azol Gas Group, ES
- BMW Group, DE
- Centro Ricerche Fiat S.C.p.A, IT
- Dreistern GmbH & Co. KG, DE
- EDAG Engineering AG, DE
- Fachhochschule Aachen, DE
- Fischer Group SE & Co. KG, DE
- Ford Otosan, TR
- Ford-Werke GmbH, DE
- Fraunhofer Institut, DE
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), DE
- GF Casting Solutions AG, CH
- GKN Additive, DE
- Grainger & Worrall Ltd., UK
- Groupe Renault, FR
- Grunewald GmbH & Co. KG, DE
- Honda Motor Co., JP
- H-One Co., Ltd., JP
- Hyundai Motor Company, KR
- Intes GmbH Stuttgart, DE
- Kimura Foundry Co., Ltd., JP
- Kobelco Europe GmbH, DE
- NIO Inc., CN
- PATAC – Pan Asia Technical, CN
- Profilmetall GmbH, DE
- Renault S.A.S, FR
- Rovalma S.A., ES
- RWTH Aachen Universität, DE
- Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung GmbH, DE
- Schuler Pressen GmbH, DE
- Shape Corp., DE
- Shape Corp., FR
- SIMUFORM Search Solutions GmbH, DE
- Stellantis, DE
- Stellantis, FR
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for Welding and Joining, DE
- ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, DE
- Toyota Motor Europe, BE
- Toyota Motor Europe, GB
- Volvo Car Corporation, SE
The Conference addresses
- Car body engineers, managers and employees of OEM
- Suppliers and service providers
- Experts from institutes
All responsible for press plant, tool shop or foundry projects in the areas of pre-development, development, planning, production and quality control .
Exhibitors and sponsors on site

GKN Powder Metallurgy Engineering GmbH
become a sponsor or exhibitor
Take advantage of the high coverage of the Automotive Circle and profit from the exhibition and sponsoring options before and during the events. Show your competence and services, matching the conference subjects, to the numerous car body engineers of international OEM. Thus, you are strengthening your brand awareness in the automotive industry!
Come on board as an exhibitor or sponsor and benefit from this excellent platform to strongly promote your company’s capabilities as a reliable supplier!
Check out the various exhibition and sponsoring options!




Hotel & Arrival
DOLCE by Wyndham Bad Nauheim
Elvis-Presley-Platz 1 61231 Bad Nauheim Germany
http://www.dolcebadnauheim.com
Please take note of the hygienic concept of the conference hotel: https://www.dolcebadnauheim.com/en/sanitary-measures.html
Travel information
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, please check your countries current requirements at the following website well in advance of your arrival: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/coronavirus/2317268
BY CAR
GPS-Information: Please insert „Terrassenstrasse“, instead of „Elvis-Presley-Platz”.
From north:
On A5 Motorway Kassel/Frankfurt take exit Bad Nauheim. Turn right, direction Bad Nauheim, until exit Steinfurth/ Eisstadion. Take this exit and turn right at traffic light downhill. Next traffic light turn left and drive until Bahnhofsallee (2nd traffic light). Turn right into Ludwig-/ Parkstrasse and drive approx. 1 km. Turn right at 3rd cross walk into Terrassenstrasse. The DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim will appear after 400 m.
From south:
Take exit Ober-Mörlen on A5 Motorway Frankfurt/Kassel.Turn left and then after approx. 500 m turn right at the next traffic light (Bahnhofsallee). On Bahnhofsallee turn right and follow Ludwig-/Parkstrasse. Please follow the street for 1 km and turn right at the 3rd crosswalk (Terrassenstrasse). The DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim is located 400 meters in front of you.
BY PLANE
From Frankfurt International Airport to Bad Nauheim by train:
Take a DB- or S-train to the main station of Frankfurt/Main. Change to a RB- or RE-train connection to Bad Nauheim (travel time approx. 20min). From the station you can either walk through the park (approx. 15min) or you can take a taxi to the hotel (approx. 5 min; 6 EUR).
