Innovation at its best: when engineering meets materials science ⚙️ The recent recognition of Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG for its groundbreaking Vacural die-casting process highlights a crucial point: Remarkable progress is made when engineering expertise is combined with materials and production science 🏗️. This synergy leads to innovations such as lightweight components with superior mechanical properties. It's a reminder of how interdisciplinary research is solving today's challenges and setting new standards for quality and efficiency 🌍. Let's continue to bridge disciplines to unlock the future of manufacturing! 🚀

Are robotics and AI ushering in a new era? 🤖 Robots in the metals industry? Nothing new. As the recent XPONENTIAL Europe demonstrated, advances in AI, automation and autonomous systems have kicked the doors wide open for a wave of new applications. From smart drones inspecting equipment 🚁 to self-optimising production lines, the future of metals manufacturing is becoming smarter, faster and more efficient than ever. With fewer workers supported by more and smarter machines ⚙️. How do you see the future of the metals industry? Will this development help save the industry in high-cost countries, or is it all for nought? 🌍

Hydrogen as a game changer in steel production? 🌍 Conventional blast furnaces are among the largest emitters of CO₂ in industry. As part of the EU-funded Sequence Impulse Hydrogen project, researchers are testing a new process to reduce CO₂ emissions from pig iron production: Led by thyssenkrupp Steel in cooperation with the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH, Primetals Technologies and voestalpine, the programme aims to establish a process for injecting hydrogen directly into the blast furnace via the shaft using Sequence Impulse Process technology. What new standards is this research project setting? 🔍 Find out more here! 👇

How can the German steel industry remain competitive while navigating global uncertainties? 🌎 Energy price shocks, decarbonisation, digitalisation, demographic change and shifting geopolitical dynamics - in particular China's evolving role in the global economy - are putting increasing pressure on the established steel business model. We followed Kerstin Maria Rippel's presentation and the subsequent panel discussion with Kerstin Andreae, Dennis Grimm, Stefan Rauber with interest and look forward to the further discussions at Handelsblatt's Future of Steel 2025 conference. 👏🏼 Representing The Bright World of Metals, Joline Olbing is on site to exchange ideas on how the industry can adapt to new challenges and continue to grow sustainably. Many thanks to the organisers at Handelsblatt for an insightful first day. We're looking forward to tomorrow's second day of the conference with more interesting presentations and discussions.

Industry is in a constant battle against energy loss. But what if the solution is already apparent? High-temperature industries around the world are looking for ways to reduce heat loss, optimise processes and cut costs. And they are finding solutions at THERMPROCESS, where exhibitors like Alkegen are stepping in: With cutting-edge insulation technology, they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in thermal energy management. But how exactly are they doing it? ➡️ Zachary Braun, Global Growth Leader at ALKEGEN, reveals what makes their approach so effective - and why businesses can't afford to overlook these innovations. 👇 How is Alkegen helping industry save energy? Hear it from the expert!

Hot sand in green sand moulds – an old challenge with new solutions! 🔥 Foundries are realising the impact of sand temperature on casting quality. Small variations can lead to defects ⚠️ and reduced efficiency. But with advanced cooling techniques ❄️, hot sand problems can be tackled proactively. Greater temperature control leads to fewer defects, more stable processes, and greater sustainability 🌱. The future of green sand moulding is smarter and more efficient! How are you managing sand temperatures? Is it worth the extra effort? Share your experiences in the comments. 👇

Aluminium recycling at the next level! 🌍 Volkswagen Group Components has introduced a chip melting furnace at its Kassel foundry. This innovative system 🔄 recycles aluminium chips from machining processes directly on-site, reducing waste ♻️, cutting emissions, and improving resource efficiency. A step forward for closed-loop manufacturing and sustainable automotive production 🚗! Can innovative implementation of modern technology like at Volkswagen become an advantage in the worldwide competition? Let's discuss in the comments.

The future of the metals industry is circular! 🔄 The Circular Valley Convention starts today at the Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf. And of course we will be there today and tomorrow! Together with wire and Tube - Leading International Trade Fairs and VALVE WORLD EXPO Düsseldorf, we will present the ecoMetals initiative for sustainable innovation in the metals industry and discuss how this initiative can act as a platform for showcasing circular economy solutions. ♻ The circular economy in the metals industry is crucial for resource conservation, CO₂ reduction and a sustainable future. Join Niklas Herkrath at our stand to discuss the future of the circular economy in the metals sector!

👉 Made in Germany: high-performance casting for brake discs! ⚙️ With the ZFA-SD 6.5, Heinrich Wagner Sinto Maschinenfabrik GmbH supplies one of the most powerful casting systems in the industry. But what makes it so special and why slide 4 plays a key role in optimizing efficiency? Swipe to find out why! 👇

Could we USE a new way to cut and weld metals? 🚀 The metallurgy and foundry industries are evolving - and so is the way we connect. Enter THE ULTIMATE WORLD OF CUTTING AND WELDING – URBAN STEEL EXPO (USE): a new trade show format launching in April 2027 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Breaking with tradition, USE fuses technology, business and event culture, bringing together global innovation leaders in a dynamic, interactive environment. With a festival-like approach, USE emphasizes creativity, knowledge sharing and hands-on experiences. The new concepts have already attracted interest: Kemper, Filtershop, Microstep, Accurl Europe, Weldas, Sinto Agtos, Optrel, Kuka, Cloos, EWM, Jasic, ESAB, Siegmund, OTC, Kjellberg und Abicor-Binzel have already signed up. With Urban Steel Expo, Düsseldorf strengthens its role as a hub for industrial innovation, adding another major event to GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST. This new platform fosters cross-industry collaboration and spotlights advances that will shape the future of metallurgy, steel and casting. We're excited to see how USE will redefine metalworking. Will you be there? 👇 Felix Scheuerpflug, Björn Kemper, Frederic Lanz, Daniel Ryfisch, Nick Plätz

Giga-Casting: A look at the future of automotive manufacturing Giga-casting - also known as mega-casting - is changing the face of automotive manufacturing. This trend will also be a key topic at The Bright World of Metals 2027. The Global Giga-Casting Congress on 5-6 March 2025 in Kassel, Germany, offers a preview of how this technology will develop. Organised by the Department of Foundry Technology (GTK - Fachgebiet für Gießereitechnik (Universität Kassel)) at the University of Kassel, the congress brings together experts to discuss the latest developments in this cutting-edge field. We're at the event to discuss how giga-casting will be presented at The Bright World of Metals. Join us and share your thoughts - in Kassel or in the comments. 

Aluminium at METEC - out of place or more relevant than ever? 🔩 METEC is known as a hub for the steel industry, but what about aluminium? We spoke to André E. Barten, President & CEO of Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH & Co. KG, the world's leading aluminium foil producer, about the future of aluminium in a steel-dominated environment. His insights prove that METEC, as part of The Bright World of Metals, is the place where all sectors of the metals industry come together – promoting the exchange of knowledge 📚, innovation 💡 and new perspectives. What's your view on the role of aluminium at METEC? Let us know in the comments! 👇