State-of-the-art Lab for Mechanical Engineering Students

Diehl Aviation Hungary, a company designing and manufacturing aircraft parts, has created a design lab at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of UD, where students will learn about cutting-edge technology applied in aircraft design.

The strategic goal of UD is to provide highly trained engineers for companies located in the area. This is why the new lab represents a milestone in the transformation of the technical and IT programmes of the university.

- One of the benchmarks of universities is what connections and strategic agreements they have with companies, and how these businesses support education. Companies can help us develop programmes that are in line with the current demands, involving university teachers, and allowing students to learn about the newest trends – highlighted Ákos Pintér, vice rector for general affairs.

The primary objective of the strategic cooperation between UD and Diehl is to enrich the education of mechanical engineering students and to make it more marketable. The more practical knowledge students acquire, the easier they will integrate into their working environment.

- This lab will allow us to display the processes and materials used in aircraft manufacturing to students. The lab will also contribute to the development of the region – said Roman Damschke, head of engineering department of Diehl Aviation Hungary Kft.

Vice mayor Szabolcs Komolay pointed out that high-quality education also contributes to the economic development of Debrecen.

- In the past years several major companies decided to establish a facility in Debrecen, including Diehl. In order to provide these businesses with highly-trained professionals, it is vital to develop and operate an educational system that is able to meet their demands – explained the vice mayor.

The company and the university has been cooperating since 2013. Diehl was one of the first ones to get involved in the dual education system of mechanical engineers, and also took part in the development of the curriculum of the vehicle industry process engineering specialisation. The employees of Diehl are still involved in the education of mechanical engineers.

- Owing to the close cooperation between the two parties, Diehl Aviation Hungary Kft. has become an integral part of the Faculty of Engineering. The engineering department in Debrecen and the manufacturing facility in Nyírbátor employs several engineers who graduated from the faculty – said Edit Szűcs, dean of the faculty.

In addition to the opening of the lab, Diehl Aviation has also launched its service centre in Debrecen with about 60 employees. Besides engineering tasks, financial and support processes are also managed at the centre.

- The launch of the service centre has strengthened the connection between the company and the university. Sixty percent of the engineers working at the company come from UD. The objective of establishing the lab was to allow students to create value and shape future trends using the knowledge they acquire here – said Kata Törő, HR and operative head of Diehl Aviation Hungary Kft.

Students will also learn to use the Catia 3D software and to print their designs using a 3D printer. Besides, student will also hear about the "reverse engineering" technology.

- 12 workstations have been established with the system widely used by companies in the industry, including Diehl. Students can realise their designs within minutes using the 3D printer in the lab, while the 3D scanner allows them to re-design and optimise existing parts – explained head of department Tamás Mankovits.


The lab, which was opened on Wednesday, will primarily help the education of mechanical engineering students.

Press Office