Dr Peter Hofer-Hauser - New Professor at the Chair of Casting Technology

Prof. Hofer-Hauser has been working at the Chair of Casting at the Montanuniversität Leoben since 1 October 2024. With his many years of experience in science and industry, he is particularly dedicated to the further development of permanent mould processes, where numerical simulations and the reduction of tool wear are central topics. Extending the service life of die casting tools is an important economic factor due to high acquisition costs.

Another focus of his work is on semisolid and rheocasting processes, which use partially solidified metal in the casting process. This technique enables the production of thin and complex components while reducing porosity. Prof. Hofer-Hauser sees potential for the European foundry sector in this method, as it could use existing infrastructures and strengthen international competitiveness. One advantage of the process is the possibility of manufacturing large components on smaller machines, which reduces costs and material usage.

The scientist, who comes from south-eastern Styria, studied metallurgy and foundry engineering at the University of Leoben. After his dissertation in 2012 on distortion and residual stresses in die casting, he worked at the Austrian Foundry Institute (OGI), where he was most recently deputy managing director.

In his new role, Prof. Hofer-Hauser plans to expand his research to include topics such as artificial intelligence and sensor technology in order to further develop foundry technology.