Conference Proceedings
                    - METAL 2026
METAL - International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials

Conference Proceedings - METAL 2026

35th International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials
May 5 - 7, 2026 / OREA Congress Hotel Brno, Czech Republic, EU
www.metalconference.eu
ISSN: 2694-9296
ISBN: 978-80-88365-32-7

The 35th annual International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials, METAL 2026, took place in Brno from May 5 to 7, 2026. A total of 70 presentations and 69 posters were prepared for the 163 participants from 25 countries.

The conference was opened by Ing. Šárka MIKMEKOVÁ, Ph.D., from the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Brno with a plenary lecture on the topic "Pushing the Limits of SEM in Materials Science: Slow Electrons, Intelligent Signal Filtering, and Next-Generation Detection".

The second plenary lecture, titled "Recovery of Valuable Metals from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment: Technologies and Challenges", was delivered by Prof. Mariola SATERNUS from the Silesian University of Technology in Katowice.

However, the thematic scope of the conference lectures was, as usual, much broader. Researchers presented new developments not only in the fields of iron, steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, and alloys production, metal forming, and surface engineering, but also in the economics and management of metallurgical production.

The accompanying exhibition by the sponsoring company Metalco Testing s.r.o. was also very informative.

The award for the best poster went to KANDULA Muni Kumar from Triveni Turbine Limited and the Indian Institute of Science in India.

The next 36th edition of the METAL conference will take place in May 2027.

