Institute of Metallurgy, Metal Forming and Nanotechnology
Research
Research Competencies
Research Groups
Institute Competencies
Space Materials Science Research Group
Head of Research Group: Dr. Zsolt Veres
Description of the Research Group:
The Space Materials Science Research Group participates in the evaluation of crystallization experiments that investigate the effects of flow in molten metals,
comparing them with the results of crystallization under microgravity conditions where flow is absent.
We provide support for the development and examination of coatings, metal foams, and metal matrix composites used in the space industry.
HUN-REN-ME Materials Science Research Group
Head of Research Group: Prof. Dr. György Kaptay
HUN-REN-ME (formerly ELKH-ME, and earlier MTA-ME) Materials Science Research Group
The MTA-ME Materials Science Research Group has been operating since 1994 within the Institute of Metallurgy, Metal Forming and Nanotechnology
(formerly the Department of Metallurgy). Initially, the group focused on laser surface treatment
(surface alloying, metal/ceramic composite, and monotectic surface layer formation).
The technology developed for producing monotectic surface layers was patented by the group.
After 2007, the research group began working on the production and development of Cu-based bulk amorphous alloys. Several techniques are used to produce bulk amorphous alloys: In the first method, wedge-shaped samples are prepared by centrifugal casting, and the maximum amorphous thickness is determined. In the second method, an Nd:YAG laser system operating in continuous and pulsed modes is used to produce amorphous surface layers. In the third method, Cu-based amorphous powders are produced by ball milling.
Since 2022, members of the ELKH-ME Materials Science Research Group have been working in the field of the science and technology of nanomaterials,
focusing on the following main topics:
1. Modelling of nanomaterials,
2. Amorphous–nanostructured metal composites, and
3. Nanostructured steels.
The MTA-ME Materials Science Research Group joined the programs funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2000, including the MICAST (Microstructure Formation in Casting of Technical Alloys under Diffusive and Magnetically Controlled Convective Conditions) project, and later, from 2010, the CETSOL (Columnar-to-Equiaxed Transition in SOLidification Processing) program. Both programs are carried out in broad international cooperation involving German, French, British, American, Irish, Canadian, Romanian, Swedish, and Austrian research groups and companies. These programs are still ongoing with ESA funding until the end of 2027.
The research group has organized the international Solidification and Gravity (SG) conference several times in Miskolc–Lillafüred, the most recent one in 2024 (https://www.solgrav.uni-miskolc.hu/index.htm#specevent). On average, 100 researchers from 25 countries participated in the conferences, presenting their latest findings in the field of solidification research.
The head of the research group until 2017 was Prof. Dr. András Roósz, member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The current head is Prof. Dr. György Kaptay, also a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Mechanical Materials Testing
In our institute’s Mechanical Testing Laboratory, it is possible to determine the strength and toughness parameters of metals, alloys, and composite materials using destructive material testing methods. The central element of the laboratory is an Instron 5982 type electromechanical universal testing machine, which enables us to perform numerous standard and custom-designed tests.
The 100 kN load cell and closed-loop control system of the testing frame make it suitable for conducting tensile tests, compression tests, bending tests, and low-cycle fatigue tests. In addition, it is capable of performing custom load-controlled tests that can be programmed based on force or displacement parameters.
The equipment is complemented by a climatic chamber and a high-temperature furnace, allowing tests to be carried out within a temperature range of −100 °C to +1000 °C. The deformation of specimens during testing is measured using a non-contact video extensometer and clip-on strain gauges. The collected data are evaluated using the Bluehill 3 software.
With the hardness testing machines available in the laboratory, we can measure Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers hardness on properly prepared sample surfaces. The laboratory is also equipped with a Charpy impact testing machine for determining impact energy.
Microstructural Analysis
During microstructural analysis, we examine the structure of materials either by destructive or non-destructive methods (depending on the type of analysis) using various testing techniques such as microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computed tomography (CT). These methods allow us to determine the quantity and quality of the phases constituting the material, the residual stress (lattice distortion), and the crystallographic anisotropy (texture).
Physical Simulation of Technological Processes
At our institute, we offer laboratory-scale possibilities for the physical simulation of crystallization, metal forming, heat treatment, and nanotechnology processes for research and development purposes.
Crystallization
We provide support to our industrial partners in optimizing the mechanical properties of metals through the control of microstructures formed during solidification. By determining solidification parameters and developing advanced crystallization technologies, we contribute to the modernization of metal manufacturing companies. Using unique, self-developed equipment, we participate in several international research projects focusing on the metallurgical aspects of metal solidification.
