IAMHEX Closure Event
Can generative design drive meaningful innovation in heat transfer devices?
Can additive manufacturing (AM) translate these designs into energy-efficient, real-world solutions?
These were the guiding questions behind the IAMEX project, where researchers from KU Leuven and VITO explored the potential of generative design and AM for copper- and aluminum-based components.
We’re now ready to share key results but we also want to go beyond mere presentation. This is an invitation to dialogue!
Expect:
- In-depth insights on how generative design can reduce energy use.
- Demonstrations of the capabilities of AM for complex heat transfer components.
- Technical discussions on production methods such as powder bed fusion and micro-extrusion AM.
- Reflections on validation, testing, and broader applicability.
We’re especially curious to hear your thoughts:
- How do these findings connect with your own professional challenges and ambitions?
- Where do you see barriers and opportunities?
Join us in shaping the next steps of energy innovation. Together!
Date: September 22nd, 2025, 14:00 – 18:30
Place: Thermotechnisch Instituut, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, Leuven.
Price: Free, but registration is mandatory
Registration: Please register via this form. Registration closes on September 19th, 2025.
Contact: Here or info@iamhex.eu
Agenda:
14:00 – 14:15 |
Welcome |
14:15 – 14: 30 |
Introduction – Innovative heat exchangers: where generative design and additive manufacturing can meet by Prof. Tine Baelmans (KU Leuven) Tine is the PI of the IAMHEX-project. She will introduce you to the overall idea of generative design applied to heat transfer devices. Her talk covers key aspects while challenging the state-of-the-art in heat exchangers, and how virtual imagination by computer power meets reality. |
14:30 – 16:15 |
Plenary sessions |
14:30 – 15:10 |
Part I – Modeling and optimization |
14:30 – 14:50 |
Generative design approaches for heat sink and heat exchanger innovation by Prof. Maarten Blommaert (KU Leuven) Additive manufacturing and other flexible production methods create unprecedented design freedom for heat sinks and heat exchangers. In his talk, Maarten will outline key generative design approaches and material choices, revealing how generative design boosts performance and why the most conductive materials are not always the preferred answer! |
14:50 – 15:10 |
Automated Optimization of Heat Exchanger Surfaces and Manifolds under Turbulent Flow: Moving Beyond Heuristic Design by Dr. Carlo De Servi (VITO) This presentation showcases automated design optimization methods for heat exchangers operating under turbulent flow. Carlo will present relevant test cases that are analyzed to demonstrate how more compact and higher-performance heat exchanger designs can be achieved by replacing traditional heuristic-based methods with adjoint-based shape or topology optimization. |
15:10 – 15:25 |
Short break |
15:25 – 15:55 |
Part II – Additive Manufacturing |
15:25 – 15:40 |
Enhancing resolution and mechanical performance of LPBF copper parts via nano-Molybdenum surface modification by Prof. Brecht Van Hooreweder (KU Leuven) Printing copper with Laser Powder Bed Fusion is challenging due to its high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, which cause unstable melt pools and limited resolution. By adding just a pinch of nano-molybdenum, the team achieved smoother printing, sharper details, and even stronger parts with hardly any loss in conductivity. Join Brecht in exploring why! |
15:40 – 15:55 |
From Powder to Power: 3D Printing Conductive Materials by 3D micro-extrusion for Next-Gen Heat Exchangers by Ir. Jo Verwimp (VITO) Jo will introduce you to the latest progress in 3D micro-extrusion of high-conductivity materials. He will demonstrate how the technology’s material versatility and design freedom pave the way for next-generation heat management solutions, while also addressing its current challenges and limitations. |
15:55 – 16:05 |
Part III – Experiments and measurements |
15:55 – 16:05 |
Thermofluidic Insights at the Microscale: From Flow Mapping to Heat Transfer by Prof. Rosaria Vetrano (KU Leuven) To design the next generation of compact, efficient heat exchangers, we need to understand how fluids really move and transfer heat at the microscale. Something traditional tools can’t capture. With advanced optical techniques like micro-PIV, LIF and temperature-sensitive coatings, researchers can now “see the invisible” and reveal fluid flow, mixing, and heat transfer in unprecedented detail. Rosaria will tell you all about it! |
16:05 – 16:15 |
Plenary session closure by Ir. Johan Van Bael (VITO) |
16:35 – 17:10 |
Break-out sessions with experts
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17:10 – 17:20 |
Event closure |
17:20 – 18:30 |
Reception / Lab visit |
The IAHMEX project is funded by:
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