Hycast - From idea to innovation – How we create the casting technology of the future

Hycast's recognition as Norway's Smartest Industrial Company stems from its continuous investment in R&D, its ability to understand market needs, and its unique approach to product development.

"Our approach to product development is a combination of 'market pull' and 'technology pull'," says Arild Håkonsen, Head of Technology and Sustainability. "We listen carefully to the needs of the market and develop solutions that respond to these needs, while at the same time trying to come up with even better solutions than the market expects. This interplay often yields the most innovative solutions. The solutions are often based on rather academically long-term initiatives."

Ola Furu, Head of Sales and Marketing, highlights the development of the SIR unit as a good example of this. "When we saw that we were no longer competitive in melt treatment equipment, we asked our customers what their dream product would be. Customers wanted a unit without drainage metal, and we developed the SIR unit in response to this need. This innovative solution is still just as relevant 25 years later and is proof of our ability to develop lasting products that the market demands."

Furu also highlights the development of LPC Billet casting technology as another example: "Hydro, which supplied Extrusion Billets to many Extrusion Plants in Europe, received feedback from customers on how they wanted the product to be. This led to a long development process with a lot of research at NTNU, SINTEF and other universities including close cooperation with Hydro R&D. The result was LPC technology, which today is one of our most important strategic products."

Hycast's success is based on a long-term commitment to research and development. The investment in research and development has made it possible to develop products such as the SIR unit and LPC technology, both of which are based on many years of research and development.

Long-term R&D is crucial for fostering innovation and represents perhaps our most important competitive advantage.

At Hycast, continuity, patience and perseverance are key words in the development process. It is not possible to expect a return on research overnight, and it takes time to build the necessary competence base.

"When it came to AFM Rolling slab casting technology, for example, the development phase lasted for four years, and then it took another four years before a pilot was placed in a Casthouse. The entire development span before the product could be launched in the market was thus 7-8 years. What is important to note is that before the actual development started, we had already researched and developed the technology for 20 years. This shows that there is a lot of expertise, research and hard work behind every product we launch," says Håkonsen.

Norway's Smartest Industrial Company is a title that brings both humility and pride. Hycast will continue to invest in research and development, listen to the needs of the market and develop innovative solutions that contribute to creating a more sustainable future for the foundry industry.