CRM Group is at the forefront of innovation, leveraging advanced technologies to develop printed electronics solutions tailored to 3D objects operating in extreme environments. With applications spanning automotive, aerospace, steelmaking, and more, our cutting-edge research is redefining possibilities for smart, connected systems.

Originally, the development of Printed Electronics was rooted in the manufacturing of OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) on steel for ArcelorMittal. In this context, CRM showcased exceptional OLED lighting performance on large stainless steel panels and even on low-carbon steel surfaces.

Comprehensive Pilot Lines for Printed Electronics

At the core of our expertise are our state-of-the-art pilot lines, which bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale production. These facilities enable high-precision processes, including wet coating, vacuum deposition, and thermal spray technologies, designed to handle a wide range of materials and configurations.

• 2D Pilot Line: Operating in an ISO 7 cleanroom environment, this line supports techniques like slot die coating and roll-to-roll processing, ensuring uniformity and scalability for electronic applications.
• 3D Pilot Line: Featuring advanced robotic systems and thermal spray technologies, this line enables the creation of complex electronic structures on 3D objects, with applications in sensors, conductive layers, and more.

These pilot lines are pivotal in ensuring reproducibility, performance, and compatibility with industrial requirements, particularly in environments that demand durability and precision.

Advancing Metal and shapeable  Printed Circuit Boards

One of CRM Group’s key innovations lies in the development of Metal Printed Circuit Boards (MPCBs), designed for applications in extreme environments. Using advanced metal substrates as a flexible yet robust support, these circuit boards offer:

• Superior heat dissipation capabilities.
• Compatibility with high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
• Integration of Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) components, enabling lightweight and efficient designs.
• Sheapable and conformable substrates  

In the automotive sector, these solutions replace traditional wiring harnesses, reducing vehicle weight and assembly time while supporting the transition to energy-efficient and autonomous vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBHSDAe_kDE 

Hypermat: High-Performance Materials for Extreme Conditions

As part of the H2020 Hypermat project, CRM Group is developing sustainable, high-performance materials for hot stamping applications. A key achievement is the creation of printed temperature sensors : Thermocouple and Resistive Temperature Devices (RTD),  capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 950°C in corrosive environments. These sensors are unique for monitoring and optimizing processes under extreme conditions, ensuring reliability and precision in manufacturing.

Thermal Spray Printed T°C Sensors: Pioneering Stability

CRM Group has imagined a new process in printed additive electronic with Thermal Spray technology for the manufacturing of sensors devices, combining plasma spray deposition and 3D stencil printing techniques. These sensors are designed for harsh environments, offering:

• High thermal stability across multiple cycles without voltage deviation.
• Reliable performance in both steel and ceramic substrates.
• Versatility in applications, ranging from automotive components to industrial monitoring systems.

Virga: Adaptive Camouflage for Defense Applications

The Virga project focuses on developing advanced infrared (IR) camouflage solutions by combining passive and active technologies. Dynamic thermal cells printed on 3D surfaces enable adaptive concealment, controlled via a digital interface. This groundbreaking innovation positions CRM Group as a leader in defense-related technologies, addressing the challenges of modern battlefield environments.

E-Metal: RFID antenna for e-tracability of Metal Objects – IoT

The E-Metal project integrated for the first time  RFID  antenna on 2D  metallic foils and 3D metal objects, at the vicinity of the surface (300 µm on metal). This includes applications such as electronic passports using recycled powders and ultra-thin tags embedded in metal surfaces. These technologies promise advanced traceability and enhanced performance across sectors such as construction, automotive, defense, and consumer goods.

From November 18 to 22, CRM Group participated in the EU Hydrogen Week 2024 in Brussels, one of Europe’s most important events dedicated to hydrogen technologies. This gathering brought together key players from across the hydrogen value chain, including industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators.

A Strong Presence at the Heart of the Hydrogen Ecosystem

During this pivotal week, CRM Group showcased its expertise and ongoing contributions to the development of sustainable hydrogen solutions. Our participation highlighted several areas of innovation, including:

• Characterization of hydrogen using advanced measurement tools for enhanced reliability and performance.
• Production of hydrogen with pilot-scale electrolysers, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application.
• Fragilization and embrittlement verification, ensuring the integrity and durability of materials in hydrogen environments.
• The development of bipolar plate prototypes, a critical component in advancing fuel cell technologies.

Beyond our stand, CRM Group played a central role through the IIS e-WallonHY project, for which we are the proud coordinator. This initiative reinforces our commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies in collaboration with regional and international partners, demonstrating the importance of collective efforts in addressing global energy challenges.