Metal Forming
In our integrated metal forming laboratory, the available forming equipment, preheating furnaces, and measuring instruments make it possible to perform laboratory-scale physical experiments on multi-pass hot and cold rolling processes, primarily in the field of flat product rolling.
Experimental hot and cold rolling of sheets, narrow strips, multilayer composite sheets, and billets made from various alloys are carried out using an industrial-scale rolling mill that is fully equipped with measurement systems.
The laboratory’s hydraulic presses and forging machines enable the execution of smaller extrusion and forging operations.
Heat Treatment
We provide assistance to our industrial partners in the optimization of heat treatment and surface treatment technologies for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Through comprehensive analytical methods, we identify the root causes of potential heat treatment issues.
By examining the metallurgical processes occurring in metals and the resulting changes in their mechanical and physical properties, we propose solutions to existing problems and contribute to the development of new heat treatment procedures.
We also offer support in questions related to metal coating technologies.
Nanotechnology
With the help of our institute’s nanotechnology-related equipment, it is possible to study the interfaces between liquids (melts) and solids as well as the related interfacial phenomena. The degree and process of wetting between different materials can be investigated, providing valuable information on the surface characteristics and condition of the examined materials, as well as on the reactions occurring at the liquid/solid interface.
There are also possibilities for the formation of thin films and coatings using plasma technology, electroplating, or chemical reduction methods, the latter also allowing for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The thickness of the produced layers can be adjusted from a few nanometres to the micrometre range.
The laboratories are also equipped for the examination of the electrochemical properties of materials and material systems, such as the capacitive behaviour of solid electrode materials, the stability range of different electrolytes, and the key performance characteristics of energy storage devices.
Analysis of Manufacturing Process Issues and Customer Complaints
For several decades, our institute has been performing industrial contract measurements within the framework of research and development activities, providing support in the investigation and resolution of industrial technological problems through our well-equipped laboratories and experienced engineers.
In addition to the measurement results, when required, we provide expert reports accompanying our documentation, available in Hungarian and/or English.
Integrated 3D Microstructure Analysis Laboratory Covering a Wide Size Range
Our main research areas in the field of X-ray diffraction include qualitative and quantitative phase identification; the investigation of natural and synthetic industrial raw materials, industrial precursors and products, ceramics, metals, and composite materials; the analysis of archaeological artifacts (using fully non-destructive methods as well); and the complex structural and compositional analysis of nanomaterials—even in sub-milligram quantities.
We offer a crystal orientation analysis capability that is unique in Hungary—and in some parameters even in Central Europe—across an exceptionally wide size range (from a few nanometers up to several tens of centimeters). This includes techniques such as TEM-ASTAR, SEM-EBSD, ODF-XRD, and a proprietary centerless XRD method, supported by extensive expertise accumulated in this field.
Laboratory equipment includes:
- X-ray diffractometer (XRD/SAXS)
- Scanning electron microscope for precision sample preparation and 3D tomography (LA-FIB-SEM)
- 3D imaging system covering a wide size range (microCT)
- Centerless X-ray diffractometer (XRD Robot) for non-destructive 3D residual stress mapping
Services:
Residual stress measurement based on X-ray diffraction is one of our core service areas, backed by several decades of expertise and unique measurement capabilities. Numerous research and development projects are linked to this field, including:
- 3D mapping of stress states induced by high energy-density treatments
- Monitoring the evolution of residual stresses during fatigue loading
- Characterization of stress states in semi-finished automotive products after various machining processes
Our services cover:
- Depth-resolved residual stress profiling
- Phase-selective stress measurement in multiphase steels
- Characterization of residual stresses resulting from different heat treatment and manufacturing processes
Our industrial and research partners include FAG Magyarország Ipari Kft, Rába Automotive Holding Plc, Lech-Stahl Veredelung GmbH, and domestic research institutions such as Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. for Applied Research.
In addition, we apply the unique capabilities of our centerless X-ray diffractometer in archaeometric investigations—for example, in the study of the Seuso Treasure, in collaboration with the Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (Hungarian Academy of Sciences) and the Hungarian National Museum.
Complex Image Analysis and Structural Testing Laboratory
The Complex Image Analysis and Structural Testing Laboratory provides modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art instrumentation for the investigation of the microstructure of inorganic materials. The laboratory is staffed by highly trained professionals who are proficient in operating advanced equipment and in performing high-level analysis and interpretation of the results.
Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis Laboratory
Our laboratory offers capabilities for the development of customized electrolytic etching methods for specialized samples, as well as color etching techniques for special alloys. We also provide pre-screening of samples intended for image analysis and optimization of image data for enhanced detection and interpretability.
