9-IPES/UME-4 - International Conference on Ultraprecision Techniques - in Braunschweig

The 9th International Precision Engineering Seminar (9-IPES), in conjunction with the 4th Conference on Ultraprecision in Manufacturing Engineering (UME 4), will be held in Braunschweig from May 26 to 30, 1997. The conference is organized by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the Forschungs-gemeinschaft Ultrapräzisionstechnik e.V., Aachen, and the Cranfield University - School of Industrial and Manufacturing Science, Cranfield, England. After 1991, IPES/UME is held for the second time in Braunschweig's Civic Hall.

With its more than 200 papers and posters presented by participants from more than 20 countries, 9-IPES/UME 4 will be this year's most important event worldwide for scientists and practicians from research and industry working in the areas of ultraprecision mechanical engineering, nanotechnology and the associated field of dimensional metrology. It will be the first time that more than 20 participants from countries of Central and Eastern Europe will contribute to this conference.

The technological and economic importance of precision engineering, microsystems technology and nanotechnology has been increasing for years. This trend will be given particular consideration on the 'Special Pre-conference Day' when invited experts will report on trends and priorities of ultraprecision techniques and nanotechnology. The highlight of the opening session will be the ceremonial lecture by Prof.Dr.-Ing. Hans-Jürgen Warnecke, President of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, entitled "The future of manufacturing engineering in the highly industrialized countries".

An exhibition of highly precise technical instruments and products in the foyer of the Civic Hall will supplement the conference program.

Following the conference, the participants will be offered an opportunity to visit institutes of Braunschweig Technical University, PTB and Hannover Technical University as well as industrial enterprises in the Braunschweig region.

9-IPES/UME 4 is sponsored by the Deutsche Forschungs-gemeinschaft (DFG), the Commission of the European Union, the City of Braunschweig and some industrial enterprises.