Linz, April 2026. On April 16, 2026, researchers from Pro2Future GmbH’s Cognitive Production Systems area presented three posters at the LIT Factory Symposium 2026. The presentations highlighted the breadth of applied research currently underway at Pro2Future, from plastic pipe manufacturing to twin screw extruder modeling and centrifugal dryer performance.
Poster Presentations
Corrugated Pipe Production – Digital Design and Optimization of Plastic Corrugated Pipes through Hybrid Modeling and Reverse Engineering
Hanny Albrecht, Alexander Hammer, Bernhard Löw-Baselli, Etienne Mallandain, Christian Fiebig, Gerald Berger-Weber
This work addresses the computational design and optimization of plastic corrugated pipes, combining hybrid modeling approaches with reverse engineering methods. The aim is to enable more precise digital representations of the production process — reducing the need for costly physical trials and improving overall product quality.
Modeling of Co-rotating Twin Screw Extruders – More Precise Models for Kneading Blocks and Conveying Elements
Ursula Steiner, Jakub Kuncak, Hanny Albrecht, Alexander Hammer, Gerald Berger-Weber
Twin screw extruders are a cornerstone of polymer processing, yet accurately modeling their behavior — particularly in kneading blocks and conveying elements — remains a significant challenge. This research focuses on developing more precise simulation models that reflect real-world extruder dynamics, supporting better process control and product consistency.
Pelletizing Systems – Numerical Insights into Design and Performance of Centrifugal Dryers
Mohammadreza Aali, Bernhard Löw-Baselli, Jovan Zecevic, Gerald Berger-Weber
Centrifugal dryers play a critical role in pelletizing systems, yet their internal flow dynamics are difficult to analyze experimentally. This work applies numerical methods to gain deeper insight into dryer design and performance — with the goal of improving efficiency and product quality in industrial pelletizing operations.
Applied Research at the Interface of Modeling and Industry
All three presentations reflect Pro2Future’s approach to applied research: developing computational tools and models that translate directly into improved industrial processes. The LIT Factory Symposium provided an important platform for sharing these findings with the broader scientific and industrial community.
