The Plansee Seminar, which has been held regularly since 1952, is a tradition in our company. It is considered one of the world's largest powder metallurgy conferences for researchers, developers, and users, and every four years it offers the opportunity for scientific discussion and an outlook on future applications of refractory metals, hard metals, and hard materials. The 21st Plansee Seminar took place from May 30 to June 6, 2025. The 22nd Plansee Seminar is scheduled for June 2029.

Since its inception, the event has been held regularly at our headquarters in Reutte, Tyrol. The scientific committee consists of leading international experts from the world of hard and refractory metals, who review and evaluate the submitted contributions.  

The lectures and talks at the 21st Plansee Seminar will cover all market segments in which products based on refractory metals and carbides/hard materials play an important role or represent promising alternatives to current material solutions. While the early seminars had a broader focus on powder metallurgy in general, the current events concentrate specifically on refractory and hard metals. 

The following areas of application in particular will be covered by keynote speeches and/or verbal presentations and poster presentations:

• Materials science and materials engineering 
• Powder production and processing 
• Sintering and forming processes 
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing) 
• Simulation of manufacturing processes 
• Sustainability and recycling 
• Coating technologies  

• Lectures: Experts from universities, research institutions, and companies present current developments and research results in thematically grouped sessions.
• Poster presentations: Continuous exhibition throughout the conference
• Networking events: gala evening or the student dinner

The Plansee Seminar was founded in 1952 by Paul Schwarzkopf, founder of the Plansee Group and pioneer of powder metallurgical production of refractory and carbides. The doctor of chemistry considered the promotion of networking and cooperation to be more important than competition. This philosophy continues to shape the conference to this day.

The seminar was organized by materials engineer F. Benezowski until the 1980s. The conference has developed into one of the largest gatherings for researchers, scientists, and industry experts in the field of refractory metals and hard metals. With participants from all over the world, it represents a central platform for the international exchange of knowledge.  

The Plansee Seminar 2025 has been featured in Metal AM, PIM International, and Metal Powder Technology magazine. Over three reports, key innovations from the seminar are showcased:

► The processing of refractory metals and hard materials using PBF-LB, PBF-EB and DED technologies

► The sinter-based AM and MIM of cemented carbides and tungsten heavy alloys

► Advances in the PM-based processing of refractory metals and hard materials + sustainability focus