Research assistant in the field of digital process development

Process stability and product quality represent an important competitive advantage for plastics processing companies. To achieve a high level of process consistency, the process must be robustly adjusted. Up to now, the process has been set on the basis of the machine operator’s experience. To support the machine operator, simulation-based approaches are developed to speed up the set-up process. At IKV, approaches are being developed to transfer the settings determined in the simulation to the injection molding machine. The simulation results deviate from reality due to the boundary conditions and simplifications made during modeling. A physical model was developed at IKV for the compensation, with which simplifications, for example, can be made. is compensated for by neglecting the machine inertia.

This approach is to be transferred to cascade injection molding. In cascade injection molding, the component is filled sequentially over several gates. This makes the injection process more complex compared to conventional injection molding. The existing model is thus to be adapted to cascade injection molding in order to support the machine operator during setup. This requires the development of approaches that map the dynamics in the hot runner system.

Both simulative and practical investigations on the injection molding machine are required for the work in this field. In the simulation, different process controls are first tested before they are transferred to the real machine using an implemented model. Tests are used to validate and optimize both the transfer and the process control.

• As head of the working group, you will be responsible for the planning and implementation of research projects in the field of digital process development. You will be responsible for the technical and financial coordination of these projects as well as the guidance and supervision of a motivated team.
• Your area of responsibility includes the development and implementation of new solutions for process control in injection molding in the existing system technology, the evaluation of production data and the analysis of the influences on the resulting quality properties of the components.
• They are actively involved in defining relevant questions and deriving new research ideas.
• They take on tasks in the field of teaching at RWTH Aachen University, such as supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
• You maintain intensive contacts with numerous national and international industrial partners and research institutes and represent your specialist area in presentations and lectures at conferences and symposia.

• You have successfully completed a diploma or master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a specialization in plastics technology, electrical engineering, automation technology, computational engineering science or a comparable course of study at a technical college or university.
• You are willing to familiarize yourself with new interdisciplinary issues and ideally already have practical experience in injection moulding or programming with e.g. MATLAB.
• You enjoy working independently and are able to work on complex problems in a structured manner.
• You are open in your dealings with other people and have the ability to motivate yourself and others.
• In addition to German, you have a very good command of written and spoken English. We expect you to be confident in using MS Windows and Office.

We offer you an exciting, varied and versatile position in an open-minded, highly motivated team of scientists in which you will work independently.

Your tasks will enable you to have intensive contact with partners from both industry and science. In addition, we offer you the opportunity to do a doctorate in the above-mentioned subject area.

Please send us your detailed and complete application documents digitally.

Apply by e-mail