VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH

What VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH does

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH (BFI) is a non-profit applied research institute headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, founded in 1970 and operating for over 50 years as a research partner to the process industry, primarily integrated steel producers and steel service centers. The institute operates across four strategic competence areas: CO2 reduction and energy efficiency, digitalisation and process measurement, circular economy, and process optimisation, supported by laboratory, technical centre, and high-temperature pilot plant facilities including a direct reduction pilot plant under construction at the thyssenkrupp site in Duisburg.

BFI's commercial portfolio combines proprietary measurement hardware, custom software, and contract R&D services. Its flagship product is the BFI Shapemeter Roll, a flatness measuring roller for cold rolling processes and the world market leader with over 2,000 units sold across more than 57 countries through six global OEM licensees (ANDRITZ Metals, Achenbach Buschhütten, Kobe Steel, Primetals Technologies, SMS Group, Vollmer); a next-generation multi-measuring variant with strip edge and temperature monitoring is launching in 2026. Additional offerings include optical diameter/length measurement systems, the BFI HR Server (multi-scale process and quality data model), BFI SEP-1670 (FATT testing software), BFI DataProSIS (surface inspection data integration), BFI-SMO (scrap mix optimisation), and the SafeDewPoint acid dew point sensor for waste heat recovery.

The business model rests on three revenue streams: fixed-price or time-and-materials contract R&D for steel and process industry clients, technology licensing of the Shapemeter Roll through OEM licensees, and software licensing of bespoke tools integrated into client IT/OT environments. The institute is engaged in major EU and national funded consortia (H2Stahl/Reallabor H2Stahl, SafeDewPoint, DiGreeS, GREENSTEEL, METACAST, SUNSHINE, ALCHIMIA), providing multi-year project visibility. The institute is led by dual Managing Directors Michael Hensmann and Dr. Matthias Kozariszczuk, appointed September 2023, and maintains a headcount of approximately 62 to nearly 100 employees.

Name

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH

Legal name

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH

Website

https://bfi.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH (BFI) is a non-profit applied research institute in Düsseldorf, Germany, providing contract R&D, proprietary measurement technology (notably the world-leading BFI Shapemeter Roll), and custom software to the steel and process industry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Metallurgical Research & Process Measurement

NAICS

Engineering Services (54133), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Engineering Services (541330)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Engineering Services (8711), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Testing, Inspection, Certification & Commissioning (TICx) Technical Services (BPAHAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Instrumentation & Process Control (I&C) (EDAOABAF), Systems Engineering & Technical Program Management (BPAHAIAI)

Keywords

• Steel process research
• Flatness measurement systems
• Applied metallurgical research
• Process industry consulting
• Decarbonisation steelmaking

Headquarters

HQ city

Düsseldorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Contract Research and Development Services: BFI conducts commissioned R&D for the process industry, primarily the steel sector. Revenue is generated through fixed-price project contracts or time-and-materials arrangements (with optional cost caps) for applied research, laboratory and pilot services, modelling, and expert opinions. As a non-profit institute, surpluses are reinvested in research.
2. Technology Licensing (Shapemeter Roll): BFI licenses its proprietary Shapemeter Roll technology globally through six licensees. Licensees manufacture and distribute the rolls worldwide, contributing to over 2,000 units sold.
3. Software Licensing (SEP-1670): BFI SEP-1670 software is licensed as a multi-user version for up to five computers per licence. Additional proprietary software tools (HR Server, DataProSIS, BFI-SMO) are provided as custom solutions integrated into client IT/OT environments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) is a non-profit applied research institute that provides contract research, laboratory and pilot plant services, modelling, expert opinions, and proprietary measurement and software solutions (e.g., BFI Shapemeter Roll, optical measurement systems, HR Server, SEP-1670, DataProSIS, BFI-SMO) for the iron, steel, and process industry. The institute focuses on CO2 reduction, energy efficiency, digitalization, circular economy, and process optimization, serving industrial clients through direct R&D contracts and licensed technologies.

Product overview

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH (BFI) is a non-profit applied research institute offering a portfolio of measurement hardware products and software solutions for the steel and process industry. Core hardware products include the BFI Shapemeter Roll (world-leading flatness measuring roller for cold rolling) and Optical Measurement Systems for diameter/length measurement. The software portfolio includes BFI HR Server (high-resolution data processing), BFI SEP-1670 (FATT testing analysis), BFI DataProSIS (surface inspection data integration), and BFI-SMO (scrap mix optimization). Research infrastructure includes a Direct Reduction Pilot Plant and Laboratory/Technical Centre services. The institute operates across four strategic competence areas: CO2 reduction and energy efficiency, digitalization and process measurement, circular economy, and process optimization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BFI Shapemeter Roll: World-leading flatness measuring roller for cold rolling processes, with over 2,000 rolls sold worldwide and use in over 57 countries
• BFI HR Server
• BFI SEP-1670
• BFI DataProSIS
• BFI-SMO
• Optical Measuring Systems

