High-strength products are being developed for the automotive and auto parts market to meet the needs of structural application in vehicles of the main automakers in Brazil. CSN has been working on the development of advanced steels (AHSS – Advanced High Strength Steels), in the Dual Phase (bi-phase categories, Complex Phase (CP) steels and steel for hot stamping (Press Hardening Steel – PHS) or “ Hot Forming”.
Research Center
CSN’s Research and Development Center, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, is located in Volta Redonda and operates the General Management of Product Development, whose main mission is to develop new products to increase the company’s competitiveness. To this end, the area aims to improve the mix and expand the portfolio, aiming to gain market share in the various market segments, in addition to contributing to the implementation of new technologies in the production process. The laboratory structure of the Research and Development Center is composed of 15 laboratories that carry out analyzes related to the physical, chemical, mechanical and metallographic characteristics of CSN steels and other alloys, with state-of-the-art equipment such as optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
20
new types of steel developed
95
new types of steel in developed
+4.000
hours of research
+R$25 MM
of investments
The laboratory structure of the Research and Development Center is made up of 15 laboratories that perform analyzes related to the physical, chemical, mechanical and metallographic characteristics of CSN steels and other alloys, with state-of-the-art equipment such as optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The Company also has an Environment laboratory for environmental monitoring accredited by the responsible body – INEA. The Research and Development Center also contains physical and computational simulation laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment such as the GLEEBLE 3500, which, among other modules, has “Large Sample Annealing” (first in Latin America), which allows process simulations thermomechanical for optimizing industrial processes. In addition, CSN’s computer simulation laboratory has several software, such as the forming and stamping simulation, which allows an early assessment of the performance of the CSN product in its various applications for its customers.
In 2021, some projects stand out:
In 2021, more than 50 diagnostic sessions were conducted in the Steel, Mining, Logistics and Cement segments, with the involvement of more than 20 different areas, which resulted in numerous challenges opened throughout the year. Thus, for these challenges, CSN Inova Open mapped its processes and indicators, in addition to measuring its economic and strategic potential in order to identify assertive technological solutions for proof-of-concept tests and pilot projects followed by implementation at scale, when applicable.
Automotive and auto parts market
Hot rolled flat steel segment
In the hot-rolled flat steel segment, examples include the development of a family of high-strength steel for application in structures for photovoltaic panels and the development of high-strength steel to reduce the weight of truck wheels.
Cold rolled flat steel segment
In the cold-rolled flat steel segment, the increase in the offer of extra-fine products with glossy surface characteristics can be highlighted. It is also worth mentioning the projects for the development of high-strength steel for the civil construction segment.
Pre-painted steel segment
In the pre-painted steel segment, there has been an increase in the diversification of applications. The use of pre-painted steel has allowed CSN to optimize the steel use chain, reducing manufacturing steps for its customers with a consequent reduction in environmental impacts.
Continuous Investment
Laboratory Structure
17 laboratories, including INEA-certified Environment Laboratory
Vacuum oven and Gleeble
Thermomechanical simulator of steel processes (most complete in Latin America) and melting furnace capable of producing special alloys
Augmented reality
Advanced framework for using numerical simulation in process optimization, product development and application
Other initiatives
Working together with ITA in the route 2030 program to increase the competitiveness of the automotive sector.
- Creation of the Graphene competence cell
- Commissioning of a pilot plant for the production of ecological blocks from waste