Summer reading

We hope these stories spark your interest and provide you with fresh insights into the evolving landscape of our industry. As always, we value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

As you embark on your summer adventures, whether it's a relaxing beach getaway or enjoying peaceful moments in your own backyard, remember to take a break, soak up the sun, and embrace the simple pleasures of life. It is in these moments that we find inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose.

Have a rejuvenating summer!

Ovako employee at production site
Graph with IQ-steel and BQ-steel fatigue strength

Research and insights

Why we care about fatigue

Designers of critical components are on a constant quest for materials that are lighter, stronger and capable of handling ever greater and more complex loads. They especially value high mechanical strength. Yet it is metal fatigue that causes the majority of premature failures in service. To combat this, Ovako has focused on developing clean steels in which the small inclusions that give rise to fatigue failure are closely controlled. Patrik Ölund, Head of Group R&D at Ovako explains how this is done.

Hybrid steel

Research and insights

Hybrid Steel – combining strength, weldability and corrosion resistance

Traditionally, steels were classified into four categories: tool steel, stainless steel, engineering steel and maraging steels. That mold was broken in 2017 with the launch of our Hybrid Steel – a new family of grades with an innovative alloying philosophy. The result is that the key properties of each category are available in one high-performance steel.

Steel Navigator

SERVICES

Steel Navigator: a tool to find value

Björn Olsson, Group Application Specialist and segment manager for rock tools, explains how the Steel Navigator is a platform that helps customers maximise value and highlights future developments.

Illustration Ladle furnance + degassing

steel portfolio

IQ-Steel replacing remelted steel

“Industry is facing a challenge from growing lead times for remelted steel”, says – Stefan Czeczor, Dip -ing. Manager Technical Customer Support. Stefan continues “in some cases, suppliers are quoting lead times of two years, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 20 tonnes or more and with no flexibility to vary order quantity or dimensions.”

Illustration transportation options for steel

sustainability

Sustainability in transport is not always what it seems

The carbon footprint of a material is just one aspect of a product’s environmental impact. How it is transported also influences the carbon footprint – and the impact can be surprising. Ted Lundström, our Head of Global Logistics, explains why.

sustainability

Safety now and in the future

Safety first is Ovako’s philosophy for every aspect of our operations. In recent years this has led to a strong improvement in our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) that are now well below the industry average. In fact, we have reduced injuries with sick leave by 95% over the last seven years explains Phetra Ericsson EVP HR, Communication & EHS Ovako Group.

Illustration Circularity at Ovako

sustainability

Circularity and carbon footprint as future key properties

There are currently over 100 different definitions of circular economy and the Ellen MacArthur foundation provides one of them. In 2005, Ellen MacArthur set the fastest time for a solo sailor to circle the world. Five years later, she set up the foundation in her name to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

 

Steel Navigator - Find the right steel for your application

Steel Navigator contains a selection of useful tools such as Material Data Sheets, Machining Calculator, Heat Treatment Guide, Piston Rod Predictor and more.

Discover Steel Navigator

Steel Navigator - Find the right steel for your application