Laboratory Equipment:
- Correlative microscopy setup: Zeiss EVO SEM + Zeiss Axio Imager Optical Microscope
- Zeiss Stereo Discovery
- Zeiss Axio Imager
- Zeiss Axio Vert
Services:
- Optical microscopy imaging and image analysis
- Development of custom image analysis software
- Preparation of expert reports on complex or custom investigations
Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Our laboratory is equipped to perform electron microscopy and electron beam microanalysis on a wide range of materials, including iron-based alloys, non-ferrous metals, thin-film coatings, ceramics, polymers, natural minerals, specialized amorphous alloys, powders, and colloids.
Laboratory Equipment:
- Amray 1830I Scanning Electron Microscope with EDAX DX4 EDS microprobe – 1 unit
- Cambridge Stereoscan 150B Scanning Electron Microscope – 1 unit
- C. Zeiss Citoval Stereo Microscope – 1 unit
- Bio-Rad SEM Coating System – 1 unit
Services:
- Scanning electron microscopy imaging
- Image analysis
- Electron beam microanalysis
- Expert reports on complex or custom investigations
X-ray Diffraction Laboratory
X-ray radiation, possessing higher energy than visible light within the electromagnetic spectrum, scatters on the electrons of atoms, allowing the determination of their spatial arrangement. Using diffraction-based methods, numerous material characteristics and properties related to atomic ordering can be accurately measured.
Our most common tasks include:
- Identification of unknown phases in metallic, ceramic, mineral, and carbon-based samples
- Determination of retained austenite in heat-treated components (e.g., bearing rings, rollers)
- Residual stress analysis in surface-compacted, shot-peened, and roller-burnished machine parts (e.g., axles, clutches, gears)
- Investigation of thermal treatment-induced stresses and laser surface hardening stress profiles
- Failure analysis (e.g., fractured rails, warped mechanical parts)
- Determination of crystallinity in polymers and amorphous metals
- Single crystal orientation analysis
Laboratory Equipment:
- Stresstech Xstress 3000 G3 R X-ray diffractometer – dedicated to residual stress and retained austenite measurements
- Bruker D8 Advance diffractometer with Eulerian cradle
- Philips PW 1830 powder diffractometer
- Isodebyeflex1001 generator (radiation source)
Services:
- Qualitative phase analysis
- Quantitative analysis
- Texture analysis, including pole figure, inverse pole figure generation, and ODF (Orientation Distribution Function) calculation
- MonoCap-based measurements and selective area X-ray diffraction
- Elastic residual stress determination
- Non-destructive, sample-free measurements
- Stress tensor measurement
- On-site measurements
- Depth-resolved stress profiling
- Non-destructive retained austenite measurement without sampling
- Determination of lattice parameter changes in materials with known crystal structure (profile analysis)
- Laue diffraction analysis
- Preparation of expert reports on complex or custom investigations
Integrated Plastic Forming Laboratory
Hydraulic Press I: Used for leveling rolled sheets and performing simple upsetting or extrusion operations.
Hydraulic Press II: Equipped with an ECAP tool and heating unit for conducting cold and semi-warm Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) experiments.
Eccentric Forging Press I.
Eccentric Forging Press II: Suitable for punching, trimming, and die forging of small aluminum parts.
Rolling Mill II (Von Roll): Can operate in duo or quarto mode. It is primarily designed for cold rolling of aluminum alloys and narrow strips. The maximum rolling speed is 300 m/min, the minimum rollable thickness is 0.1 mm, and the maximum strip width is 200 mm.
The forming machine, equipped with coiling and uncoiling units, functions as a full-scale industrial rolling mill and includes measuring instruments for rolling force and torque. Together with the preheating furnaces available in the laboratory, the equipment is suitable for conducting hot and cold rolling experiments on flat products, multilayer composite sheets, or small billets made of various alloys (aluminum, copper, steel, niobium, niobium-titanium, etc.). In this case, the maximum rollable thickness is 60 mm and the width is 200 mm.
Beché Pneumatic Hammer: For open-die forging operations, mainly for drawing-out processes, equipped with an air-cushioned hammer.
Chain-type Rod and Tube Drawing Bench.
Concrete Compressive Strength Hydraulic Press (4 MN): For determining the compressive strength of silicates and ceramics.
Rotary Forging Machine: With several interchangeable dies for rotary forging of rods and tubes. The impact inserts placed in the rotating section allow high-precision machining of solid bars and tubes. The machine, equipped with a variety of tool inserts, is suitable for forming hard-to-deform, high-strength alloy materials as well. Maximum forgeable diameter: 40 mm; motor power: 6.5 kW.
