Vacuum technology for maximum performance
Established in 1959, we are a leading manufacturer of copper based high-performance alloys.
About SCHMELZMETALL
We are represented all over world by internationally acting sales teams and branches. Our HOVADUR® alloys stand for highest quality and a fair price-performance ratio. Due to nearly 60 years of experience in producing high vacuum copper alloys we achieve a high uniformity in quality. We master the further processing to semi-finished products and finished parts. We know how to apply our alloys optimally in your processes and applications.
Company history
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1959
Foundation of SCHMELZMETALL AG, Headquarters in Gurtnellen (Switzerland).
Production of copper alloys in a 50 kg vacuum induction furnace.
Production of ultra-pure chromium in an electrolysis plant.
1962
Increase of the melting capacity by a 300 kg vacuum induction furnace.
1964-1970
Expansion of mechanical processing for ingots and semi-finished products.
1974
Commissioning of a plate shear for cutting the copper cathodes
1981
Commissioning of an automated band saw.
Investment in overhead travelling crane system for the copper warehouse.
1982
Capacity expansion of the electrolysis plant for ultra-pure chromium
1983
Construction and facility installation of the production hall 5.
1984
Commissioning of a 1000 kg vacuum induction melting and casting plant.
Investment in a heat treatment plant.
1986
Development of the special alloy for the combustion chamber of the Ariane 5 rocket.
1989
Commissioning of a 500 kg “two-chamber vacuum induction melting and casting plant” to increase the casting capacity
1991
Certification according to DIN ISO 9000 / SN ISO 9000 as one of the first Swiss companies.
1995
Conversion of the 1000 kg vacuum furnace to 1500 kg casting weight.
1997
Foundation of the Service Center SCHMELZMETALL Deutschland GmbH, based in Steinfeld-Hausen (Bavaria).
2000
Market launch of our product lines HOVADUR®.
2001
Acquisition of the production plant SCHMELZMETALL Hungaria Kft, based in Budapest (Hungary) with vacuum melting and casting machines for casting weights of 10 kg, 550 kg and 1500 kg.
2004
Occupation of a second office building in Steinfeld-Hausen.
2005
Market launch of our aluminium bronzes HOVADUR® B.
2006
Market launch of our own product line HOVATOP®, HOVABOND® und HOVAVENT®
2007
Extension by a central warehouse (hall 6) with 1.250 m² storage area in Steinfeld-Hausen.
2008
Capacity expansion of the Service Centre in Steinfeld-Hausen by four CNC-machining centres;
Extension of the second office building in Steinfeld-Hausen by the second floor
Research and development: InnoSurface 16IN0587
Development of the innovative tools on the basis of surface-functionalized generatively manufactured mould inserts
Validity period: 01.01.2008 – 30.06.2011
2009
Research and Development: KF2315301CK9
Innovative components made of copper-based materials with local wear protection by laser cladding using the example of hot runner nozzle and pre-chamber bushing
Validity period: 01.07.2009 – 30.06.2011
2010
Conversion of the biggest vacuum furnace in Hungary to a capacity of 1.900 kg.
Permanent expansion of the CNC machinery park in Steinfeld-Hausen from 2010 to 2015.
2011
Research and Development: KF2315302CK1
Innovative machine components made of copper alloys with local wear protection by laser cladding for plastic injection moulding and light metal die casting
Validity period: 01.11.2011 – 30.06.2014
2012
Research and Development: EU – Cornet – Projec
Advanced Coil Design for Electromagnetic Pulse Technology (ACODEPT)
Validity period: 01.01.2012 – 31.12.2013
Research and Development: KU2315303TL2
Innovative welding tong systems for resistance welding based on composite and copper materials
Validity period: 01.03.2012 – 31.03.2015
Research and Development: KF2315304FH2
Optimization of tribologically highly strained sliding surfaces in high-pressure pumps and motors in mobile hydraulics by using novel, lead-free copper alloys.
Validity period: 15.10.2012 – 31.12.201
2013
Mr. Werner Bochmann handed over the management of SCHMELZMETALL Deutschland GmbH to Mr. Edgar Seufert (sales management) and Mr. Markus Heinrich (purchasing management).
2014
Research and Development: AZ-1117-14
Generative production processes in tool and mould construction – ForNextGen – Additive multi-material construction of tools and moulds. Project within the framework of the Bavarian Research Foundation
Validity period: 01.09.2014 – 31.08.2017
2016
Investment in the worldwide unique special machine for round bar production; Capacity expansion of the Service center in Steinfeld-Hausen by a new production hall (Hall 7);
Relocation of the complete machine park to the new hall 7
2018
Construction of a special area for 3-D printing in our production hall at our German site
2019
At our German site, we are offering a heat treatment for printed parts as a service to our customers
Technical approval of a 3-D printer for copper alloys at Messrs. SLM Solutions in Lübeck and installation at our German site
2024
Acquisition of Schmelzmetall by AMPCO METAL
In October 2024, the Schmelzmetall Group was acquired by AMPCO METAL, a global leader in high-quality copper-based alloys. This strategic acquisition has strengthened our product portfolio, expanded our production capabilities, and reinforced our global presence.
Our experience – your advantage
Our Alloys
HOVADUR® high-performance alloys are trusted worldwide across a wide range of demanding industrial applications, offering superior strength, durability, electrical and thermal conductivity.
Product Applications
HOVADUR®: Special alloys for special applications.
Service Offering
With decades of expertise and cutting-edge solutions, we provide high-performance materials that drive efficiency and reliability. Our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that our customers gain a competitive advantage in their industries.
SCHMELZMETALL alloys are in demand all over the world whenever special values concerning thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, strength and gliding properties are requested.
Our product applications include:
- Heat treatment (solution heat treatment + hardening)
- small parts (laboratory oven at Schmelzmetall Germany and Switzerland)
- big parts (at Schmelzmetall Switzerland and Hungary)
- Ultrasonic testing (Level 1 + 2)
- Penetration testing (Level 1 + 2)
- Subcontracting of the melting process
- Machining
- Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing
- Metallurgical advice
- Inspection certificate 3.1 acc. to EN 10204 including chemical composition (CA), hardness (HB) and electrical conductivity (SE)
Our Global Partners
At Schmelzmetall, we work closely with trusted partners around the world to deliver high-performance vacuum-cast alloys to a wide range of industries. Together, we ensure excellence, innovation, and reliable supply for our global customers.
View our Partners
Locations
Schmelzmetall AG
SCHMELZMETALL AG was founded in 1959 and is the parent company of SCHMELZMETALL group. The head office is located in Gurtnellen in the idyllic Swiss canton Uri.
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SCHMELZMETALL Deutschland GmbH
SCHMELZMETALL Deutschland GmbH was founded in 1997 as a service center located in Steinfeld-Hausen (Bavaria).
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SCHMELZMETALL Hungária Kft.
SCHMELZMETALL Hungária KFT. was founded in 2001 and is located in Budapest, Hungary.
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