Products and services

• BFI Shapemeter Roll World-leading flatness measuring roller for cold rolling processes. Measures strip flatness by converting longitudinal tension into radial forces detected by precision sensors. Over 2,000 units sold in more than 57 countries. Sold to integrated steel producers and rolling mill operators.
• Optical Diameter and Length Measurement Systems Non-contact optical measurement systems using intrinsic radiation of hot material for diameter determination, with diode line cameras at ±1/2000 resolution and 50 Hz output for round and rectangular materials above 600°C. For hot rolling and continuous casting operations.
• BFI HR Server High-resolution data processing software using a multi-scale data model across all process stages, enabling in-situ aggregation of millions of quality and process data points within seconds for interactive quality data analysis in steel plants.
• BFI SEP-1670 Multi-user software (up to 5 computers per licence) for determining FATT (Fracture Appearance Transition Temperature), ETT, and MET values from notched bar impact tests per SEP 1670 standard. Bilingual (German/English), metric and US units supported.
• BFI DataProSIS Software for interpretation of Optical Surface Inspection System (OIS) data, applying standardized rules, integrating plausibility checks, and aggregating defects into a manufacturer-independent database for steel surface quality assessment.
• BFI-SMO (Scrap Mix Optimisation) Web-based software for statistical characterisation of variable steel scrap properties (metallic yield, composition, melting energy) using process data. Supports cost and quality-based scrap mix optimisation and quality monitoring of delivered scrap for electric arc furnace steelmaking.
• Laboratory and Technical Centre Services Applied research laboratory and technical centre facilities including high-temperature pilot plant, operational campaign support, modelling and simulation, and specialised testing equipment for steel and process industry clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• SafeDewPoint technology enables direct reuse of up to 20% of waste heat in steel plants, with a potential EU-wide savings of €107 million/year and 720 ktCO2/year reduction
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair for Iron and Steel Metallurgy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 July 2026Cooperation between Montanuniversität Leoben and BFI to assess the risk of product quality deterioration in future steel manufacturing processes. The collaboration contributes to evaluating how upcoming decarbonisation-driven process changes may affect steel product quality.
• Spectral Industries (Delft, Netherlands)coreTechnology or Integration · 5 June 2025BFI participated in a DiGreeS project meeting at Spectral Industries in Delft, Netherlands, focused on technical details regarding sensors for verification of heavy melting scrap (HMS) in electric arc furnace steelmaking.
• DSD Automation GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2024Strategic partnership in the field of Blast Furnace and Electric Arc Furnace optimisation. DSD Automation and BFI are collaborating to develop and deploy optimisation solutions for blast furnace and EAF operations, combining DSD Automation's automation expertise with BFI's metallurgical research capabilities.
• Fraunhofer Institute IZFP (Saarbrücken)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2024Fraunhofer IZFP in Saarbrücken hosted the kick-off meeting for the DiGreeS research project (Demonstration of Digital twins for a Green Steel value chain). BFI is a project partner together with Spectral Industries and other EU partners, focusing on digital twin technologies for green steel.
• EU Research Consortium (SUNSHINE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2024BFI is a partner in the RFCS project SUNSHINE (SUstainable New casting and rolling process monitoring/sensoring approach aimed at proper surface quality and SHape IN flat and long products, enabling Energy savings and smart management in the casting/rolling operations). Kick-off in Rome, October 2024.
• EU Research Consortium (METACAST)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2024BFI participates in the EU dissemination project METACAST (Mapping, Educating, Training, Applying models in continuous CASTing). The project is coordinated under EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) with kick-off in Rome, October 2024.
• thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2024BFI and thyssenkrupp Steel are jointly building a direct reduction (DR) pilot plant on thyssenkrupp's site in Duisburg as part of the H2Stahl real laboratory project, supported by federal (BMWi) and state (NRW) funding. The partnership also includes the DRI-Einschmelzer (melter) demonstration project, which received €6.2 million in NRW state funding. The collaboration is central to BFI's mission in supporting climate-neutral steel production via hydrogen-based direct reduction.
• voestalpine Stahl LinzminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2022voestalpine Stahl Linz hosted the second project meeting of the RFCS project RealTimeCastSupport in November 2022. The project focuses on embedded real-time analysis of continuous casting for machine-supported quality optimisation, involving digitalisation and digital twin approaches.
• AIR LIQUIDE Deutschland GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022AIR LIQUIDE is a consortium partner in the H2Stahl real laboratory project, responsible for hydrogen supply infrastructure alongside thyssenkrupp Steel and BFI for the hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron at the Duisburg steel site.
• Centre For European Policy Studies (CEPS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2020CEPS coordinates the EU RFCS project GREENSTEEL (Green Steel for Europe), with BFI as a partner alongside ESTEP, RINA-CSM, K1-MET, Fundacion Idonial, Łukasiewicz-Instytut Metalurgii Zelaza, EUROFER, Swerim, and CRM. The project develops technology roadmaps and policy recommendations for EU steel decarbonisation.
• CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019CSIC is a project partner in the EU-funded SafeDewPoint research project (Funding ref: 847293), which develops novel acid dew point sensors and corrosion probes for dynamic waste heat recovery in steel mill flue gases.
• ArcelorMittalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019ArcelorMittal participates as an industry partner in the SafeDewPoint project, providing industrial context and testing environments for the novel acid dew point sensor and corrosion probe technology for waste heat recovery.
• Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Salzgitter Flachstahl is a partner in the SafeDewPoint EU project, contributing industrial steelmaking expertise and operational sites for testing dynamic waste heat recovery technologies.
• ANDRITZ Metals GermanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerANDRITZ Metals Germany collaborates closely with BFI on the development of the next-generation BFI Shapemeter Roll. ANDRITZ is co-developing the new multi-measuring generation (market launch planned 2026) which adds strip edge detection and temperature measurement to flatness measurement, representing a significant advance in flatness measurement technology.
• Achenbach BuschhüttencoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAchenbach Buschhütten is one of six global licensees of the BFI Shapemeter Roll, manufacturing and distributing the flatness measuring roller for rolling mills worldwide.
• Kobe Steel (Kobelco)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerKobe Steel is a global licensee of the BFI Shapemeter Roll technology, distributing the flatness measuring roller across Asian and global markets.
• Primetals TechnologiescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPrimetals Technologies (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group) is a global licensee of the BFI Shapemeter Roll, distributing the technology as part of its rolling mill equipment portfolio worldwide.
• SMS GroupcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSMS Group is a global licensee of the BFI Shapemeter Roll, integrating and distributing the flatness measuring roller as part of its comprehensive metallurgical plant and rolling mill solutions.
• VollmercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerVollmer is a global licensee of the BFI Shapemeter Roll technology, distributing the flatness measuring roller worldwide as part of its precision measurement solutions for the metal processing industry.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• TNO: Dutch applied research organisation offering industrial process R&D, materials testing, and energy transition consulting to European process industries. Comparable breadth and structure to BFI but with a broader portfolio beyond metals.
• Fraunhofer Society (e.g., IZFP, IML, IAIS): Germany's largest applied research organisation with multiple institutes serving process industries, including IZFP for non-destructive testing (a partner on BFI's DiGreeS project). Broader and better funded than BFI but overlaps in metallurgical NDT and process digitalisation.

