EN Research and Development of Surface Solutions for Industrial Modernity
HEF is Tribology! Since its founding in 1953 by Mr. Jacques-Jean Caubet, a passion for research has been developed and implemented at the heart of patent creation. Twelve years of constant evolution led to the creation of HEF’s first Tribology laboratory. Since then, the group has continued investing in the creation of surface solutions to provide increased resistance to wear, corrosion, fatigue, and other factors. It was only in 1994 that the laboratory structure of IREIS, now the HEF Institute for Surface Research and Engineering, was officially established.
O IREIS, located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon in the heart of HEF, is responsible for studying specific issues and developing tribological solutions of particular interest to its clients, aimed at solving current societal challenges such as decarbonization, zero-emission mobility, energy efficiency, and others. It consolidates the application of these innovative technologies across the HEF group’s business units in various technological and industrial sectors.
The technologies offered by the IREIS Institute are in the fields of Tribology, PVD/PACVD thin-layer deposition with high hardness and optical properties (Photonics), surface functionalization via laser texturing, heat treatments, functional engineering powders, and hydrogen technologies.
The success in creating innovative surface technologies with wide industrial applicability stems from IREIS’s ability to conduct tests ranging from laboratory to industrial scale, with simulations of mechanical systems under real operating conditions. This comprehensive IREIS structure comprises: the ICE-T laboratory, consisting of 8 tribological testing platforms focused on optimizing combustion and electric motors; a laser texturing testing room (MANUTECH – USD); and a tribology laboratory for studying industrial applications of HEF technologies.
Através do IREIS, a HEF é capaz de conceber e prover tecnologias de Engenharia de Superfície inovadoras e competitivas à indústria moderna.
