On June 3 and 4, we had the opportunity to get a feel for assembly practice in lightweight metal construction.

With a total of 13 people, we were invited by the International Federation for Lightweight Metal Construction (IFBS) to slip into the role of fitters on the construction site for two days and assemble and disassemble various façade systems (sandwich elements and cassette façades) with all the associated details.

For some of the students, it was their first contact with previously unknown machines, such as a nibbler or a battery-powered riveter. But even the more technically experienced participants learned a lot. It quickly became apparent that façade installation plans are not that easy to read and that it is easy to lose track of the many different construction elements, sealing tapes, fasteners and flashings.

However, after two days of sometimes unusual physical work, all groups had successfully completed the façades of their houses and the critical eye of the seminar leader only uncovered minor defects.

In addition to the many new technical insights, we had a lot of fun and a very nice evening in the beer garden in Krefeld.

We would like to thank the IFBS for this great opportunity and their hospitality!