A Platform for Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

EU Hydrogen Week provided a dynamic platform for CRM Group to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. Through discussions with visitors, partners, and policymakers, our team shared insights into our research and solutions while exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The event was also an opportunity to deepen our understanding of emerging industry trends and innovations that are shaping the future of hydrogen. From policy developments to technical advancements, EU Hydrogen Week remains a cornerstone for driving progress in this rapidly evolving sector.

A Shared Vision for a Greener Future

CRM Group’s presence at EU Hydrogen Week reflects our broader mission: to contribute to a cleaner, greener future through sustainable technologies and innovative solutions. We are proud to be part of a global community committed to advancing hydrogen as a cornerstone of the energy transition.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers of EU Hydrogen Week for creating such a valuable event and to our colleagues who represented CRM Group with dedication and professionalism throughout the week.

As the hydrogen revolution continues to gain momentum, CRM Group remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation, fostering collaboration, and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Have you heard about the Helioroof project? Developed in collaboration with ArcelorMittal, this project offers a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solution tailored for steel roofs in industrial and commercial buildings. Helioroof stands out with its lightweight design, optimized architectural integration, and exceptional solar energy production performance. 

Innovation at the Heart of the Energy Transition

Helioroof is designed to meet the growing demand for photovoltaic solutions in the construction sector, where energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics are essential. This integrated BIPV solution, winner of the 2024 Innovation Industry Award in the Photovoltaics category, features high-power crystalline solar modules, among the largest ever produced for terrestrial applications.

ArcelorMittal, a global leader in steel, developed Helioroof to provide a sustainable, lightweight, and easy-to-install solution for inclined steel roofs. These prefabricated, insulated solar panels ensure better integration with steel structures, offering reduced environmental impact and enhanced energy performance.

CRM Group’s Role in the Project

The CRM Group plays a key role in developing the materials and manufacturing processes needed for the implementation of these photovoltaic modules. Our expertise in material evaluation and durability testing ensures that the solutions provided by Helioroof meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Through our collaboration with ArcelorMittal, we have contributed to the design and optimization of industrial processes to ensure the robustness of solar panels in demanding environments. Additionally, our approach to decarbonization and the circular economy reinforces our commitment to sustainable solutions for the future of solar energy.

Helioroof’s Benefits

• Lightweight Design: Helioroof panels are tailored for steel roof structures, making installation easier.
• Energy Efficiency: The high-performance modules ensure maximum energy production, even in low-sunlight conditions.
• Architectural Integration: The BIPV solution seamlessly integrates with inclined roofs, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic.
• Durability: Helioroof is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.

Moving Toward Commercialization

Currently in the certification phase, Helioroof is on track for large-scale commercialization. This innovative solution represents a major step forward in photovoltaic roofing for industrial and commercial buildings, contributing to the global energy transition.

At CRM Group, we are proud to be part of this journey, promoting clean and sustainable technologies for a greener future. 

To learn more about Helioroof and our contributions to the solar energy sector, don’t hesitate to contact us.

As part of the REMADE project within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, CRM Group recently installed a high-pressure Cold Spray system within its Advanced Manufacturing platform. This innovative process was successfully tested during trials for VLM Robotics, which brought in a mold manufactured through additive manufacturing (WAAM) that required protection with a copper coating.

Cold Spray is a cutting-edge technology that enables the deposition of metallic materials at high speeds without heating the objects, thereby preserving the metallurgical properties of the materials while ensuring excellent coating adhesion. This deposition process is ideal for protecting critical components used in aerospace and aviation sectors.

During the trials with VLM Robotics, CRM Group demonstrated its ability to apply a thick copper coating to large-scale (XL) parts, thanks to the combination of Cold Spray and a robot coupled with a rotating table capable of handling heavy and bulky objects. This collaboration highlighted the flexibility and precision of the process, paving the way for applications in demanding industries such as aerospace and energy, where the protection and durability of components are essential.

Cold Spray perfectly aligns with the industry's priorities of decarbonization and circular economy, addressing the growing need for component repair and protection without degrading their properties. With its state-of-the-art equipment, CRM Group is well-positioned to offer innovative solutions to companies, strengthening its role as a key player in the aerospace sector.

From October 4-10, we joined the global celebration of World Space Week, highlighting the essential role space exploration plays in advancing technology and addressing global challenges.

At CRM Group, we are steadily carving out our place in the highly specialized aerospace sector. Our efforts focus on the development of new materials for space applications, from design to finishing and implementation. One of our recent achievements includes our contribution to Ariane 6, where we developed Phase Change Material (PCM) systems for thermal management, showcasing our growing expertise in this field.

As part of this week, we also took the opportunity to sit down with Nicolas Nutal, Program Manager at CRM Group, to gain further insights into our aerospace work. Nicolas shared how CRM Group has gradually established itself in the space sector:

- What is your role and what does your work involve?
“I am Program Manager at CRM Group, responsible for activities related to aerospace. My job involves establishing connections with new potential partners and preparing new research projects in this field.”

