SIDENOR seeks constant innovation with the aim to continue improving the products it manufactures, the solutions it develops and the services it delivers. In that respect, the SIDENOR invests in research and development.
SIDENOR 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, SIDENOR 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.
SIDENOR companies cooperate with scientific entities and prominent international research centres, including:
- IEHK, Institut für Eisenhüttenkunde, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
- TWI – The Welding Institute, UK
- Institut für Korrosionsschutz in Dresden, Germany
- 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
SIDENOR companies also participate in various European industrial research programs and associations:
- 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, SIDENOT companies maintain long-term partnerships with global leaders, such as:
- Daido Steel Co
- Automatic Wire Machines Spa
- GMH Gruppe Georgsmarienhuette
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.