History

In 1953 the University of Mechanical Engineering, which already included the subject area Printing Technology, was founded in Karl-Marx-Stadt (now renamed as Chemnitz). After their intermediate examination in the 6th semester, the pioneering students could, thus, choose among the following specialisations: Machine Tool Design, Textile Machine Design, Design of Graphic Arts and Paper Converting Machines, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

The foundation stone for the Institute for Graphic Arts and Paper Converting Machines was laid when Dipl.-Ing. Heinz Adler took office as head of department and later as director in June 1956. Eight years later Prof. Adler was appointed professor holding a chair. In 1970, two years after the institute had been transformed into a chair (later a "Wissenschaftsbereich", i.e. an organisational unit formed by several chairs), Dr.-Ing. Rudolf Ruder was appointed professor. In 1973, one year before Prof. Adler became emeritus, he passed the responsibility for the "Wissenschaftsbereich" on to the university lecturer Dr. Erich Hermanies.

Since 1980 Prof. Ruder was in charge of the "Wissenschaftsbereich". In 1993 Dr. Wolfgang Beier was appointed to the professorship Graphic Arts Processes. This allowed for a request concerning the foundation of a new institute: the Institute for Graphic Arts Technology (in the course of formation). In 1995, Prof. Ruder passed the responsibility for the institute on to Prof. Beier. In 1997, Dr.-Ing. Hübler was appointed professor for Print Media Technology. Under the direction of Prof. Arved Hübler, the Institute for Print and Media Technology was founded one year later.