- Why did you choose to work in this field?
“I didn’t specifically choose to work in aerospace, but you could say that it's more or less the field that chose me. My diverse research projects at CRM Group led me to collaborate with the European Space Agency - ESA. It's been around ten years now that CRM has entered the space domain, and these projects have become my passion and source of motivation.”

- How does CRM Group position itself in the aerospace sector?
“CRM mainly focuses on developing new materials for space applications, including material development, finishing, and implementation. Some of our terrestrial research projects could also have space applications, and we expect our research themes to expand in the coming years.”

- What are the future prospects for CRM Group in this field?
“Through continuous efforts, CRM has secured a place in the highly competitive space sector. Starting with a small project, we now have several people working full-time in this area. There is potential for further growth, particularly by targeting international activities and capitalizing on concepts developed in studies for ESA.”

In addition to our aerospace advancements, some of our research projects originally developed for terrestrial applications are finding a place in the space industry, further enhancing innovation and efficiency.

As we push forward in aerospace, we remain committed to the fight against climate change. Through our decarbonization efforts and our role in promoting the circular economy, we firmly believe that innovations for space can lead to a more sustainable future for Earth.

At CRM Group, we’re excited to explore new frontiers while ensuring a positive impact on our planet. Together, we can build a brighter future for space exploration and a more sustainable world

On July 1st, CRM Group proudly launched five new RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) projects, four of which we are coordinating. These projects—Metconzero, Vismain, Olacskin, and EdgerRolls—represent significant strides towards improving steelmaking technologies and processes. The fifth project, SafeHDRI, sees CRM Group contributing as a key partner. These initiatives underscore our commitment to driving technological innovation and collaboration within the steel industry.

What is RFCS?
The RFCS is a European program dedicated to funding research and development in the coal and steel sectors. By supporting projects that enhance safety, sustainability, and technological advancement, the RFCS plays a crucial role in helping industries meet the environmental and economic challenges of today.

Overview of Our Projects:

Metconzero (Metallurgical Consequences of Zero Carbon Steelmaking)
This project focuses on understanding the metallurgical impacts of zero-carbon steelmaking processes. As we shift towards circularity, more complex input flows will affect alloying conditions, altering microstructures and the final properties of steel. Metconzero aims to study these changes to ensure the production of high-quality, zero-carbon steel grades.

Vismain (Visual Assisted Inspection of Rolling Stands)
The Vismain project seeks to improve the safety and efficiency of visual inspections in hot strip mills. Current methods often provide poor visibility and expose maintenance workers to risks. Vismain will develop a visual inspection system that offers better results without compromising safety, reducing the need for personnel to physically enter the rolling stands.

Olacskin (On-Line Laser Cleaning of Skin-Pass Rolls)
Olacskin aims to create a dry skin-pass cleaning system using laser technology to remove zinc and detect defects in real-time. The project will develop a portable sensor prototype capable of capturing high-quality images of zinc stains, enabling accurate defect detection through an advanced algorithm.

EdgerRolls (Advanced Manufacturing and Improved Performance of Hot Rolling Mill Edger Rolls)
This project focuses on improving the supply and performance of tapered edger rolls for European hot strip mills. By adapting advanced manufacturing methods and improving cooling, lubrication, and caliper geometries, EdgerRolls will help enhance the performance and durability of these critical components.

SafeHDRI (Safe Transport of H2-Based Direct Reduced Iron)
The SafeHDRI project addresses the safe transport of hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI), focusing on reactivity, stability, and the effectiveness of passivation methods. By evaluating safety risks and the reusability of materials, SafeHDRI aligns with the European Green Deal and aims to support the transition to clean steel production technologies.

A Bright Future for Innovation

These projects reflect CRM Group’s ongoing commitment to advancing steelmaking technologies and promoting sustainability. As we move forward, we look forward to sharing the progress and innovations that will emerge from each of these groundbreaking initiatives.

On June 5th, the University of Namur hosted the official launch of the BatFactory project portfolio, a flagship initiative aimed at driving Wallonia’s leadership in sustainable battery technologies. This ambitious project focuses on developing high-performance materials for energy storage batteries through eco-friendly, intelligent, and circular processes, crucial for the future of energy transition.

With €11.4 million in funding from the Walloon Recovery Plan, BatFactory brings together academic and industrial expertise, involving partners such as UNamur, UMONS, ULiège, UCLouvain, ULB, Materia Nova, CRM Group, and CENAERO, supported by the MecaTech cluster. The project also aligns with the Walloon Region’s goal to position itself as a major player in the rapidly growing battery sector.

