Innovation
Research and development ensure innovation
There are currently 135 employees working in the High Performance Metals Division in research and development, and several production sites are equipped with their own laboratories.
Basic research is also conducted in close collaboration with universities and research institutes domestically and abroad.
The Group has around 1000 patents and patent applications.
Targeted product and process developments in the High Performance Metals Division form the basis for innovation and ensure competitiveness. The focus here is primarily on the development of new stainless steels and alloys. Research on metal powders and additive manufacturing are just as important as process simulation for metallurgical process technology and plastic deformation.
We are innovation leaders in additive manufacturing
Metal additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing metalworking like no other process.
This is how it works
Based on digital design data, highly complex parts with completely new shapes and functionalities are built up layer by layer with no material losses. The advantages are low storage costs and shorter innovation and production cycles, as well as customized production. The materials used are metal powders in various preparations.
Experience in powder metallurgy
The subsidiaries of the High Performance Metals Division, voestalpine BÖHLER Edelstahl and Uddeholm, have many years of experience in powder metallurgy as a starting material for highly resistant steels. Additive manufacturing combines the core competence of powder production with opportunities for design optimization and component production.
Research and consulting
Particularly in sectors such as the aerospace industry, the automotive industry, toolmaking and medical technology, where technically highly sophisticated customized products are frequently in demand, metal-based additive manufacturing offers great future potential. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible advice in terms of powders or design, or to be able to produce components for them.
Locations that are already using the technology include the Division’s Additive Manufacturing Centers in Düsseldorf, Singapore, Toronto, Taiwan, Dongguan and Shanghai.
Digitalization is the answer to the challenges of the future
Changing customer purchasing behaviors and the volatility of the markets present us with new challenges. Digitalization, a logical evolution of established innovative approaches, offers us many opportunities to master those challenges.
In the High Performance Metals Division, we want to take advantage of these opportunities by putting greater focus on the automation of process steps, electronic linking of systems and online shops. We know that digitalization will make our businesses evolve at multiple levels – in terms of our core and support processes and our business models.
It is of particular importance to us to take our employees along on this journey and to make them aware of the opportunities offered by digitalization. Their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm are key success factors that play a major role in our digital journey. You can find out more about our “Digital Journey” in the video.
