Axel Henning

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Axel Henning is a leading voice in manufacturing engineering, best known for his pioneering work in rapid manufacturing and design for assembly. His most influential paper, "Rethink assembly design" (2005), with 56 citations, challenges traditional mechanical engineering paradigms by demonstrating how additive and rapid manufacturing technologies fundamentally alter design processes. Henning’s core contribution lies in bridging the gap between process engineers and designers, showing how new production capabilities demand a complete rethinking of component assembly and product architecture. Rather than incremental improvements, he advocates for a systemic shift in design methodology, where the freedom of rapid manufacturing eliminates the need for conventional assembly constraints. This work has become a cornerstone reference for researchers exploring the intersection of design theory and advanced manufacturing. Henning’s research continues to influence how engineers approach product development in an era of on-demand, highly customizable production, making his insights essential for students and professionals seeking to understand the transformative impact of rapid manufacturing on mechanical design.