Others

• ANDRITZ Metals: Supplier of rolling mill equipment and Shapemeter Roll licensee, co-developing BFI's 2026 multi-measuring generation. Comparable as a partner and adjacent technology supplier rather than a competing research provider.
• Primetals Technologies: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group rolling mill and continuous casting equipment supplier that licenses BFI's Shapemeter Roll. Adjacent ecosystem player that distributes and integrates BFI technology into new mill projects.
• SMS Group GmbH: Global metallurgical plant and rolling mill builder that is one of six BFI Shapemeter Roll licensees. Compares as both a customer and a partner/distribution channel rather than a direct R&D services competitor.

Direct peers

• K1-MET GmbH: Austrian metallurgical competence center running industry-driven R&D programs for the Austrian and European steel sector. Overlaps directly with BFI in metallurgical process research and consortium-based EU project work (e.g., GREENSTEEL).
• Swerim AB: Swedish metals research institute providing applied R&D, pilot testing, and measurement services to the Nordic and European steel and process industries. Closest functional analogue to BFI as a non-profit metals research institute serving integrated steel producers.
• CRM Group: Belgian collective research centre for the metals and materials industry, providing laboratory testing, pilot facilities, and applied research to European steel and aluminium producers. Directly comparable non-profit applied research peer.

Peers

• ArcelorMittal Research & Development: World's largest integrated steel producer running an in-house industrial R&D function and participating in EU projects alongside BFI (e.g., SafeDewPoint). Comparable as both a customer/partner and an alternative source of in-house metallurgical R&D.

Emerging players

• Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair for Iron and Steel Metallurgy): Austrian university metallurgy chair collaborating with BFI on quality risk assessment in future decarbonised steelmaking processes. Academic research peer with overlapping thematic focus but a different funding model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vdeh-betriebsforschungsinstitut-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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