Graduates of the Chair
Table of contents
Martin Vogt - Syntegon Technology GmbH
Since the end of 2019, I have been responsible as project manager and developer (my second major development project) for the new GKF 60 machine platform, a hard gelatine capsule filling machine for research-based pharmaceutical companies.
From the very first ideas, I was able to bring the machine to market maturity together with my interdisciplinary team.
In addition to the continuous further development (basic machine, filling modules, various containment cabin versions), I am currently responsible for the market launch of the machine. The machines go to markets worldwide, such as the USA, Brazil and, of course, Europe, so our team is in contact with people from a wide range of cultures and languages!
In my opinion, the profession of mechanical/mechatronic engineer for processing machines in the food and pharmaceutical industry offers a working environment with excellent prospects in these seemingly increasingly uncertain times. With a growing world population, the demand for these consumer goods is likely to increase rather than decrease. As a developer in this environment, you can, for example, help to reduce the resource consumption of machines both in production and in operation. Or - to make the packaging itself more innovative and environmentally friendly - we at Syntegon are currently working on easily recyclable paper packaging that can be thermoformed.
Relation to VAT studies: I was already able to make a small contribution to the use of linear drive systems in processing machines with my diploma thesis at Robert Bosch GmbH / Packaging Technology in 2008. Today, the XTS system has matured further and is being used successfully by various food manufacturers.
Andre Schult - PEEROX GmbH
When I started studying aerospace engineering, I quickly realized during my basic studies in mechanical engineering that I am not the type to optimize the last decimal point. Instead, I love the complexity and diversity of technical systems, especially where nobody expects this complexity - for example, the industrial packaging of everyday consumer goods. This mentality mix from MacGuyver tinkering "the main thing is that it works" to complex FEM simulations of high-speed processes and the fight against/with physics inspires me and has never made me regret my decision to move away from airplanes to processing machines. As my main course of study progressed, I realized that I wasn't really any good as a design engineer either and that my passion lay elsewhere: In the combination of software and mechanical engineering. The exceptionally multi-layered and interdisciplinary course helped me a lot in this search. There is so much more to mechanical engineering than just gears, CAD programs and technical drawings. It's about tinkering, pondering and structuring - like playing Lego for adults. After exciting years in Fraunhofer research, I founded our first software company in 2019 together with my friend and Fraunhofer colleague. We are revolutionizing knowledge management in production. We have experts for software programming. With my background in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science and process engineering, I am the interface between our customers and users in production and the nerds in software development.
Relation to VAT studies: Looking back, my studies were absolutely groundbreaking and the basis for me being able to pursue my absolute dream job today.
Hannes Stoye - MELAG Medizintechnik GmbH & Co KG
MELAG manufactures devices for reprocessing medical instruments, in particular steam sterilizers and washer-disinfectors (WD), see website. My training in cleaning processes in the food industry gave me a very good basis for analyzing and improving cleaning processes in the washer-disinfector. By solving various problems in this subject area, I was able to quickly specialize and develop into the person technically responsible for a class of washer-disinfectors. The cleaning technologies in the food industry are therefore a great basis for solving challenging problems in medical technology. For example, typical loads in a dental practice, which are soiled with sheep's blood at the most difficult points for examination purposes, e.g. in the joint of a Crile clamp, have to be completely cleaned and disinfected with 90°C hot water in under an hour. By comparison, dishwashers need 2 hours or longer for much simpler items and at lower temperatures. If you are interested, the website or the YouTube channel offer a lot more material.
Relation to VAT studies: On the one hand, the theoretical principles of hygienic processing (Sinner's circle etc.) have helped me a lot. On the other hand, I benefit from the scientific approach to complex problems, for example through systematic experimental design or influencing factor analyses.