Product and technology development

We develop products for vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. With process simulations, we avoid problems in production.

Product development

From concept to tested prototype

We develop mechanical parts and assemblies in aluminium, steel, sheet metal and plastics. We carry out most of the project ourselves, so you have one point of contact and less coordination:

  1. Communication with the client and definition of requirements
  2. 3D modelling of concepts and variants
  3. Computer simulations and design validation
  4. Technical drawings and documentation
  5. Prototype manufacturing and testing – see Prototypes and Measurement

We also develop products, tools and equipment for other industrial sectors. On request, we manage the development project and advise on process optimisation.

Water-cooled battery pack for a marine application
E-mobility

Water-cooled battery pack

The development of a battery pack for a marine application included the concept, 3D design with documentation and simulations, with a focus on structural and thermal requirements.

Machines

Oscillating cutter

From drive and blade guidance design to strength analyses of the key components.

Automotive industry

Automotive component development

We work closely with TIER1 suppliers and vehicle manufacturers (OEMs). We take care of concept definition, detailed 3D modelling, simulations, cost control during development, optimisation, technical documentation and Design-FMEA, as well as prototype manufacturing.

We have experience in developing engine and accessory brackets, bonnet and door hinges, brake pedals, roof rails, structural parts, rubber parts and interior and exterior plastic parts.

Rocker panel – Dacia Duster
Rocker panel – Dacia Duster.
Product and process development

Technology-driven development

We define the product together with its manufacturing technology. The very first part is manufacturable, cost-effective and free of surprises in production. We also develop production tools (forming tools and welding and checking fixtures – see Production equipment).

Deep drawing – stage 1
Stage 1
Deep drawing – stage 2
Stage 2
Deep drawing – stage 3
Stage 3
Deep drawing – stage 4
Stage 4
Deep drawing – stage 5
Stage 5
Deep drawing – stage 6
Stage 6
Deep drawing

Stage-by-stage deep drawing process development

We define the sequence of forming steps and verify it with simulations. Before any tools are made, we confirm that the part can be manufactured.

Less scrap

Production process optimisation

Cracks, out-of-tolerance dimensions, too much scrap? We use simulations to find the cause and eliminate it.

  1. Problem analysis and current-state review
  2. Process simulation and root-cause search
  3. Proposed changes and simulation of the improved state
  4. Practical trial
Powder injection moulding (PIM) – temperature before and after optimisation
Injection moulding · PIM

No cracks, no warpage

In powder injection moulding (PIM) we optimised the geometry, tolerances and material of the inserts. Before optimisation the parts were distorted and cracked due to residual stresses; after optimisation they are geometrically compliant.

Tool and blank geometry optimisation
Stamping

Tool and blank optimisation

By optimising the tool and blank geometry simultaneously, we reduced deviations from the nominal geometry. The image shows the deviations before and after optimisation and a comparison with the measured part.

Examples

Selected development examples

More projects from product and process development.

Show examples (5)Hide examples
Pedal box
Assemblies

Pedal box

Pedal box: concept, cost control during development, drawings, static validation (10+ load cases) and prototype manufacturing.

Warpage compensation of an injection-moulded part
Injection moulding

Warpage compensation

Simulation of warpage of a moulded part and compensation of the mould geometry.

Cascade injection moulding – melt front advancement and clamping force
Injection moulding

Cascade injection moulding of a large part

46 variants in one week1453 × 450 mm

Optimisation of the number and positions of gates, the opening sequence and the geometry of a 1.6 mm thick part. We achieved a cheaper mould and a lower required clamping force.

Forming tool geometry optimisation
Sheet metal forming

Tool geometry optimisation

By optimising the geometry of the forming tool, we reduced the part deviation by 90%.

Brake module for interlocking lamination stacking – 3D model and brake force setup points in the tool
Lamination tools

Brake module for interlocking laminations

screw adjustmenttolerances ~0.01 mm

A compact brake module for interlocking lamination stamping tools. The brake force of each module is adjusted with a screw – without removing the tool or lengthy corrections. The stack stays stable even when dimensions fluctuate. The solution suits T-segments, circular laminations and rotary interlocking. We provide analysis, design, finite element verification and manufacturing of modules.

References

Our customers and partners

Hidria
Cimos
Danfoss
Talum
Knauf
Nielsen
AD Plastik
KA Automotive
Sensum
Siliko
Niko Železniki
Domel
ORO Orodjarna
Adria Mobil
Hisense Gorenje
Tim Pavlin
Avastar
Piktronik
Technobell
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
IQ Wood
Penca
Emmie
Exact

Have a technical challenge?

Describe it in a few sentences – we will propose an approach, a timeline and a cost estimate.

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