Easter Academy – Dr. Burghard Lutter teaches children about additive manufacturing using the example of an egg cup

How is a good egg cup actually made – and what does this have to do with research and development at the ZBT?

At the Luisenschule Easter Academy in Mülheim an der Ruhr, our employee Dr. Burghard Lutter showed young participants in a vivid way how an idea can be turned into a finished product. Using the example of an egg cup, it became clear that there are exciting development and production methods behind seemingly simple everyday objects.

How an egg cup is made

In the hands-on lecture “Help! My egg is rolling away! – In search of the perfect egg cup”, Burghard took the children on a short journey through the world of technology, materials and construction. It wasn’t just about making an egg cup, but above all about understanding how different manufacturing methods work. The presentation included carving, moulding, injection moulding and 3D printing – the very techniques that are used to turn an idea into a component step by step.

What this has to do with the ZBT

What was particularly nice about this format was that the content was conveyed to the young participants in a tangible and playful way. The egg cup was much more than just a craft object: it became a symbol of the development work that we also do at ZBT – The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center. Because here too, a lot of things start with an idea. Then we design, test, improve and finally manufacture. The presentation showed exactly this path – from the first draft to computer-aided design (CAD) to the slicer and the finished 3D print.

From the egg cup to the Open Fuel Cell

If you want to go one step further after the egg cup, you can take a look at our Open Fuel Cell (OFC). It shows how openly accessible technology, development and practical understanding can come together. What started small and vividly with an egg cup at the Easter Academy continues here into the world of real energy and fuel cell technology.

Find out more about the Open Fuel Cell

Curious about technology? Then come to the ZBT

And if you still haven’t had enough, you should take a look at what we do at ZBT: We work on new solutions for hydrogen, fuel cells and energy technologies every day. Maybe your interest starts with an egg cup – and later develops into an internship, a thesis or even a career with us.

To our job advertisements

Contact

Head of Science Management and Communication

Dr. Theresa Schredelseker
+49 203 7598-3357

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