Research & Development - Competencies

For products & solutions at the cutting edge

Our research and development (R&D) department is characterized by a broad spectrum of expertise. From the development of innovative manufacturing processes to the design and implementation of new, networked production systems, we cover all aspects of modern production. Continuous research is crucial for us in our production processes in order to be able to offer you products with excellent technological properties.

Another focus of our development work is the continuous improvement of efficiency and quality in our production processes. In order to keep our finger on the pulse and develop forward-looking solutions, we focus on current topics such as sustainable or modular production.

Technology Lab

R&D Lab

The R&D Lab at KERN LIEBERS is a central component of our R&D strategy. The practical implementation of ideas in the lab is essential in order to expand our production expertise. The Technology Lab offers an ideal environment for implementing the entire spectrum from classic R&D projects and our innovation projects through to pre-series production.

This results in a close link between pre-production and process development. In this way, we achieve a good balance between market pull and technology push. In this way, we can quickly place new production technology impulses on the market and react more quickly to market feedback. This model also makes sense in terms of smooth and efficient ramp-up processes.

Cooperations

Cooperation & Open Innovation

Our development processes are based on the open innovation approach. This is why long-term partnerships are of great importance to us. Existing expertise with system and material suppliers helps to optimize our time-to-market.

Universities and research institutes are key to generating new innovation ideas and technology screening. They also provide access to state-of-the-art laboratories and technologies. This enables us to successfully transfer basic research into series production processes time and time again.

Association work is also an elementary part of our network. For example, we are actively involved in the Association of the German Spring Industry and the Research Association for Spatial Electronic Assemblies 3-D MID e.V.

In practice

Welding of non-ferrous metals

Based on our extensive expertise in the shaping and joining of steel components for mechanical applications, we have become a technology leader in the production of components for electromobility and electrification in various sectors. Focused R&D activities in areas such as stamping and bending, fineblanking and modern joining and surface processes are a key component here.

Additive manufacturing of springs

The 3D printing technology we have developed for spring materials delivers performance features that far exceed existing standards. Key benefits include faster production, as components can now be manufactured in days rather than months. Further benefits can be found in the flexibility and efficiency of the process, as no large order quantities with long delivery times of the primary material are required. In addition, digitalized and additive processes are revolutionizing the supply chain by streamlining production and reducing material waste.