16.06.2015
They are not difficult to transport: the flying objects that are competing against each other in the student competition “Steel flies” are extremely light. The futuristic flying objects that will be trying to win the title of the best plane in Hall 6 at the “Bright World of Metals” in Düsseldorf on 17. June weigh a maximum of 400 grams, less that two packs of butter. The little indoor planes are judged by how light they are, how innovative their design is and how long they fly. In other words: the one that is lightest and flies longest wins. “Steel flies” has already become an established tradition in the meantime: for more than 15 years now, students from the universities of Aachen, Bremen, Darmstadt, Dortmund, Kassel and Saarbrücken have been experimenting with steel and have incorporated many innovative ideas in their planes during this time. After only three months of development time, the models are required to demonstrate their flying skills at the final of the flying competition in Düsseldorf during the four metal trade fairs GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST.
Before they are allowed to fly, the flying objects are subjected to a strict technical examination to determine their weight, dimensions and material, because planes can only participate if they consist entirely of steel.
The first part of the flying competition then begins at 10:00, while the second group competes at 12:30 after a brief lunch break. After the jury has analysed the flying performances, the winners will be announced and the victory ceremony will be held at 15:30.
Messe Düsseldorf director Friedrich-Georg Kehrer: “I find “Steel flies” fascinating. Because it shows what innovative and creative ideas our mechanical engineering students have and it is really inspiring to see how very enthusiastically and professionally the students organise this competition.”
“Steel flies” is part of the programme co-ordinated with the “Bright World of Metals” and thanks to its impressive demonstration of innovative skills it fits in perfectly with the technological developments that the exhibitors at the four trade fairs are presenting. The international ‘summit meeting’, at which more than 2 200 companies will be exhibiting in Düsseldorf again this year from 16 to 20 June 2015, is the only opportunity anywhere in the world for the international trade and research communities to experience this unique combination of foundry technology, castings, metallurgy and thermo process technology.
Messe Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf