CSN Research and Innovation Center uses numerical simulation and virtual reality to optimize result

In the last 5 years, around R$ 20 million were invested in new technologies at the Volta Redonda Research and Innovation Center, which increased the technological innovation of the company’s products and processes. The Simulation and Virtual Reality Laboratory, which was installed this year, is an example of initiatives adopted by the company to modernize its process.

With the new computer simulation tools in a virtual environment – 3D technology combined with various numerical simulation software – the Laboratory allows for an immersive experience and contributes to the prevention of existing risks in processes, whether in product applications or in the different stages of steel manufacturing.

These tests, which were previously carried out with experiments on real parts, can now be simulated and presented in 3D reality, which enables several applications, brings agility in the identification of inconsistencies, minimizes or eliminates losses and waste, and generates financial gains with greater efficiency. in the process.

Reducing the thickness of hypermarket shelves was one of the successful tests carried out in CSN’s virtual reality laboratory. The carrying capacity, resistance, functionality and safety were used during the activities.

The company’s innovation and technology manager, Daniel Ximenes, celebrated the results and stated that without the new laboratory, it would not be possible to carry out these simulations without risks and high costs. “Esses macros mercados têm prateleiras de cinco/seis andares. Não são mais those grocery store shelves where you put five oranges, ten apples. It’s a giant structure, we did it here and it was possible to understand the behavior in the supermarket. How will this gondola support the load? Does it have a legal safety factor? We answer all these questions without the need to build a physical gondola!” said Ximenes.

Research and Innovation Center

For 80 years, CSN, which is a milestone in the history of Brazil, has a fully national Research and Innovation Center with the role of providing sustainability to the business, generating new solutions for the products and the various processes of its production chain. In recent years, this center has developed in Volta Redonda dozens of new products in the packaging, automotive and pre-painted steel segment. It has a modern structure and is a reference in the country’s steel industry. Its laboratories are responsible for diversifying applications and trends in the steel solutions of the products offered by the company, through studies and research carried out by a highly qualified team.