R&D

At the end of the 1990s, UFS established a division dedicated solely to Research and Development. Today, complete with latest-generation equipment and technology, R&D is based on Site 2.

A well-equipped laboratory for metallographic processes and coating controls, machine tools for testing the operation and life of the items produced along with the suitably specialised personnel, all render this the strategic unit for product evolution.

UFS collaborates with national and international entities on projects to improve tool performance, even when machining complex materials. The company regularly collaborates with the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy’s National Research Council, the RWTH Aachen University, the University of the Basque Country and the University of Helsinki. This is in addition to specific projects with other entities and private individuals.

Functional and tool fatigue tests are carried out on the various types of materials. A numerical control unit is used for testing, equipped with instruments for detecting torsional stress, whilst archiving the data pertaining to the moment of force, electrical absorption, temperatures developed, influence of lubrication-coolant liquids and so on. The metallographic laboratory is dedicated to structural analyses (tempering) and the optical testing and measurements of adhesions, thicknesses and roughness (coatings).

The UFS technical team is a robust department based on Site 1. It is able to offer significant support regarding the use of thread-cutting tools by helping the customer select the most suitable product for any specific processing operations.

The Projects Office elaborates the signals and results emerging from research studies by applying improvements in defining new products – both standard and special – with functional support to customers offered to the clientele in view of any possible alternatives in the definition of “co-design” products.

The testing phase in which the maintenance of functional and provision parameters occurs is of great importance, highlighting any differences in the characteristics of the three product lines: TOP, PLUS and LINE.

In regards to special products, testing of compliance with the specifications requested by the customer are conducted.