Rod and Wire Pointing Rolls.
Preheating Furnaces: Used for hot and cold forming experiments, for annealing and preheating aluminum alloys. Maximum temperature: 600 °C.
Sheet Forming Equipment: Roll bending, edge bending, and roll flanging units.
Measurement Instruments: Force, displacement, and temperature sensors.
Computerized Data Acquisition and Processing System.
Machining Equipment.
Hydraulic and Eccentric Presses
Closed-Frame Hydraulic Press: For simple upsetting or extrusion operations. When equipped with an ECAP tool and corresponding heating unit, it enables cold and semi-warm Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) experiments (maximum diameter: 16 mm).
Maximum pressing force: 1 MN, maximum return force: 400 kN, ejector force: 1.2 kN, stroke length: 450 mm, piston speed: 60/2.1/0.7 mm/s.
Eccentric Forging Press: For punching and blanking sheet metals, forging small aluminum parts, and trimming operations.
Maximum pressing force: 1 MN, nominal stroke length: 81.6 mm, adjustable stroke: 20–120 mm, ram adjustment: 80 mm, stroke rate: 50 strokes/min.
Instron 5982 Electromechanical Universal Testing Machine (100 kN Capacity):
This closed-loop load frame with a 100 kN load cell is suitable for tensile, compression, bending, and low-cycle fatigue tests. It also supports custom load testing programs with force and displacement control. The equipment includes a climatic chamber and a high-temperature furnace, enabling experiments across a wide temperature range (-100…+1000°C).
Deformation during testing can be measured using non-contact video extensometers and clip-on strain gauges. Data evaluation is carried out using the Bluehill 3 software.
Wolpert UH 930 Universal Hardness Tester: Capable of performing Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers hardness tests.
Reicherter Vickers Hardness Tester.
Briviskop 3000H Brinell Hardness Tester.
Tukon 2100B (Wilson Instruments) Microhardness Tester.
Software
Simufact Forming:
A finite element modeling software designed for the numerical simulation of metal forming technologies. It is one of the most valuable tools for technological and tool design. The software supports both cold and hot forming processes (e.g., forging, rolling, drawing, pressing, sheet forming, etc.) and allows detailed analysis of forming tools, whose physical and mechanical properties can be selected from a comprehensive material database.
Within a single project, multi-step forming processes can be modeled, considering isotropic or anisotropic material properties. The software also enables the study of material damage during plastic deformation, tool wear, and formability issues related to bulk and sheet materials.
In addition to bulk and sheet forming, the software supports thermal analyses, allowing the inclusion of preheating and cooling steps in the technological sequence.
MSC.Marc:
A general-purpose finite element analysis software capable of solving static and dynamic problems. Its nonlinear and multiphysics solvers enable complex thermo-mechanical and electromagnetic analyses. It can simulate various manufacturing processes, where both the elastic–plastic behavior of the workpiece and the mechanical and thermal quantities of the tool can be examined.
Material models for metals, non-metals, and composites can be complemented with damage models, allowing detailed investigation of processes such as ductile fracture in metals, failure of composites, and other fracture mechanics phenomena.
Crystallization Laboratory
Equipment and Devices
Four-zone Vertical Bridgman-type Furnace with RMF:
Equipped with a Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) up to 200 mT and a maximum operating temperature of 700 °C.
Four-zone Vertical Bridgman-type Furnace with TMF:
Equipped with a Traveling Magnetic Field (TMF) and a maximum operating temperature of 700 °C.
Indutherm CC3000 Laboratory Semi-continuous Casting Unit.
Cranable Casting Crucible.
Zeiss Axio Imager M1m Optical Microscope:
Designed for microstructural examination on cross-sectional polished samples.
Capable of capturing high-magnification images,
Equipped with an AxioCam digital camera for image acquisition,
Features a motorized XYZ stage and automated focusing,
Image acquisition and post-processing are performed using the AxioVision software, which allows extended focus and mosaic image creation,
Various imaging techniques can be applied, including reflected light, dark field, interference and polarization contrast, and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) methods,
Suitable for quantitative analyses, such as manual measurement of dimensions, angles, and areas, as well as automatic object recognition, counting, and measurement.
Heat Treatment and Physical Measurements Laboratory
Heat Treatment Laboratory
The primary role of the Heat Treatment Laboratory is to support the educational activities of the Institute of Physical Metallurgy, Metal Forming and Nanotechnology, and secondarily those of the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering by providing access to furnaces. The laboratory also supports staff research experiments, student research projects (TDK), theses, and doctoral work, as well as other research tasks.
