Research and development in the Metal Forming Division
Innovation is the engine of progress - and at the Metal Forming Division of voestalpine we are actively shaping the future. With more than 11,500 employees at over 50 locations worldwide, we rely on excellent research and development to continuously develop technologies and processes. In doing so, we combine materials expertise and manufacturing competence at a high level.
Innovation as the key to progress
The Metal Forming Division is the manufacturing specialist within voestalpine and actively drives the further development of new technologies. We manufacture innovative products, parts and components and work closely with external experts throughout voestalpine to optimize processes.
Our research aims to develop new technologies and manufacturing processes to meet the increasing demands of our customers. The focus is on developing sustainable, efficient and high-performance solutions. We also work closely on projects with our customers from the automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and energy industries, as well as many other application areas. By seamlessly integrating the development results into our production, we can optimize the entire product life cycle, reduce costs, increase quality and minimize environmental impact.
Examples of our R&D projects
In the Metal Forming Division, innovation and technological development are at the heart of our research work. Our main focus is on steel as a material. In addition, we are working on innovative hybrid solutions in combination with other materials such as aluminum or carbon. Here too, the aim is to develop customized, efficient and sustainable solutions for various applications.
Press hardening of hot-dip galvanized steels (phs)
Leading the way in press-hardened steels: voestalpine's phs technology enables the production of extremely lightweight yet high-strength automotive components. Our research activities here focus on the forming of hot-dip galvanized steels in order to continuously improve strength and corrosion resistance while reducing weight.
Additive Manufacturing
More than added value: 3D printing of metal components opens up new possibilities in manufacturing. We are developing new materials and processes to make additive manufacturing more efficient and economical, especially for the production of complex components in small batches.
A broad, multidisciplinary network
Our research activities are spread across various locations and facilities. 18 decentralized research units are closely networked with our production sites to ensure a smooth transfer of knowledge. At the same time, 5 competence centers act as highly specialized hubs for strategic research fields such as lightweight construction, additive manufacturing and material technologies. More than 80 experts are working hard to develop innovative solutions. In addition, we cooperate closely with renowned research institutes and universities to promote the exchange of information and bring new technologies to market faster.
Current research projects and institutions
Compass
We are implementing a data-driven recycling process for sheet metal and thermoplastic composites. Compass is funded by Horizon Europe (European Commission) and runs from 2024 to 2027.
A2LT (Austrian Advanced Lightweight Technologies)
In this cooperation project, we are researching innovative lightweight construction technologies together with partners from industry and science in order to increase resource efficiency and reduce environmental pollution.
LKR Light metal competence center
The LKR is a leading competence center for aluminum and magnesium materials. The light metals researched here play a key role in numerous voestalpine projects, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology)
Together with the AIT, Austria's largest research and technology organization, we are researching new production technologies and material solutions that further improve the performance and sustainability of our products.
The Metal Forming Division of voestalpine sees research and development as the key to success. Shape the future with us - for us and for future generations.
