Utilized for more than 70 years, simulation methods are now essential tools in product development and industrialization.
“Simulation is no longer about the generation of colorful animations as it tended to be in its early days. Computerized design and manufacturing simulation methods are integral in achieving better performing, lower cost and more sustainable solutions that often exceed the expectations of our customers,” says Konrad Saur, Vice President for Innovation and Technology at Trelleborg, who heads up a team of sealing experts based in Trelleborg’s research and development facility in Stuttgart, Germany.
What are the main customer priorities for product design?
“As always, customers want cost-effective high-quality solutions with outstanding performance and longevity,” says Martin Wolf, an engineer for custom products. “Today though, speed to market is also vital.”
This is where computerized modelling comes into its own.
“Although simulation and virtual design can be the lengthiest part of the design process, it saves numerous different prototype designs, or iterations, as well as cost. So, it is worth it,” says Wolf.
Trelleborg uses Finite Element Analysis, or FEA, to develop all its new products. This predicts how a product will react to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow and other physical conditions, for example.
“FEA helps engineers like me identify potential areas of concern from the very start of a product’s design phase,” says technology engineer Monica Crudu.
