BAD SALZUFLEN, GERMANY -- Lightweight construction is high tech. And high tech has long been a feature of furniture construction. A ZOW event without lightweight construction is virtually unimaginable so the members of Interessengemeinschaft Leichtbau e.V. (igeL) will once again be exhibiting at Bad Salzuflen in 2012. The latest design solutions for the furniture and interiors industry will be on show  Feb. 6-9, 2012 in hall 22.1. The joint igeL stand is located near the ZOW Premium Club. BASF, Egger, Elka, Hettich, Leitz, Leuco, Makers, Moralt, Swap, Thermopal and Vomo as well as the OWL lightweight construction campaign, a specific igeL project, will be among the exhibitors in the individually designed area.

IgeL is an East Westphalia-based network of more than 100 members from universities, trade associations and business. The network includes numerous pioneers working in various projects to continually advance lightweight construction. Their aim is to move into the future markets; and this means working on new materials, design approaches and technical processes. The igeL lightweight construction community of interest brings together and promotes scientific and development technology skills. The initiative is based locally at the heart of the East Westphalia furniture cluster. Not only is lightweight construction a real advertisement for the region, it is also key to its future success. As an annual trendsetter for the furniture industry, ZOW has actively supported promotion of the idea of lightweight construction for many years.

Lightweight construction solutions in the furniture and interiors industry aren't just attractive because of their reduced transport, energy and packaging costs. This form of construction greatly increases value along the entire value-added chain thanks to intelligent engineering. Manufacturers are developing new wood composites, which offer a high level of stability in spite of their light weight. In turn these new, wood-based board materials prompt the development of new bonding techniques such as screw connections, gluing or plug connections. Other interesting aspects include progressive miniaturisation of components such as fittings and the integration of technology. Hollow lightweight construction boards provide practical space for constructions which can be hidden from sight in the furniture. This distinctively changes the design and functionality of furniture and gives customers new reasons to purchase them.

Technical progress needs visions. The pioneers of lightweight construction will be showcasing the design solutions of tomorrow at ZOW in Bad Salzuflen, enabling ZOW to once again underline its importance as an effective innovation platform for the furniture and interiors industry. For more information about ZOW see ZOW.de.

Source: igeL