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Bringing aluminium into the classroom

For many engineering students specializing in metals and materials, steel is familiar territory. Aluminium may be less so. Through its collaboration with technical universities, Gränges shares industrial knowledge and introduces future engineers to the possibilities of aluminium.

Connecting theory with industrial practice

As part of Gränges Europe’s collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Pawel Rutecki, PhD and VP R&I and Sustainability at Gränges Europe, shares his expertise in aluminium materials and manufacturing with engineering students.

In his guest lecture, Pawel Rutecki takes students through the production of rolled aluminium. The lecture covers recycling, casting, hot and cold rolling, and final applications. It also explores how alloying elements influence material properties and performance.

For Pawel Rutecki, the students’ questions reflect an interest that extends beyond the manufacturing process itself:
“I am always impressed by the students’ engagement and the quality of their questions. They show particular interest in the manufacturing process, the production of aluminium from recycled scrap, and how alloying elements determine material properties and performance. It is encouraging to see their curiosity about both the technical and sustainability aspects of our industry.”

Interactions with industry help students place their academic knowledge in a broader context. They also offer insight into the technical and business considerations involved in industrial production.

“Industry interactions help students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. They also give students a broader understanding of the technical and business realities they may encounter in their future careers,” says Pawel Rutecki.

Building relationships with future engineers

The guest lecture is part of Gränges Europe’s long-term collaboration with technical universities, including KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and AGH University of Krakow. The collaboration includes guest lectures and company visits, as well as opportunities for students to gain practical experience through summer jobs, internships, and thesis projects. These interactions give students a closer look at aluminium, its industrial applications, and the career opportunities connected to the material.

By bringing industry perspectives into the classroom, Gränges can share specialist knowledge and strengthen the connection between academia and industry. It also gives more future engineers an opportunity to discover a material that combines advanced technology, industrial-scale production, and circular potential.

 

October, 2026

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