It has been a decade since we began actively promoting our two R&D Centers. Our main goal is to host a unique development platform for a variety of applications and industry partners.
It has been a decade since we began actively promoting our two R&D Centers. Since, we have had hundreds of customer visits, originating from a full range of wire, cable, pipe and tube extrusion manufacturing environments. Our main goal is to host a unique development platform for a variety of applications.
Our R&D Centers are open for our customers, material suppliers and other stake holders who can explore the manufacturing limits in real production conditions. At the same time, we have heavily invested in the laboratory facilities.
The R&D cycle is drastically reduced when one can test the production limits and immediately make an analysis afterwards with the experts on hand. Experience has shown that the test and measurement cycle pushes innovation forward into a spiral of success. Therefore, it is time to expand our R&D center and introduce new areas of exploration.
New materials
On XLPE power cable manufacturing, we have witnessed the transformation from AC-grades to DC-grades. We have taken the development path together with material suppliers and developed the manufacturing processes to match material demands. To study and develop the process for Polypropylene as an alternative material for XLPE insulation is another point of interest.
Very recently we have introduced high temperature extrusion capabilities to our R&D center. Electrical vehicles need different kinds of cables and electrical transformation methods. Therefore, we have included the possibility to study processes with very dedicated engineering plastics like PEEK.
The pipe manufacturing industry is undergoing important change. The PE grades are constantly evolving. Noteworthy are PE grades tailored for high performance pipes, including HDPE as well as PEX compounds and PERT.
Significant strides have been made in medical compounds. The introduction of new automotive pipe features multi-layer, multi-material and multi-function constructions that attest adaptability to changing technologies.
Materials such as Polyamides, Polyurethanes, and Thermoplastic Elastomers undergo extensive testing, mirroring the industry’s commitment to innovation. As properties and technologies evolve, both sectors share a common thread in their dedication to staying at the forefront of material advancements, ensuring resilience and relevance in a rapidly changing landscape.
Actual R&D platforms
Maillefer has dedicated R&D Centers in both Finland and Switzerland. Plus, collaborative programs are established within the Davis-Standard family, as well as with key material suppliers equipped with our systems. This gives our customers access to an extensive platform for cooperative development efforts.
Currently, in our two R&D Centers, the installed systems include:
Together towards innovation
Collaboration helps reduce the costs associated with innovation by removing research and development from its traditional silos. Working in partnership with other members of the supply chain allows an organization to leverage shared resources to drive innovation forward. Similarly, the associated financial efforts are shared with the parties involved. The quality and quantity aspects of collaborative innovation help optimize top-line revenue performance, accelerate innovation, and spiral to success.
Mikko Lahti, R&D Director
Yves Zweifel, R&D Manager
Topics: R&D, Extrusion, Wire & cable manufacturing, Innovation, pipe & tube, development, materials