Minister Willy Borsus, who spoke at the event, emphasized that the demand for battery storage—and the materials needed to manufacture them—will rise significantly in the coming years. He highlighted the importance of BatFactory as a key starting point for the BatteryWal initiative, aiming to establish a complete battery production value chain in Wallonia by 2030. This network will support energy communities, sustainable housing, and e-mobility, positioning Wallonia at the forefront of this critical sector.

Professor Bao Lian Su, coordinator of the project, outlined the four key pillars of BatFactory: the production and functionalization of eco-responsible active materials, semi-industrial production of electrodes, semi-automated assembly and instrumentation, and battery pack production and management systems.

The event gathered over 100 attendees from academia and industry, marking a significant step forward for Wallonia in its journey to become a leader in battery innovation and sustainable energy solutions.

The CRM Group is proud to be onboard the successful maiden flight of Ariane 6 rocket. This landmark event, which took place at 16:00 local time (20:00 BST, 21:00 CEST) from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, marks a new era in European space transportation, but also for the CRM Group!

In collaboration with Walopt, and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), the CRM Group has developed innovative thermal management systems to be flown on the Ariane 6 rocket. Using phase change material (PCM) technology, these advanced damping units are designed to store and release heat efficiently. This weight saving solution ensures the optimal performance and longevity of electronic components.

About the PCM Damping Units

The development process involved rigorous studies on the selection of the phase change material and manufacturing solutions, but also testing and qualification of critical properties such as burst pressure or even long term cycling and radiation resistance. The resulting units are now a ready-to-integrate solution for satellites and launchers such as ESA's YPSAT.

We can also say that these PCM damping units involved extensive research and rigorous testing. Key aspects of the development process included:

• Material Selection: Careful studies were conducted to identify the most suitable phase change materials, which are crucial for the efficient thermal management of space-bound electronics.
• Manufacturing Solutions: Advanced manufacturing techniques were employed to create the damping units, ensuring high precision and reliability.
• Testing and Qualification: The units underwent thorough testing to validate critical properties such as burst pressure, long-term cycling durability, and resistance to radiation. These tests confirmed the robustness and effectiveness of the PCM technology under the harsh conditions of space.

The resulting units are now ready-to-integrate solutions, enhancing the robustness and reliability of ESA's YPSAT and other satellite and launcher systems.

Ariane 6: Europe’s Flagship Rocket

Ariane 6 is set to become Europe’s flagship rocket, providing increased payload capacity and flexibility compared to its predecessor, Ariane 5. This inaugural flight is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the European space industry and its dedication to advancing space exploration and satellite deployment capabilities.

Conclusion

We are proud to see our technology contribute to the success of the Ariane 6 mission. This achievement represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to diversify our activities and develop innovative solutions for the aerospace industry.

We'll be back very soon with an article dedicated to our PCM units! 

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) poses a significant challenge in materials science, particularly in industries where structural integrity is paramount. Understanding the susceptibility of materials to SCC is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of engineering components. In this text, we delve into the technical aspects of SCC testing, its purpose, and the insights it provides into material behavior under corrosive environments and tensile stress.

Our SCC testing system comprises two sets of three rings, capable of withstanding a maximum load of 50.000 Newton. Each ring is equipped with a load cell to accurately measure the applied load during testing. The system is adaptable for use with both prismatic and cylindrical samples, and conforms to the testing standards outlined in ECSS 37c (Determination of the susceptibility of metals to stress-corrosion cracking), equivalent to ASTM G44 (Standard Practice for Exposure of Metals and Alloys by Alternate Immersion in Neutral 3.5 % Sodium Chloride Solution).  It is primarily for tests of aluminum alloys and ferrous alloys, but may be used for other metals exhibiting susceptibility to chloride ions at ambient temperature.

The primary objective of the SCC system is to assess the sensitivity of materials to the combined effects of tensile stress and corrosive media. Samples undergo immersion and drying cycles over a 30-day period, simulating real-exposure conditions. Subsequently, tensile testing and microstructure analysis are conducted to evaluate the material's propensity for SCC. Unlike hydraulic systems, our SCC setup continuously monitors and adjusts the applied load during testing, ensuring precise and controlled conditions. Moreover, the system's versatility allows for the development of customized tooling to accommodate different sample shapes and assemblies.

Signs of SCC manifestation include sample rupture, deterioration of mechanical properties, or the presence of specific microstructural defects post-testing. These observations provide valuable insights into the performance of materials under stress-corrosive environments, aiding in the identification of potential vulnerabilities and informing materials selection and design decisions.

For other materials or corrosive environments, CRM can also offer tailor-made systems based on ASTM G38 (Standard Practice for Making and Using C-Ring Stress-Corrosion Test Specimens) or ASTM G39 (Standard Practice for Preparation and Use of Bent-Beam Stress-Corrosion Test Specimens).