A custom drive solution does not begin with selecting a specific motor or individual performance parameter. The first step is to clearly define the role the drive will perform within the respective application, the technical requirements involved and the operating and environmental conditions under which it will be used. Based on this information, Kern Antriebstechnik gradually develops the technical requirements into a concrete product concept.
From Prototype to Series Production
Clear requirements provide the foundation for development
The more precisely the requirements are defined, the more reliable the basis for further development becomes. If no requirements specification is available yet, Kern can develop one together with the customer. In addition to the intended application and technical specifications, manufacturing capabilities, resource efficiency and cost optimization are also taken into account.
The requirements specification therefore establishes a shared technical framework for calculations, design and further coordination. This allows potential adjustments to the design and manufacturing process to be identified and considered at an early stage.
Calculation and design go hand in hand
Based on the defined requirements, the product to be developed can be calculated and simulated using various approaches. The resulting findings are then incorporated into the detailed design using CAD software.
Close coordination with the customer remains an essential part of the development process. This makes it possible to identify potential issues at an early stage and address them in the design before a physical prototype is produced.
Production readiness begins before the first prototype
A functioning CAD model alone does not indicate whether a product can later be manufactured economically and tested reliably. For this reason, manufacturability and quality are considered long before the prototype stage is complete.
At Kern, development, manufacturing and quality planning are closely integrated from the very beginning. In-house expertise in areas such as machining, winding technology and toolmaking enables manufacturing requirements to be incorporated directly into the development process. In addition, test plans and processes for subsequent production can be developed and coordinated together with the customer.
The prototype brings the design to life
Based on the final design, Kern can manufacture initial prototypes. The combination of development and in-house manufacturing capabilities creates a direct transition from the digital model to the physical component. A prototype makes it possible to validate the design under real conditions and identify any further need for optimization.
Various test benches are available for validation. Products can, for example, be tested in continuous operation or under maximum load. For motors, parameters such as torque, speed as well as mechanical and electrical power can be evaluated. Depending on the requirements, 100% inspections or sample-based testing are also possible. Test results can be documented to ensure traceability.
From a functional prototype to economical series production
A technically functional and successfully tested prototype provides the basis for preparing series production. Special tools, fixtures or automated processes may be required for recurring manufacturing operations. These can help ensure efficient and economical production.
Production readiness is not achieved through a single development step. Design, manufacturability, the testing concept and defined manufacturing and inspection processes must all be aligned. Short communication channels between development, manufacturing and testing make it easier to feed insights from prototyping and validation directly back into product design and production planning.
Are you developing a custom drive solution and want to coordinate design, manufacturing and testing at an early stage? Kern Antriebstechnik supports you from the initial technical requirements through to the preparation of series production.