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DOČKALOVÁ Kateřina Institute of Physics of Materials, v. v. i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic, EU, dockalova@ipm.cz, pavlu@ipm.cz, friak@ipm.cz, zobac@ipm.cz
Co-authors: PAVLŮ Jana FRIÁK Martin ZOBAČ Ondřej
Abstract: Investigating hydrogen sorption in hydride-forming materials is essential for advancing a wide range of industrial technologies, particularly hydrogen storage. Among such materials, LaNi5 is a well-established candidate due to its ability to form multiple hydride phases. [..] Read more
BUCHTÍK Martin Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno, Czech Republic, EU, buchtik@fch.vut.cz
Co-authors: KOBZINKOVÁ Eliška BŘEZINA Matěj DOSKOČIL Leoš
Abstract: This study investigates the deposition conditions of carbonate-based coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy pretreated with an Mg(OH)2 interlayer in the presence of ammonium ions. The effect of temperature and exposure time on phase formation, growth mechanism, and corrosion performance was evaluated. [..] Read more
DOSKOČIL Leoš Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno, Czech Republic, EU, doskocil@fch.vut.cz
Co-authors: BUCHTÍK Martin BŘEZINA Matěj HANIŠÁKOVÁ Nicol VÍTĚZ Tomáš
Abstract: Microbial activity can represent a significant factor in the degradation of metallic materials. Nevertheless, microbially influenced corrosion of magnesium alloys has received limited attention. [..] Read more
GALČÍKOVÁ Eliška Department of Materials Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, EU, eliska.galcikova@fs.cvut.cz
Co-authors: KRČIL Jan WARCHOMICKA Fernando Gustavo POLETTI Maria Cecilia SOBOTOVÁ Jana
Abstract: Beta titanium alloys are promising materials for biomedical and aerospace applications due to their low elastic modulus, high strength, and biocompatibility. For such applications, however, a thorough understanding of their fatigue behavior is essential. [..] Read more
HAROK Marek VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, Ostrava, Czech Republic, EU, marek.harok@vsb.cz
Co-authors: BESEDA Marek GIMADIEV Islam HAVLÍČEK Filip RYGEL Jan KLAUS Pavel WEISZ Michal SEHNOUTKA Petr
Abstract: Flax-fibre-reinforced epoxy biocomposites are attractive for lightweight and recycling-oriented structures, yet the hygroscopic nature of flax reinforcement raises concerns about their durability under exposure to water and automotive operating fluids. This study evaluates the gravimetric uptake and tensile behaviour of woven flax/epoxy laminates after immersion in water and AdBlue. [..] Read more
BUCHTÍK Martin Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno, Czech Republic, EU, buchtik@fch.vut.cz
Co-authors: KOBZINKOVÁ Eliška BŘEZINA Matěj Sobol Vítězslav Koutný Daniel DOSKOČIL Leoš
Abstract: This study investigates chemical and electrochemical post-processing of additively manufactured WE43 Mg alloy in order to remove adhered partially melted powder particles. The objective was to evaluate the influence of different etching media on surface morphology, strut removal uniformity, and the extent of localized corrosion damage. [..] Read more
KOZINA Franjo University of Zagreb Faculty of Metallurgy, Sisak, Croatia, EU, fkozin@simet.hr, zovko@simet.hr
Co-authors: ZOVKO BRODARAC Zdenka PETRIČ Mitja
Abstract: This study evaluates the influence of chemical composition on proton-induced primary radiation damage in selected Al–Li–X alloys relevant to space applications. The hypothesis assumes that variations in alloying additions lead to measurable differences in defect magnitude and spatial distribution under identical irradiation conditions. [..] Read more
KRMELA Vojtěch VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Department of Physics, Ostrava, Czech Republic, EU, vojtech.krmela.st@vsb.cz, kamila.hrabovska@vsb.cz, lucie.gembalova@vsb.cz, ondrej.zivotsky@vsb.cz
Co-authors: HRABOVSKÁ Kamila GEMBALOVÁ Lucie MATÝSEK Dalibor ŽIVOTSKÝ Ondřej
Abstract: The study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the structure and thermal stability of the magnetic parameters of two commercial ring-shaped strontium ferrite magnets, for which the manufacturing conditions were unknown. Structural characterization was carried out using powder Xray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX analysis. [..] Read more
MURČINKOVÁ Zuzana Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies with a seat in Prešov, Prešov, Slovak Republic, EU, zuzana.murcinkova@tuke.sk
Abstract: The article analyses the dynamic response of a spinning module body made of an aluminium alloy, aiming to improve its damping properties under high-frequency vibrations in pre-resonance and resonance region, which are a critical factor influencing system stability and service life. Since the inherent damping capacity of the aluminium alloy body is insufficient for the operating conditions, structural modifications were proposed, including the application of a damping material into the cavities of the body (forming a hybrid metal–damping material structure) and an increase in stiffness through thicker ribbing. [..] Read more
ŠTAMBORSKÁ Michaela Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic, EU, michaela.stamborska@savba.sk
Co-authors: MÚČKA Peter
Abstract: Hydrogen can significantly influence the plastic deformation behaviour of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) by altering the dominant deformation mechanisms. In this work, the tensile deformation of a face-centred cubic (FCC) Al0.35CoCrFeNi alloy was investigated using acoustic emission (AE) analysis before and after hydrogen charging, with a focus on statistical evaluation of deformation mechanisms. [..] Read more
