Jun 09, 2026
UNITAG of TU Dresden 2026: ILK presents lightweight engineering you can touch and insights into current research activities
The ILK team at Unitag (from left to right): Thomas Haupt, Dr. Anja Winkler, Christian Kirvel, Dr. Sebastian Spitzer, Philip Steinbild.
On 6 June 2026, the UNITAG of Technische Universität Dresden took place at the main campus in Dresden. The UNITAG is aimed at prospective students and provides insights into degree programmes, study conditions, as well as student and academic activities at the university.
The Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden was represented with an information stand in the lecture hall centre and a mobile cargo bike on the campus grounds. Selected exhibits from research and teaching were presented, offering insights into mechanical engineering studies and the specialization in lightweight engineering.
Featured research demonstrators included a CFRP pressure vessel, a 3D-printed flight-capable model, as well as the institute’s new research aircraft, which was represented by a banner. These exhibits highlighted key areas of current work at ILK, including lightweight structures, additive manufacturing processes, and their application in aerospace engineering.
Lightweight Design cargo bike at UNITAG 2026.
In addition, a lightweight cargo bike was presented on the campus lawn. As a demonstrator, it illustrated the relationship between design, manufacturing, weight, energy consumption, and system efficiency, thereby demonstrating fundamental principles of lightweight engineering in a real-world context.
The UNITAG provided an opportunity to present the institute’s fields of work and teaching content to prospective students and to foster exchange on study opportunities in mechanical engineering and lightweight engineering.
The ILK would like to thank all staff members who supported the institute’s presence at the UNITAG and represented the institute on site.