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How can production processes be made faster, cleaner, and more cost-efficient? The Swiss Steel Group offers modern steels are transforming manufacturing. The spotlight is on the latest-generation steels, engineered for outstanding machinability, reproducibility, and sustainability – designed to maximize productivity, process stability, and competitive advantage.
“Today’s customers expect more than just good steel – they need materials that optimize processes and reduce CO₂ emissions. That’s exactly what we deliver with UGIMA-X, ETG, and OptiCUT,” says Sandra Chedal-Anglay, chief sales officer at Swiss Steel Group.
UGIMA-X – The third generation of machining efficiency
With UGIMA-X 4021, 4028, and 4460, Swiss Steel Group introduces the next evolutionary step in stainless machining steels. Based on more than three decades of research and real-world application, these materials achieve:
- +20–30% increase in productivity due to optimized chip formation
- +25–50% longer tool life
- Significantly reduced batch-to-batch quality variation
- Excellent reproducibility and process predictability for automated production environments
The targeted control of non-metallic inclusions during melting ensures consistent chip morphology, reduced tool wear, and highly stable mechanical properties – validated through over 3,000 hours of testing by industrial users.
The ETG family – High strength, cold formability, and exceptional cost-efficiency
For applications where mechanical strength, formability, and machinability must be combined in one material, the ETG (Easy To Go) product family delivers unique advantages:
ETG25
- Strength equivalent to 8.8 bolt grade – directly in as-delivered condition
- Cold-formable, weldable, machinable, and bendable
- No heat treatment required → lower CO₂ emissions, shorter process chains
- 50% higher bending fatigue strength than standard steels
- Ideal for complex components in automotive, electromechanical, or fastening applications
ETG100
- Developed for rotating parts such as drive shafts
- Very low residual stress → excellent dimensional stability
- Up to 30% cost savings due to elimination of hardening and grinding steps
- Low vibration even at high speeds → extended service life and quieter operation
Both materials enable efficient manufacturing through shorter cycle times, reduced scrap rates, and more compact, lightweight components – with equal or improved performance.
OptiCUT, HSX, and other high-performance machining grades
In addition to UGIMA and ETG, Swiss Steel Group offers other premium materials tailored to specific machining challenges:
OptiCUT
- Specially developed stainless free-cutting steel with excellent machinability
- Outstanding surface finish and dimensional accuracy
- Ideal for high-volume precision parts with tight tolerances – e.g., in sanitary, electronics, or precision engineering sectors
HSX130
- High-strength steel for structural components, e.g., retaining nuts in mechanical engineering
- No hardening required – high dimensional accuracy in as-delivered condition
- Reduced machining time due to elimination of straightening and grinding processes
These materials complete a product portfolio designed to offer tailored solutions for all machining challenges – from stainless to unalloyed, from ultra-high-strength to high-corrosion-resistant steels.
Sustainability built-in – Climate+ green steel
All materials mentioned are available in the environmentally friendly Climate+ version. This steel is produced exclusively using the electric arc furnace route, powered by 100% renewable energy sources (hydro, wind, and solar). This significantly reduces the carbon footprint – without compromising performance or reliability.
Swiss Steel Group: Your partner for machining-optimized material solutions
Whether it’s a precision-turned part, a drive shaft, or a high-performance bolt – Swiss Steel Group supports its customers with a unique combination of metallurgical expertise, process-driven material development, and individualized consulting.