Sustainable and Affordable Steel: Innovation of the SUMMSEED Project by CIM UPC

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Recently, the members of the SUMMSEED project gathered at an inaugural event on the campus of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Besós, where this innovative initiative was presented. The main objective of the project is to develop medium manganese steels that are more sustainable and cost-effective, adapting to industrial processes for both casting and remanufacturing through 3D printing.

The new steels, known as MMnS, are designed to replace traditional Hadfield steels, offering an alternative that combines high strength, ductility, and lower production costs. This innovation aims not only to improve manufacturing efficiency but also to promote a circular economy by facilitating the repair and reuse of components.

The Fundació Centre CIM, an integral part of UPC, drives this initiative, aligning with European policies aimed at reducing dependence on critical raw materials. The reduction of manganese content not only favors sustainability but also has a positive impact on emissions and job creation in the European steel sector.

The SUMMSEED project is supported by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel within the NextGeneration EU framework, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration between various companies and institutions, such as SIDENOR R+D and TUBAF, which contribute their expertise at different stages of the process, from alloy design to quality validation of the final product.

One of the most innovative aspects of the project lies in its methodology, which includes advanced laboratory testing and analysis of mechanical properties. It is expected that the MMnS steels will be used in manufacturing mining components and repairing parts, which will not only contribute to a more sustainable model but also open new opportunities in the industrial sector.

José María Cabrera, general director of CIM UPC, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “Our goal is to transform research into applied innovation, collaborating with companies to build a more efficient industrial model.” Pere Barriobero, project coordinator, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving the set objectives.

With initiatives like SUMMSEED, it is expected that the metallurgy sector will take a significant step toward more eco-friendly and cost-effective production, benefiting both industry and society as a whole.

Referrer: MiMub in Spanish

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