On November 16, 2024, the ALBA Synchrotron opened again its doors to the public for its annual Open Day, an event that has been opening up science to the society since 2012. The 2024 edition included ten interactive demonstrations and experiments, providing visitors with insights into research projects carried out in ALBA Synchrotron and the technology behind it.
The event included a dedicated stand showcasing four collaborative projects in execution between Eurecat and ALBA Synchrotron teams. These projects included the newly launched Horizon Europe CISMA project and three RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) projects: COOPHS, H2FORM3G, and Sup3rForm.
The stand, led by ALBA Synchrotron’s Methodology group, provided a glimpse into the innovative work being done to foster sustainability in the steel sector, and, on the other hand, explore the hydrogen effect in the manufacturing of advanced steel components for lightweight designs.
At the center of the display was a B-PILLAR demonstrator from the COOPHS project, an automotive component designed to protect passengers during crashes by absorbing energy and minimizing deformation. This part exemplifies the potential of hot-stamped Boron Steel made from post-consumer steel scrap, highlighting the projects’ focus on sustainable and high-performance materials.
Visitors, especially children, were encouraged to engage with the stand through hands-on activities, exploring how metals behave in service and how different metals deform.
The ALBA Open Day served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the collaborative work between Eurecat and ALBA Synchrotron, fostering the general public understanding of the latest developments in the steel industry. Through initiatives like these, Eurecat and ALBA Synchrotron continue to demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary partnerships in driving innovation.
