AIM National Conference 2026: efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability in metallurgy
From 9 to 11 September, the University of Brescia hosted the 41st AIM National Conference, a key event for the Italian metallurgical industry and an important forum for exchange between academia, industry and technological innovation.
This year’s edition was particularly significant, as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Italian Association for Metallurgy (AIM) and featured more than 200 technical and scientific papers presented by university professors and representatives from some of the industry’s leading companies. Over three days, the conference provided a clear picture of an industry undergoing continuous transformation and facing an increasingly complex challenge: combining performance, sustainability and digitalization.
Efficiency and decarbonization in metallurgy: more efficient production while consuming less
One of the recurring themes throughout the AIM National Conference 2026 was the decarbonization of metallurgical processes. Waste heat recovery, hydrogen applications, innovative combustion technologies, emission reduction and the valorization of slags and secondary raw materials all demonstrated how the energy transition is becoming an increasingly tangible factor in the industrial strategies of Italian metallurgical companies. Efficiency, however, is not simply a matter of how much energy is consumed or how that energy is sourced. The discussions at the conference clearly highlighted the importance of assessing the production process as a whole, taking into account productivity, energy recovery opportunities, plant characteristics and operating conditions.
It was within this context that Hi-Tech engineering contributed to the Conference with the technical paper “Continuous or batch furnaces: which technology really consumes less energy and is more cost-effective? Myths, facts and practical criteria for industrial decision-making”, presented by our Sales Manager, Clara Ghiurca.
The presentation addressed a key issue in industrial heat treatment: there is no single technology that is inherently more efficient in every application. Identifying the most cost-effective solution requires a careful assessment of the specific application, production volumes, operating conditions and actual energy requirements.
The value of these opportunities goes far beyond individual meetings. Building strong industry networks, sharing expertise and creating new synergies across the value chain are key to helping Italian industry continue to innovate, preserve the value of Made in Italy and strengthen its ability to stand out in international markets. For Hi-Tech engineering, participating in the AIM National Conference 2026 was also an important opportunity to engage with the entire industry value chain. We met with customers to share the latest developments and improvements to our solutions, established new connections with potential customers and partners, and engaged with suppliers offering innovative technologies and products designed to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Data, AI and IoT are reshaping metallurgical processes
Alongside sustainability, the AIM 2026 Conference highlighted the growing role of digitalisation in the metallurgical industry. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensor technologies, mathematical modelling and Internet of Things (IoT) systems are now being applied across different areas and stages of industrial processes: from defect detection and production optimisation to predictive maintenance and heat treatment process management.
Data acquisition, monitoring and management are therefore becoming essential tools for gaining deeper insight into production processes and supporting more informed decision-making. In this way, digitalization is evolving from technological innovation in its own right into a tangible driver of industrial efficiency, while the fundamental and irreplaceable role of human expertise remains central.
The convergence of metallurgy and digital technologies has accelerated significantly in recent years and is set to become even more important in the near future, supporting an increasingly wide range of activities across both production operations and the quality and consistency of industrial output.
Materials and processes: moving towards greater circularity
Another cross-cutting theme of the conference was circular economy and the development of new materials.Key areas of discussion included secondary alloys, metal recycling and upcycling, carbon footprint reduction and waste valorisation, alongside developments in additive manufacturing, coatings and the evolution of material properties. Different topics, but all moving in the same direction: achieving high performance through a more intelligent and efficient use of materials, energy and resources.
The 41st AIM National Conference, which we were proud to take part in, ultimately delivered a clear message: the future of metallurgy increasingly depends not on individual technologies in isolation, but on the ability to optimize the entire production process through an integrated approach.
For Hi-Tech engineering, this means continuing to develop heat treatment solutions based on real-world production conditions, translating energy efficiency, quality and competitiveness into practical criteria for plant engineering and technology selection. Our goal is to provide our customers with competitive, state-of-the-art solutions that incorporate the latest technological developments while integrating seamlessly into their existing production environments.
