Laurin Funk (24), a student at Hof University of Applied Sciences, has been awarded the REHAU Prize for Technology for his outstanding achievements in the field of mechanical engineering. The prize recognizes innovative ideas and special achievements in technology, science and recycling. The award ceremony took place at REHAU Art – including an exclusive tour of the company’s museum area.
Laurin Funk is in his third semester of a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Hof University of Applied Sciences. His award-winning bachelor’s thesis is entitled “Transfer of test results and scale transfer from the dual centrifuge to the agitator bead mill” and was written in collaboration with NETZSCH-Feinmahltechnik GmbH in Selb, after contact was established through previous collaboration in the form of lectures and excursions.
The focus of the work is the optimization of process engineering processes: Funk developed a model with which production parameters such as energy input and grinding time can be determined mathematically. This allows cost-intensive test series to be significantly reduced on a larger scale – an important contribution to increasing efficiency in industrial research and development.
Outstanding scientific achievement
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Beck, supervisor of the work, is impressed:
“Laurin Funk already stood out during the course of his studies due to his above-average performance. His Bachelor’s thesis clearly stands out due to its scientific approach and consistent implementation. He not only applied existing physical models, but also specifically extended them and adapted them to his specific task – that is really outstanding, especially for a Bachelor’s thesis.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Beck
Beck also emphasizes the high practical value of the work: Funk has shown that the transferability of particle properties between laboratory and pilot plant scale is easily reproducible and has thus created a reliable foundation for future research projects.
Promoting young engineering talent
The REHAU Technology Prize is endowed with 1,500 euros and promotes outstanding theses and special achievements in the field of technology and recycling. Laurin Funk would like to use the prize money to invest in high-quality tools to enable him to pursue further technical projects – he is thinking of a powerful compressor for sandblasting, painting and powder coating.
Looking ahead
Funk has clear goals for his personal and professional future:
First of all, I want to successfully complete my studies. After that, I would like to stay in the region and find a job that fulfills me.”
Laurin Funk
Background: The REHAU Prize for Technology
With the REHAU Prize for Technology, REHAU AG Co honors outstanding theses, dissertations and technical projects by students. The prize is awarded annually and recognizes particularly innovative, practical and sustainable solutions in the fields of technology, materials science and recycling. The aim is to promote the exchange between science and industry and to support young talents on their career path.
PICTURE: Award winner Laurin Funk together with Dr. Thomas Rhönisch (Head R&D Materials at REHAU AG and jury member);
