TK Stainless

74 MaGaZine
To Their LiMiTs anD BeyonD –
the materials are subjected to extreme loads.
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In the next step, the engineers and scientists use computer programs
to identify the ideal composition of a new steel that will deliver the required
extended properties.
“For areas beyond the capacity of the human brain, we have computer
simulation models which can accurately reproduce the complex interactions
of steel structure and steel properties,” says Dr. Gabriele Brückner, head of
materials technology at ThyssenKrupp Nirosta: “We focus not only on the
required end product, but also on environmental, safety and health aspects of
the products and not least economic targets for future marketing efforts.”
Using modern scientific methods and their own experience, our materials
experts can generate predictions and designs that are very close to the
development objective . “It’s a great feeling, and really exciting,” is how Dr.
Gabriele Brückner describes the “birth” of a new stainless steel. “Developers
often drive to the production plant to see how their ‘baby’ is faring in initial
large-scale trials.”
This is where the material shows whether it is suitable for use in
industrial-scale production. ThyssenKrupp Nirosta uses modern, high-performance
production processes which are largely automated, and for reasons
of safety and cost-efficiency it is essential that they run perfectly smoothly.
“Even the most fantastic materials are of no use if they can’t be manufactured
reproducibly and without faults,” says Dr. Gabriele Brückner: “The art of
developing an alloy in such a way that it fits in with production processes calls
for close collaboration with production engineers and the integration of their
know-how from an early stage.”
A material development can finally be regarded as a success if
customers have successfully processed trial deliveries and are convinced that the
innovation will deliver sustained added value. “As well as commercial success
for steel producer and customer, new developments have a further effect,”
says Stefan Schuberth, head of applications technology at ThyssenKrupp
Nirosta: “They also demonstrate our credentials as an innovative, competent
cooperation partner to our customers and cement our position as the Number 1
on the market.”
The time required from initial idea to market launch varies greatly.
“Development time depends to a very large extent on the type of innovation
involved, and of course on the complexity and the commercial aspects of the
stainless steel