Curatorium

Since 2025, Dr. Stefan Schulze has been bringing industry perspectives into the direction of Fraunhofer IAPT. Meet our new curator in the following interview.

LEHVOSS develops and produces polymer-based materials for component manufacturing in the processes of injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. The »3D Printing Materials« team of Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG collaborates closely with its customers not only to develop suitable materials but also to deliver complete system solutions.

Dr. Stefan Schulze, Director of 3D Printing Materials in the Business Unit Customized Polymer Materials at Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG, advises and supports the team in creating and implementing a suitable strategy to establish 3D printing alongside injection molding in industrial series production and to enable technological cross-over between the manufacturing processes.

Why do you engage as a curator for Fraunhofer IAPT, Dr. Schulze?

The additive manufacturing sector offers both a valuable complement and often a cost-effective alternative to established production technologies, yet its potential remains underutilized in industrial settings. With a focus on industrializing additive manufacturing, Fraunhofer IAPT works to overcome both technical and thought barriers, increasing acceptance and penetration of additive manufacturing in industrial series production.

As a curator, I see the opportunity to bring industry questions forward, questions to which Fraunhofer IAPT can make a valuable contribution. At the same time, I am eager to contribute my experience and network to the Institute’s projects and help shape them, bit by bit.

What does the collaboration between Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG and the Fraunhofer IAPT mean for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region? 

Combining the experience and network of Fraunhofer IAPT with LEHVOSS’ material expertise and strong market proximity enables us to address real challenges in additive manufacturing with plastics quickly and comprehensively.

While LEHVOSS develops and produces high-performance plastic compounds for additive manufacturing and injection molding, Fraunhofer IAPT complements this by establishing industrial, automated processes as well as additional technologies, such as the smoothing of components. Due to the close geographical proximity – also to local partners within the network of the IAMHH e.V. association – a competence cluster has emerged in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region that serves as a point of contact for local companies and has also gained significance far beyond Hamburg.

Where do you see the Fraunhofer IAPT in five years’ time?

The competence cluster around Fraunhofer IAPT, the IAMHH e.V. association, and the local partners in Hamburg will continue to grow. Concrete projects will demonstrate where and how additive manufacturing can create added value in industrial production. The focus will not only be on technical feasibility, but above all on the competitive production of industrial and consumer goods, whose manufacturing is at risk of shifting to world regions with lower production costs, such as Asia.

Fraunhofer IAPT will serve as the central contact and coordination point within the local competence cluster. At the same time, it will maintain active exchange with national and international industries, institutes, and initiatives, making the local activities visible and accessible far beyond Hamburg.

Thank you very much for the interview, Dr. Schulze.

Fraunhofer IAPT is pleased to have an engaged board of trustees. Beyond our annual board meetings we enjoy the ongoing exchange with our curators.

We would like to thank the members of the board of trustees for their support over the past year.

• Stefanie Brickwede, Managing Director, Mobility goes Additive e. V.
• Christoph Hauck, directorate, toolcraft AG
• Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Beate Heinemann, chairman of the directorate, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
• Dr. Karsten Heuser, VP Additive Manufacturing, Siemens AG
• Dr. Klaus Kleine, Business Development, Lumentum
• Dr.-Ing. Tina Schlingmann, Regional Director, EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
• Dr. Stefan Schulze, Director 3D Printing Materials, Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG
• Prof. Dr. Andreas Timm-Giel, president, Technische Universität Hamburg
• Klaus von Lepel, departement head research/ W2, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg