Highly specialized material solutions are the hallmark of Auerhammer Metallwerk, a company based in Saxony. The company does not sell raw materials, but rather specific material properties tailored for demanding technical applications. Autonomous systems and the robotics industry also benefit from this.
Auerhammer Metallwerk has an exceptionally long tradition in metal processing. With 500 years of materials expertise, the company is one of the oldest industrial enterprises in Saxony. “Our expertise ranges from nickel alloys and copper-nickel materials to pure nickel, plated materials, and extremely thin metallic foils,” explains Sales Manager Andreas Handschütz. He is particularly proud of the ultra-thin metal foils. “The thinnest foil produced to date has a thickness of just 1.5 to 2 micrometers—about twenty times thinner than a human hair. “Worldwide, very few manufacturers are capable of producing metal foils of this thickness with the required precision,” says Handschütz. This technology opens up a wide range of applications in sensor technology and in miniaturized technical systems, such as in acoustic or mechanical sensor elements.
Organizationally, the company has been part of the Wickeder Group since 2015 and belongs to the Functional Materials Group within the corporate group. While Auerhammer focuses primarily on nickel and specialty alloys, the group complements the portfolio with, among other things, aluminum-based materials and other metallic material systems.
Clad Materials
Another focus of the metalworks is on clad materials, in which different metals are combined to form functional material composites. The development of such material solutions always takes place in close collaboration with customers. “We see ourselves as a development partner that works with its customers to develop solutions for specific technical challenges,” emphasizes Kathleen Junghans, Team Leader of Marketing and Sales.
This opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fields of robotics and autonomous systems. Modern robotic systems often have to operate under highly variable environmental conditions, such as significant temperature fluctuations. “In such applications, materials with precisely matched coefficients of thermal expansion play a decisive role, especially when different materials such as metal, ceramics, or glass are joined together. Only if these materials expand uniformly during temperature changes can stress cracks be avoided and systems with long-term stability be realized,” explains Handschütz.
Another relevant field of application is the shielding of sensitive sensor technology against magnetic interference. Precision measurement systems or data lines can be affected by the Earth’s magnetic field or other magnetic fields. Special nickel alloys enable highly effective magnetic shielding here, ensuring the stable and interference-free operation of sensitive systems.
Miniaturization
In addition, Auerhammer’s materials technology supports the trend toward miniaturization. Extremely thin metal membranes can be used as vibrating sensor elements, for example in acoustic sensors. “Unlike polymer-based materials, metallic membranes retain their function even at high temperatures or in corrosive environments,” says Handschütz.
A central feature of the company’s philosophy is high flexibility in production. Even small series or specialized niche applications can be implemented if they meet technically demanding requirements.
Strategically, Auerhammer Metallwerk is increasingly focusing on tapping into new future markets. Robotics and autonomous systems are a particular focus. The goal is to understand the requirements of these dynamic industries early on and to develop suitable material solutions together with partners. For this reason, Auerhammer has also decided to present itself as part of the IVAM joint booth at XPONENTIAL Europe.
Author: Sonja Buske