From Frankfurt International Airport to Friedberg/ Hess. by train (quickest connection):
From the airport take the S- or DB-train connection to the main station of Frankfurt/ Main. Change to a DB-train to Friedberg/ Hess. From Friedberg/ Hess. take a taxi to the DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim (approx. 15min; 12-14 EUR).
From Frankfurt International Airport to Bad Nauheim by car or taxi:
It is a 45-60 min drive from the airport to the DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim. The price is approx. 80 EUR. There is a special shuttle service for guests staying at the DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim. Please contact Taxi Daschke at phone +49 6032 340522, mobile: +49 171 2864259 or e-mail to: info@taxi-bad-nauheim.de. The fare will be approx. 65-70 EUR.
BY TRAIN
To Bad Nauheim:
Go to Bad Nauheim by a DB-train. From the train station you can either walk to the DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim through the park (approx. 15min) or you can take a taxi (approx. 5min, costs approx. 6 EUR).
To Friedberg/ Hess. (quickest train connection):
Take a DB-train to Friedberg/Hess. From Friedberg/ Hess. take a taxi to the DOLCE Hotel Bad Nauheim (approx. 15min, costs 12 EUR).
safe together - our hygienic concept
Be assured: We have answers to your Corona questions!
We are your host and service provider and we take this responsibility very seriously. We are actively available to answer all your questions about your participation.
As of April 2, 2022 most Covid-19 restrictions on everyday life and for hosting conferences have been lifted. The new nationwide legal framework provides only a few general protective measures. In almost all federal states including Hessen, masks are now mandatory only in doctors’ surgeries, nursing homes, hospitals, buses and trains. The current regulations in Germany and specifically in the state of Hessen do not include any access restrictions. In order to participate in our conferences you currently do not need to show any evidence in form of Covid-19 vaccination, negative tests or similar. In case of changes we will of course inform you in time.
Health
We kindly ask you to make your visit only if you are in good health. If you feel unwell during the conference, please contact us or your hotel reception immediately by phone or email. We will then be happy to help you.
Cancellations due to health reasons can be cancelled free of charge at any time with a medical certificate. If a participant is demonstrably unable to attend due to travel restrictions, he/she has the option of converting the attendance participation into a digital participation (if this is offered). Any cost differences will be reimbursed.
Hand washing
We strongly recommend frequent and thorough hand washing. Hand washing and disinfection facilities designed with social distancing in mind are available for you.
Sneezing and coughing
We kindly ask you to follow the usual etiquette regarding sneezing and coughing.
Disinfection and cleaning
For your safety, we will regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g. tables, handrails, door handles) as well as our sanitary facilities at more frequent intervals. You will find hand washing and disinfection facilities designed with social distancing in mind at all important places at the conference area.
Status as of April 6, 2022
prices, terms & conditions
Organizer
Vincentz Network GmbH & Co. KGPlathnerstrasse 4c
30175 Hannover, Germany
T. +49 511 9910 - 384
F +49 511 9910 - 379
www.automotive-circle.com
jannike.von.kampen@vincentz.net
Date & Venue
Conference: September 27 - 29, 2022
DOLCE Bad Nauheim
Elvis-Presley-Platz 1
DE-61231 Bad Nauheim
T +49 6032 303-0
F +49 6032 303-529
info@dolcebadnauheim.com
www.dolcebadnauheim.com
Please take note of the hygienic concept of the conference hotel: https://www.dolcebadnauheim.com/en/sanitary-measures.html
Accommodation is available at the conference hotel.
We kindly ask you to make your own hotel reservation at the conference hotel. Rooms are available from € 147,- to € 167,-, depending on the room category. All rooms include breakfast for a price of € 5,- per person and day. Please refer to: "Automotive Circle".
The following cancellation conditions apply for all categories:
All reservations can be cancelled free of charge up to 4 weeks before arrival. Up to 2 weeks before arrival 50% of the room rate will be due. From 2 weeks before arrival 90 % will be charged.