It is not intended for experiments involving phase transitions or casting processes that require high-temperature melting furnaces.
Physical Measurements Laboratory
The Physical Measurements Laboratory is dedicated to measuring various physical properties of metallic materials, such as electrical resistivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and thermoelectric power. It also serves for the observation of metallurgical processes.
Laboratory Equipment:
- 2 × KMM5/1200 furnaces
- Denkal6 furnace
- Ws903 drying oven
- Small drying oven
- 2 × Heraeus KR260 furnaces
- 3 × OH63 furnaces
- Netzsch 202 heat flux DSC device
- Netzsch 404 heat flux analysis system
- with DSC head
- with DTA head
- Leitz dilatometer
- IEW induction heating equipment
- Custom-built electrical resistivity measurement units
- Dual-bridge measurement system with analog data recording
- Potentiometric measurement station with digital data acquisition
- Induction casting system
Custom-built Instruments:
- Custom-built thermomagnetic measuring device
- Custom-built inductive dilatometer
- Custom-built DTA apparatus
- Operable in the 25–600 °C range with heating rates of 0.5–10 K/min
- Operable in the 25–1150 °C range with heating rates of 0.5–50 K/min
- High-temperature drop calorimeter
Services:
Our laboratory furnaces are designed specifically for heat treatment applications. The laboratory is capable of performing most standard types of heat treatments at the laboratory scale. Through continuous development, we strive to meet the demands of even highly specialized or currently non-standard heat treatment processes.
Applied Nanomaterials Laboratory
Synthesis Laboratory I
In recent years, the importance of new photoactive materials has been steadily increasing in the field of water purification. The nanomaterials synthesized in this laboratory — such as semiconductor materials, nanofibers, composites, activated carbon, or carbon nanotubes — contribute to the development of more (cost-)efficient water filtration processes.
In addition to the characterization of these nanomaterials and hybrid membranes, it is essential to determine their photocatalytic activity, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which may lead to potential applications in the food industry, environmental protection, and healthcare.
Synthesis Laboratory II
Two modern chemical fume hoods ensure the safe execution of chemical reactions, closely supporting the preparation of materials required in adjacent laboratories.
The CCVD (Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition) equipment is suitable for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and vertically aligned CNT “forests.”
The synthesis is a simple, one-step process carried out in a quartz reactor under a nitrogen and hydrogen atmosphere, using a suitable catalyst. During the process, ethylene is decomposed as the carbon source to produce carbon nanotubes.
Nanotechnology Laboratory
Equipment and Devices
Sunplant Horizontal Vacuumable Tube Furnace and Contact Angle Measuring Device:
This equipment is suitable for investigating the wetting characteristics of various liquids at room temperature, while the integrated furnace allows the study of melting processes of metal alloys at high temperatures (300–1100°C) using the sessile drop method.
The furnace enables measurements to be carried out both in argon inert gas and vacuum environments.
Using the built-in microscope and CCD camera, magnified images can be captured during the wetting and melting processes. The contact angle of the liquid or melt can be determined on these images using the dedicated analysis software.
Autolab PGSTAT 302N Potentiostat:
This device enables the performance of various electrochemical measurements, including the evaluation of the energy storage capacity and capacitive behavior of different energy storage devices and components.
Possible measurements include cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), as well as linear polarization (LP) and corrosion tests.
The potentiostat is also suitable for the laboratory-scale preparation of electroplated coatings.
Wire and Rope Diagnostics Laboratory
Location: FUX Co. Ltd., 3527 Miskolc, Besenyői Street 8, Hungary
Equipment and Devices
Horizontal Tensile Testing Machine (Barabás Mérnökiroda Kft.):
Maximum load: 30 tons
Maximum sample length: 12 meters
Mechanical Testing of Stranded Structures:
Tensile testing
Investigation of elastic behavior
Testing of end-fittings and anchorage assemblies
High-Current Testing Equipment:
Maximum current load: 2000 A
DC/AC resistance measurements
Investigation of thermal behavior (steady-state / transient)
Vibration Diagnostic Equipment:
Examination of the effects of low-frequency, high-amplitude vibrations
Damping behavior analysis
Lifetime testing
Grease heat resistance testing
DC Resistance Measurement:
Measurement of the direct current resistance of wires and cables
Wire Testing:
Mechanical tests
Residual plastic deformation tests
DC resistance measurements
Examination of galvanized wires for zinc coating quality
Determination of aluminum coating thickness on aluminum-clad wires
Cable Insulation and Sheath Testing:
Mechanical testing
Heat resistance tests
Aging and durability tests