Technology and R&D

Viohalco’s R&D work is focused on developing new, innovative and high value added products, and efficient solutions to optimise industrial and business processes. At the forefront of technological developments, Viohalco companies promote on-going R&D, develop innovative solutions, and maintain strategic partnerships with scientific bodies, international research centres, and other pioneering companies around the world. Continuous scientific research, combined with experience from Viohalco companies’ copper, aluminium and steel foundries have resulted in significant in-house knowledge in metallurgy.

Viohalco companies invest in cutting edge factory lines and constantly upgrade existing lines to remain competitive in the global market. Experienced engineers enhance the performance, effectiveness and capabilities of the lines beyond manufacturers’ expectations.

Through on-going research and industrial processes technology optimization, Viohalco companies’ engineers strengthen their product portfolios with innovative solutions.

Guided by the needs of customers, the companies select and apply engineering skills and new technology to their manufacturing processes.

Viohalco companies cooperate with scientific entities and prominent international research centres, including:

Manchester University, UK
IEHK, Institut für Eisenhüttenkunde, RWTH Aachen, Germany
Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
University of Ghent, Belgium
European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG)
TWI – The Welding Institute, UK
Institut für Korrosionsschutz in Dresden, Germany
SINTEF Energy Research, Norway
NTUA - National Technical University of Athens, Greece
University of Ioannina, Greece
University of Patras, Greece
University of Thessaly, Greece
Technical University of Crete, Greece
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
Piraeus University of Applied Sciences, Greece
Technological Education Institute of Central Macedonia, Greece
Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly, Greece
NCSR Demokritos, Greece

Viohalco companies also participate in various European industrial research programs and associations:

European Aluminium Association (EAA)
European Copper Institute (ECI)
International Wrought Copper Council, (IWCC)
CEN/TC 133/EC Copper and Copper Alloys-Editing committee
CEN/TC 133/WG1 Unwrought copper products
CEN/TC 133/WG3 Copper tubes (installation and industrial)
European Coil Coating Association (ECCA)
European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA)
European Steel Association (EUROFER)
European association representing metallurgical slag producers and processors (EUROSLAG)
European Welding Association (EWA)
Industrial by-Products Research and Development Association (EVIPAR)
Federation of recycling and energy recovery industries and enterprises (SEPAN)

To gain new expertise in emerging technologies and keep up to date with best practice, Viohalco companies maintain long-term partnerships with global leaders, such as:

United Aluminum Company of Japan (UACJ Corp.)
Mitsubishi
Daido Steel Co
Viscas Corporation
Automatic Wire Machines Spa
GMH Gruppe Georgsmarienhuette

Demonstrating commitment to innovation, the Viohalco companies’ technology and R&D centres have a strong track record of success, producing solutions that allow the companies to manufacture and market specialised and competitive products.

	Elval Technology centre developed highly-resistant special products with non-skid properties. Elval also produces extra flat sheets with top-quality lacquer-coatings, products made of 100% recycled aluminium and products subjected to deep drawing and extrusion.
	Symetal’s Technology department promotes the innovative surface design and control of aluminium affinity to laminates and coatings, the customization of mechanical characteristics for flawless forming, and the application of the latest European Food Contact Legislation, in line with the company’s strategic presence in the food and pharmaceutical packaging industries. Alongside the R&D resources of Viohalco companies’, any additional specific research is performed by established, specialized institutions that meet the customer’s requirements.
	Halcor operates a new and innovative laboratory to test the thermal performance of inner grooved tubes (IGT). This allows the company to improve the energy efficiency of its products, as well as offer an entirely new range of services.
	Hellenic Cables has established a state-of the-art Polymer Laboratory at its plant in Oinofyta. The laboratory mainly conducts chemical analyses and identification of raw materials, with an emphasis on quality control and the analysis of polymers of high and extra high underground and submarine cables. Research and development of new plastics and elastomer compounds takes place in the laboratory.
	Etem continually develops product solutions for the automotive industry, investing in dedicated machining and processing tools, and undertaking vigorous testing to deliver high quality products. Following years of development and collaboration with customers and European institutes and research centres, Etem is a Tier 2 and Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry, certified to produce aluminium profiles and parts for relevant crash systems. Furthermore, through continuous R&D, Etem develops its architectural systems to comply with the strictest European standards. Certified by leading European accredited laboratories, high quality seals all Etem products.
	The Sidenor long-standing culture of innovation is emphatically exemplified by its in-depth research and considerable investment in high-tech machinery throughout its history. The Group is proud to have gone one step beyond, and developed a state of the art technology in-house, patented under the name Synthesis™. Synthesis™ is a unique system for the industrial-scale prefabrication of reinforcing steel. The Synthesis concept was developed by Sidenor’s R&D arm, Praksys, who also developed the complete software package to accompany the technology, including such components such as product design, machine operation control, e-ordering, production planning and logistics. Sidenor has also adopted new innovative production solutions in both of its Greek plants, Almyros and Thessaloniki. Induction reheating furnaces have replaced gas-fired furnaces leading to significantly reduced carbon emissions during production, natural gas conservation and energy demand reduction per ton of produced steel. Through continuous innovation and technological advancement, industrial scale “one heat” production (from liquid steel to final product) became reality. In addition, innovations such as the continuous feeding of scrap (Consteel®) and the on-line chemical analysis of off gasses during steelmaking further reduce energy consumption and contribute to optimized steel production in accordance with to the best available industrial techniques.
	The field of oil and gas exploration and production in which Corinth Pipeworks activities are focused, is emphasizing ongoing technological developments and use of advanced technologies. Being up-to date with the latest technical and technological developments, Corinth Pipeworks continuously monitors the following R&D activities: Implementation of process optimization techniques combined with extensive internal trial productions, aiming to narrow optimum working range for all variables targeting higher product uniformity. Broadening its production range in terms of thickness and grade. Development of advanced tracking, process control systems, advanced non-destructive inspection techniques and controls. Development and manufacturing of pipes for extreme applications (sour service, offshore, high strain applications such as reeling, etc). Application of advanced corrosion and mechanical protection systems. Collaboration with international research organizations and institutes (EPRG, TWI, Elkeme) Participation in major European and international projects targeting both the development of pipe properties and pipeline integrity (JIP and RFCS projects).

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