Eurecat presented its latest progress in metallic materials at the technical workshop organized by CEAM (Center for Metallurgical Studies and Advice) on January 21st in Sant Just Desvern, Catalonia (Spain). The forum, a benchmark for industry experts, explored how innovation and new technologies drive a more competitive, sustainable metal sector.
Representing Eurecat, Paula Félix de Castro, Innovation Manager of the Metallic and Ceramic Materials Unit, delivered the presentation “Steel innovation: promoting circular economy and decarbonization.” During her speech, she detailed the technology centre’s R&D projects for circular steel and emphasized that materials research is the foundation of industrial sustainability.
In this context, she explained that beyond-state-of-the-art technologies enable the manufacture of more resistant, long-lasting components. These solutions balance the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints with industrial competitiveness.
To meet these goals, she noted that Eurecat addresses structural challenges by focusing on circularity and decarbonization. As a result, the center develops sustainable alloys with optimized mechanical properties while leveraging digitalization to refine manufacturing processes.
During her talk, she provided an overview of several R&D initiatives. These included nine RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) projects: COOPHS, NewAIMS, Safe&Clean, HELIX, SuPreAM, Sup3rForm, Steel4Fatigue, H2FORM3G, and DURALINK, as well as SHIFT project and THICK-COAT.
These initiatives utilize Industry 4.0 technologies, including digital twins and 3D printing, to validate novel processes. These tools ensure zero-defect manufacturing and optimize both the development and mechanical performance of metal materials.
Additionally, she highlighted the CISMA project, funded by the Horizon Europe program, and ReMove, a project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and the European Union. These initiatives tackle critical sector goals, such as reducing CO2 emissions during steel production and enhancing the mechanical performance of advanced lightweight alloys.
