Steven Moseley (Hilti AG)

Co-Chair

Steve Moseley holds a bachelors degree and Ph.D. in Metallurgy from the University of Sheffield, UK, and has worked in the field of powder metallurgy since 1987. Following research work on HIPing of ceramic-metal powder composites, he spent 3 years in the steel industry before returning to PM as Technical/Quality Manager for a UK-based hardmetal manufacturer. Since 1996 he has worked at Hilti in Liechtenstein primarily on the development of cutting materials, joining technologies and drilling systems, covering cemented tungsten carbide hardmetals, diamond impregnated segments and polycrystalline diamond. His current position is Key Expert and Chief Scientist, Business Area Electric Tools and Accessories.

Steven.Moseley@hilti.com

Prof Luis Llanes (UPC)

Co-Chair

Full Profesor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Head of Research Group on Structural Integrity, Micromechanics and Reliability of Materials (CIEFMA) at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). He received his PhD degree in 1992 from the University of Pennsylvania (USA). His research focuses on microstructural design optimization of hard materials through multiscale mechanical integrity assessment. Investigation concentrates on: (a) influence of microstructure on damage tolerance and fatigue sensitivity; (b) surface integrity effects on performance of coated systems; (c) property tailoring through small-scale testing and micromechanical design; and (d) implementation of additive manufacturing routes for development of innovative materials. Prof. Llanes is co-author of more than 100 papers published in top journals in these fields. In addition, he has a track-record of technology transfer and consultancy with hard materials industries. He has been Co- Chairman of the last five International Conferences on the Science of Hard Materials (ICSHM) and is member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials as well as Ceramics International.

luis.miguel.llanes@upc.edu

EuroHM Steering Group

The EuroHM Steering Group comprises of: Dr Susanne Norgren (Sandvik), Prof Luis Llanes (UPC), Dr Steven Moseley (Hilti) and Dr Bryan Roebuck (NPL).

The European Hard Materials Group (EuroHM) represents EPMA members, suppliers and research community involved in Hardmetals, Cemented Carbides, and polycrystalline materials such as CBN, Ceramic and Diamond Tools. Tooling based on hardmetals and diamonds are the backbone of any and all manufacturing processes. Almost every modern product has been touched by a hardmetal component. As an example, around fifty machining operations using hardmetal tools are needed in the automotive industry to manufacture a single car. The hardmetals sector therefore supplies significant volumes in the automotive and aerospace sectors but has also major markets in advanced manufacturing, construction, mining and wear applications. For example, the world mining industry supports 700 billion euros of economic activity in its own right. The EuroHM Group reflects the importance in Europe of the hard material sector, the size of which is multibillion euros and comparable to the structural parts sector.

The European Hard Materials Group EuroHM was established in 1999. In 2005 EPMA Council approved broadening the range of industries covered to include ceramic cutting tools.

In common with other EPMA sectoral groups the EuroHM has a regular Roadmapping function, this identifies markets, drivers and potential solutions influencing the major issues that will shape the future of the industry. The European Hardmetals and Diamond Tools industry faces two major challenges: pressure from low cost manufacturers external to Europe and raw material supply chain disruption. The industry is therefore moving to added value and technology driven sales underpinned by the use of recycling at a large scale. The role of the EuroHM is to support its Members in these challenges with the following activities:

  • Industry promotion in various Exhibitions over Europe.
  • Environment, Health and Safety issues through the support of the EPMA’s EHQS working group
  • Education and Training activities including regular WINTEREV and SUMMEREV workshops (see WINTEREV/SUMMEREV section), Hard Materials Seminars, Summer Schools, PMlife and Young Engineer’s days.
  • Networking through the regular EuroPM and WorldPM events organised by the EPMA and the EuroHM open and special meetings
  • Research including support and participation in EU projects and coordination of “Club Projects”, funded internally by a consortium of EPMA members (see www.epma.com/projects).

For further information on the EuroHM and how to become a member, please contact Kenan Boz, EPMA Technical Manager at kboz@epma.com