VACULÍK Miroslav Diafrikt Components s.r.o., Potštejn, Czech Republic, EU, zdenek.hampl@diafrikt.com
Co-authors: RAŠKA Pavel HAMPL Zdenek. JUŘICA Jan SKOTNICOVÁ Kateřina ČEGAN Tomáš JURÁSEK Robert
Abstract: This study presents a comparative evaluation of a conventional Cu-based friction material and a newly designed Fe-based composite with reduced environmental impact due to the lower toxicity of iron. Both metal–ceramic materials are widely used in practical applications, particularly in industrial systems such as railway and tram braking systems. [..] Read more
YANKOVA Svetla University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, EU, syankova@uctm.edu
Co-authors: YORDANOVA Rozina YANKOV Boyan
Abstract: The paper is concerned with the technological peculiarities of the production of copper sheet from CuNiSi alloy by the method of semi-continuous casting and subsequent stages of hot and cold rolling. Pouring defects which have an impact on the copper sheet quality are presented. [..] Read more
GIMADIEV Islam VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic, EU, islam.gimadiev@vsb.cz
Co-authors: BESEDA Marek MOHYLA Petr HAROK Marek HAVLÍČEK Filip RYGEL Jan KLAUS Pavel WEISZ Michal
Abstract: Polyurethane (PU) modelling boards and foams are widely used for manufacturing prototypes, models, and moulds; however, CNC machining generates substantial amounts of fine chips and dust that are typically downcycled or landfilled. This paper presents a mechanically straightforward upcycling route in which PU machining chips are milled, sieved, and re-used as a loose particulate core in carbon/epoxy sandwich composites. [..] Read more
BALOYI Onesimus University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, School of Mines, Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa, michelk@uj.ac.za; balyionesimus@gmail.com
Co-authors: WA KALENGA Michel Kalenga
Abstract: Calcium carbide (CaC₂) is a vital industrial chemical, central to acetylene production, metallurgy, and chemical synthesis. South Africa, leveraging its coal reserves and metallurgical expertise, has recently entered the global market as a calcium carbide producer. [..] Read more
OSORIO BAENA Mary EurA AG, Ellwangen, Germany, EU, mary.osorio@eura-ag.de
Co-authors: LLOVO VIDAL Carlos GOYAL Shashank IBAÑEZ GUTIERREZ Francisco Tomas CALLEJA COBO Felipe OTT Denise
Abstract: Energy analyses in the metallurgical sector traditionally focus on upstream processes such as steelmaking and refining. However, when energy consumption is evaluated at the level of individual products, downstream manufacturing stages can represent a significant share of the total energy demand. [..] Read more
WA KALENGA Michel Kalenga University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, School of Mines, Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa, michelk@uj.ac.za; nyembwek@cput.ac.za
Co-authors: NYEMBWE Didier Kasongo
Abstract: Generic coke for carbothermic reduction has become for decades a global threat to the environment. Studies on mass losses during carbothermic reduction using generic coke has been largely investigated for different types of manganese ore. [..] Read more
YAGCIOĞULLARI Sahra Evinoks Servis Ekipmanları A.S., Bursa, yagsahra@gmail.com, bkoyas@evinoks.com
Co-authors: KOYAŞ Barış REİS Murat
Abstract: This study presents 'WeldTrack: Smart Guidance System,' developed to minimize operator-induced errors in manual laser welding operations and to protect device longevity against the risk of 'back-reflection,' a critical issue particularly in highly reflective metals such as AISI 304 stainless steel. The system architecture consists of two main units communicating via Wi-Fi. [..] Read more
SUBRUMUNY Kyle University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Metallurgy, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, kylesubrumuny@gmail.com, michelk@uj.ac.za, elvisf@uj.ac.za
Co-authors: WA KALENGA Michel Kalenga ELVIS KANKEU Fosso
Abstract: Fayalitic copper slag (CS) from the reverberatory furnaces is an abundant metallurgical by-product containing trace amounts of critical elements such as germanium (Ge). This study investigates the integration of bioleaching and chemical leaching approach to recover Ge combining the micro-organism of Bacillus subtilis pretreatment with selective oxalic acid leaching in the presence of Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). [..] Read more
DWORNICKA Renata Cracow University of Technology
Co-authors: PACANA Andrzej PILCH Miłosz
Abstract: This article analyzes the state of research on robotic process automation (RPA) in the steel industry and proposes a classification of RPA applications in this context. The study employed a systematic literature review methodology and used the Scopus and Web of Science databases, complemented by industry materials. [..] Read more
PACANA Andrzej Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland, EU, app@prz.edu.pl, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1121-6352
Co-authors: CZERWIŃSKA Karolina DWORNICKA Renata
Abstract: The aim of the study was to analyze the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in assessing the efficiency of companies with varying levels of automation, as well as to indicate how the selection of appropriate KPIs supports the implementation of smart manufacturing solutions in the foundry industry. The study compared traditional and automated production systems in terms of performance, quality, process stability and machine availability metrics. [..] Read more
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