FastCrack Product

A testing tool for the fast evaluation of fracture resistance in high-strength steels

The FastCrack Product project drives the commercialisation of a testing tool that enables the fast and cost-effective evaluation of fracture resistance in the high-toughness steels used in sectors such as automotive and aerospace.

The tool responds to a growing challenge in the steel industry, which over the last decade has developed Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) in response to increasing requirements for passenger safety, vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. These steels offer improved formability and greater impact energy absorption, but present problems related to crack initiation that can be addressed through a fracture mechanics approach.

Previous research conducted by Eurecat shows that fracture toughness measurements can be used to estimate impact and edge cracking resistance in high-strength sheet materials. The method uses precracked specimens (protected by a granted international patent) and extracts the energy required for crack nucleation and propagation following the Essential Work of Fracture (EWF) methodology.

Building on this asset, the project aims to bring to market the FastCrack product, a tool that can be easily installed in a universal testing machine and that produces ready-to-test fracture specimens. These specimens are used to estimate impact energy absorption, edge cracking resistance and other fracture-related properties.

The project carries out the actions required to bring the technology to market, such as pilot tests in industry to validate the business model, the assessment of product pricing and cost metrics, the packaging of the recurrent services identified in the business model, and the definition of the financial aspects of the spin-off. For the client company, this should make it possible to assess the opportunity cost and the return on investment, a key aspect for overcoming market entry barriers.

Eurecat leads the project through its Metallic and Ceramic Materials unit, which leads the scientific development of the solution and contributes expertise in fracture mechanics, and its Industrial Valorisation unit, which is responsible for project management and execution, the definition of the business model, intellectual property protection and market validation, with the aim of bringing the FastCrack technology to the industrial sector.