ZKL at the METAL 2026 Conference

The conference featured lectures focused on iron and steel production technologies, foundry engineering, metal forming, steel properties, surface engineering, non-ferrous metals and alloys, as well as production management economics. The program also included a poster session and discussions on current trends and innovations in the industry.

Representing ZKL – Výzkum a vývoj (Research and Development), Chief Metallurgist Ing. Josef Hanáček participated in the conference and presented a poster entitled: “Dimensional Stability and the Influence of Retained Austenite in Bainitic and Martensitic Microstructures of Bearing Steel.”

“At the conference, I shared our experience from research into bainitic microstructures of bearing steel and their influence on dimensional stability. The discussion focused mainly on practical aspects of heat treatment and on finding the right balance between toughness and the stability of precision components,” commented Josef Hanáček.

He further added: “Our annual participation in the METAL 2026 conference provides ZKL specialists with an opportunity to share expert knowledge in the field of bearing material research and development, while also keeping track of the latest trends in metallurgy and materials engineering.”