The Academic Lightweight Engineering Club at TU Dresden
The Academic Lightweight Engineering Club at TU Dresden (ACL) brings together graduates, researchers, students, and supporters of the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK). Since its founding in 2003, the association has provided a platform for knowledge and technology transfer between academia and industry while strengthening Dresden's lightweight engineering community.
One of the ACL's core objectives is to provide both intellectual and financial support for research and teaching in the field of lightweight engineering and related disciplines. Lectures, discussions, and networking events offer early career researchers and students valuable opportunities to learn from experienced experts, contribute their own perspectives, and build professional connections.
A particular highlight is the annual presentation of the ACL Young Talent Award during the International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium. Students and graduates of TU Dresden are invited to apply with outstanding term papers, research projects, or diploma theses in the field of lightweight engineering. Presenting their research to an expert audience gives the finalists the opportunity to contribute to scientific discussion and further develop their academic communication skills. In 2025, the award was presented to Rebecca Heintz, Dipl.-Ing. Hannes Schneider and Dipl.-Ing. Christian Hild.
**Fig. 01:** The winners of the ACL Award 2025: Dipl.-Ing. Hannes Schneider (left), Rebecca Heintz (center), and Dipl.-Ing. Christian Hild (right).
Another cornerstone of the association's activities is the annual ACL networking event, which combines professional exchange with visits to regional companies and research institutions. During the reporting year, members visited Mühle-Glashütte GmbH, a manufacturer of precision mechanical watches and nautical instruments. Founded in 1869, the family-owned company is now managed by the sixth generation of the Mühle family. A guided tour of the watch manufactory gave participants first-hand insights into the production, assembly, and quality assurance of mechanical timepieces. The visit highlighted how state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies are combined with traditional craftsmanship and demonstrated the importance of precision, robust engineering, and rigorous quality control. The subsequent discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on the tour and exchange ideas with fellow members.
Fig. 02: Dustin Mühle (right), Head of Manufacturing and Workshop at Mühle-Glashütte GmbH, explains how the woodpecker neck regulation ("Spechthals" regulation) works, enabling precise and shock-resistant adjustment of the watch movement.
In addition, the ACL supports a range of networking events organized by the ILK. These include the alumni reunion and the student networking evening, where students and institute staff have the opportunity to connect in an informal setting. These events foster valuable relationships across generations and career stages, enriching academic studies, research, and future professional careers. The association also provides financial support for excursions to partner organizations from industry and academia.
Through these activities, the ACL contributes to the development of early career talent, promotes the exchange of knowledge, and strengthens the lightweight engineering network in and around Dresden for the long term.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to become involved in the ACL, we look forward to hearing from you.
Florian Lehmann
Academic Club for Lightweight Construction (ACL) at TU Dresden
TU Dresden
Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology
Holbeinstr. 3
01307 Dresden