Shortening Time-to-Market with Realistic Simulation at Kiekart
Kiekert AG is the leader in automotive closure system technology.
“The application of scalable, realistic simulation solutions in the design phase shortens our time-to-market – the time it takes to launch our products – enormously.”
Head of Technical Calculation and Simulation, Kiekert
A different approach to security, driven by Kiekert. As product lifecycles and time-to-market demands are getting shorter, the need for efficient product development arises.
Challenge
“Without numerical simulations, companies will no longer be able to develop products profitably in the medium term. Product requirements are simply becoming ever greater.” – Simulation Department Manager, TECHNIA. However, physical tests are very time-consuming and complex. Given that Kiekert enables customers to secure one of their biggest investments, their cars, product requirements are especially high and add an extra layer of complexity during product development.
Solution
Digital solutions are therefore indispensable in order to be able to work efficiently in terms of costs, resources, and time. The digital models make it possible to carry out a greater number of stress and function tests that are also more precise. SIMULIA Abaqus can be used to carry out linear analyses using FEM (finite element method) as well as for conducting more complex, non-linear contact simulations.
“The particular charm of virtual product development lies in the fact that it allows you to take a deeper look into the product – in the truest sense of the word. With a digital model, it only takes a few clicks to take a very close look at even the smallest details within the product. A real, physical model with an outer casing is much more difficult to take apart,” – Simulation Department Manager, TECHNIA.
Tests, such as a dust simulation, can be run virtually, thereby helping to shorten this complicated process.
“TECHNIA ensures that the software is correctly installed at all workstations, that the update support works smoothly and that the software and hardware are always properly integrated with one another”
Detlef Eickhoff, IT Manager PLM and Global Licence Manager at Kiekert.
Today, Kiekert’s safety and comfort systems can be found in almost every vehicle worldwide. Every third car door in the world is based on a product design developed by Kiekert. Above all, alongside high quality, a key factor in terms of success is time.
