23. März 2017

Ugitech increases its capacity in quality assurance about 50%

  • High-quality stainless steel for the automotive industry
  • Ugitech has invested almost € 2m in a new ultrasonic testing unit

Whether brake system, fuel injector or airbag pressure sensor - the principle of zero defects has long been the standard in the automotive industry for steel products for safety-critical components. To meet the rising demand for flawless stainless steel, Ugitech has invested almost € 2m in a new ultrasonic testing unit.

This step has allowed the subsidiary of the SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Group to increase capacity in quality assurance considerably. Ugitech now tests almost 35,000 t annually of steel rod intended for the automotive industry for internal and surface defects. Thereby the company contributes to the production of high-quality automotive components.


The automotive industry is an important sales market for the French stainless steel producer Ugitech. In a demonstration of their commitment to this market, the company has installed a new ultrasonic testing unit at their Ugine site in France. With the new system technology, the steel producer has around 50 percent more capacity in quality assurance. The non-destructive testing is used for quality control and assurance of steel bar in accordance with the highest technical standards. For steel in which material inclusions or surface defects would constitute functional risks for the use of the component, this type of testing is indispensable. This is also an effective way of ensuring that steel bar with material defects is rejected from further processing. Following machining of the steel bar, the part's thickness in some cases is less than 0.5 mm depending on the specific part. Consistently flawless quality of the bar steel core and surface is essential for reliable component stability.

 

About Ugitech S. A.
Ugitech is one of the leading manufacturers of stainless steel long products worldwide. The company's main products include billets, bar stock, wire rod, and drawn wire that the company produces in its own steel mill and in its rolling mills and wire-drawing plants. The stainless steels are known for their excellent mechanical properties. They are used to manufacture a wide range of parts, such as e.g. valves, turbine components, welding wire or surgical instruments. With over 100 years of experience in steel production and ongoing metallurgical research, the company guarantees optimum steel solutions for demanding applications for its customers in the automotive, construction, process and aviation industries and medical technology.

 

About SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH
Today, the SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Group is one of the world’s leading providers of customised solutions in the specialty steel long products business. A global name in tool steel and stainless long steel, the group is one of two largest companies in Europe for alloy and high-alloy engineering steel. With a headcount of 9,000 at its own production and distribution companies in 30 countries across five continents, the company supports and supplies customers wherever they operate and offer a comprehensive Production and Sales & Services portfolio, allowing customers to benefit from the Company’s technological expertise, consistent high quality worldwide and in-depth knowledge of local markets.

 

Corporate Contact
Frédérique Tissot • Ugitech S. A.
Phone: +33 (0) 47989-3012 • Fax: +33 (0) 47989-3737
E-Mail: frederique.tissot(at)ugitech.com • Internet: www.ugitech.com

 

Dr. Ulrich Steiner • SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH
Phone: +41 (0) 41 581-4120
E-Mail: u.steiner(at)schmolz-bickenbach.com
Internet: www.schmolz-bickenbach.com

 

Media Contact Agency
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