In this milestone 50th episode of Goldcasting, your hosts, Staffan Zetterström and Fabian Niklas, welcome Andreas Würzer from Handtmann, one of the few companies in Europe pushing megacasting forward with full force. While the rest of the world watches China sprint through the gigacasting evolution, Handtmann has already hit the ground running, without even waiting for a customer nomination.

Key Takeaways:

* A Strategic Gamble with Gigacasting in GermanyHandtmann invested in gigacasting before landing a contract. Why? Strategic foresight, market studies, and a commitment to pushing development, not waiting for it.

* Chinese Speed vs. German LegacyEurope’s brownfield limitations contrast with China’s greenfield advantage. Andreas Würzer explains why this slows down OEMs in Germany and what needs to change.

* Engineering as a DifferentiatorHandtmann hasn’t just bought a machine; they’re building capabilities. Simulation, topology optimisation, validation, and even additive manufacturing are baked into their development DNA.

* From Brochure to Business CaseAndreas Würzer shares what it really takes to convince OEMs. It is not PowerPoint presentations, but functional prototypes, real-world testing, and co-developed design spaces.

* Material MattersHandtmann is advancing the use of secondary alloys, even in structural parts, and views semi-solid casting as a productivity booster, particularly at lower temperatures, with improved flow and reduced wear.

* The Long ViewThis isn’t a one-shot bet. Andreas Würzer sees megacasting as entering its first evolutionary step in Europe. The real transformation is yet to come with better alloys, lighter walls, and smarter integration.

If you're waiting for the OEM, you're too late!

If you're serious about the future of casting, this episode is a blueprint for how to lead and take responsibility in a fast-changing industry. Tune in now. Learn from those who don’t wait for an OEM to make a decision, but instead take the initiative and do the groundwork themselves.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you in the next episode, where we’ll continue to bring you the latest insights and updates from the casting world. Don’t forget to ask questions, write comments, or make suggestions for future episodes. Until next time, keep casting strong!

Fabian and Staffan

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