Participation Fee
Conference:
Single fee for Module 1 or 2: |
1.850 € | |
Early-bird |
2.595€ |
for registrations received by August 26, 2022 |
Standard |
2.695 € |
for registrations received after August 26, 2022 |
A 10% group
discount on the rate that is valid at the time of registration is
available. This will apply when 5 or more attendees from the same
company address register at the same time.
Students will get 50 % discount on standard prices on presentation of a valid student ID.
* All prices plus 19 % German VAT. All conferences in Europe are subject to VAT. To reclaim, please contact your local tax office.
Participation fee includes
Fees including full conference participation, incl. conference materials and list of delegates, the authority for downloading the presentations on the internet, luncheons, catering and the participation in the evening networking event.
Registration
Registration is preferably done via the event's website, alternatively by e-mail or regular mail. The confirmation of participation and invoice will be sent via e-mail. After receipt of payment your registration becomes binding and you will receive a corresponding confirmation of participation. Without this confirmation, there is no claim to participation in the booked event. Registrations will be considered in the order in which they are received, except EuroCarBody. However, the number of participants is limited in all cases.Conference Language
The conference is held exclusively in English. All documents are predominately composed in the English language.
Hygienic Concept
Please also note our Hygienic Concept.
Cancellations
Fees will be refunded in full if notice of cancellation is received by August 26, 2022. Please understand that event preparation and organization involve financial and human resources. Therefore a fee of 50 % of the participation will be charged, if the notification of cancellation is received after September 12, 2022. Should notification reach us after September 12, 2022, or in case of non-participation, 100% of the participation will be charged. Substitutions of delegates may be made at any time.
Cancellations and changes must be made in writing and will be confirmed by the organizer. Cancellations due to health reasons can be cancelled free of charge at any time with a medical certificate. If a participant is demonstrably unable to attend due to travel restrictions, he/she has the option of converting the attendance participation into a digital participation (if this is offered). Any cost differences will be reimbursed).
The participant undertakes to follow the instructions of the organizer and the venue. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from the event.
The organizer reserves the right to change the program or to cancel the event in the event of special circumstances (important reason). In particular, the organizer is entitled to take such measures in cases of force majeure, due to official orders, in the event of a situation endangering the life, body or health of the participants. In these cases, the organizer shall not be obliged to pay damages and/or reimbursement of expenses to the participants. This applies in particular to any cancellation fees incurred by third parties (e.g. hotel bookings, train or flight tickets).
Program Changes
Automotive Circle reserve the right to revise event content and change implementation tools. There is no claim to a specific lecture, workshop or references. Registered trademarks: No guarantee is given that the products, processes and other names mentioned are free of third-party property rights.
Data Protection
As participant of an event, you agree that data such as company, address (zip code, city, country), first name, name and job function of the attendee will be published on the list of participants. The list of participants is available to all participants in digital form. The list of participants could also be used by sponsors and exhibitors for advertising purposes. Objection against publication and circulation of your data may be made at any time until 3 weeks prior to the event and has to be made in writing to the organizer. The address data are processed for customer service and information purposes in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Company’s name, city and country might be published on the Internet as reference for upcoming Automotive Circle events. Personal data will be forwarded to the local health authority on request.
Pictures, Videos & Recordings
By registering you understand that your participation and attendance at the event may be videotaped, filmed and/or audio recorded. You agree that the recording may be used for any lawful purposes that Vincentz Network, or its designees, in their sole discretion, may determine.
Picture credits
natalia hora/fotolia.com; Patrick P. Palej/stock.adobe.com; MaxSafaniuk/stock.adobe.com; Vincentz Network
Miscellaneous
With your binding registration you agree that film, image, word and sound recordings may be made of you during the event. These recordings may be used without restriction by Vincentz Network or authorized parties in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Also have a look at our Privacy Policy.
Hanover, March 2022
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