Ascometal is celebrating 25 years of existence of its CREAS research and development center (Centre de REcherche et de développement AScometal). This SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Business Unit institute enjoys an excellent reputation internationally since it assists clients in the Automotive, Bearing, Mechanical Engineering and Oil and Gas industries in developing new needs-based steel solutions. The CREAS process engineers also help optimize steel works processes to enhance tool reliability and product quality. The success story is set to continue with the goal to welcome and train young engineers for future positions and new developments for Steel Industry 4.0.
Ascometal set up its own CREAS research institute in Hagondange (near Metz), eastern France 25 years ago. The ultimate goal was to create an institute to develop new solutions for steel grades and stand out from the competition. In 1999, the company decided to relocate the team and construct a new research center on the steelworks’ premises in Hagondange, where 5,000 m² of laboratories and test facilities were built. The research and development center team comprises 30 engineers and technicians working in three areas of expertise: metallurgy, performance characteristics and machinability, and process engineering and enhancement.
CREAS and Ascometal were also pioneers in the proposition, manufacture and distribution of bainitic steel for forged application, for example crankshaft, steering rack and injection rail, with the METASCO® family. The portfolio of specialties also includes the JOMASCO® family for gear and shaft components, ENDURASCO® for bearing application, VITAC® for steel easy to machine and ASCOWELL® family for Oil and Gas for drilling and Christmas tree applications.
Collaboration with other SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Group business units is also organized effectively. The different research teams from the six business units, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, Finkl Steel, Steeltec, Swiss Steel, Ugitech, and Ascometal meet a least three times a year to discuss universally pioneering projects.
