Product developer Christoph Poltera ensures rapid development cycles at Climeo. How does he do that? With the help of efficient prototype production for mechanical components.


A very banal question: What is currently being worked on at Climeo?

Christoph Poltera: We are currently working on an Airgate version for industry. The industry demands a high quality standard – for the development this means: Transfer the prototypes to the test assembly as early as possible in order to quickly draw conclusions regarding quality improvement. These findings then flow into the series assembly.

This work is made much easier by an efficient development cycle. What enables a fast development cycle of the mechanical components at Climeo?

The basis of a fast cycle is the same work steps as in conventional development: concept, design, execution and testing. These work steps are implemented efficiently and quickly at Climeo through local collaboration and our short internal communication channels.

What are the advantages of this efficient implementation?

The faster the development process, the faster we can provide the mechanical prototypes. These prototypes are crucial for our functional tests, for example for the software control or for the electrical circuits. For us, time saved means getting into series production faster and thus being on the market faster.

One step in the development of prototype components is the implementation of the design geometry with 3D printers. What are the advantages of this process?

Our 3D printing technology facility enables the near-series implementation of the prototype components. Before we used 3D printing technology, we had to wait a long time for the mechanical components. For certain geometries, the production was very complex and associated with high costs. The main advantage of 3D printing technology is the flexible, fast and cost-effective production of the prototype.

Another technique for manufacturing the components is CNC production. When is this manufacturing technique used?

We use CNC production for components that cannot be manufactured using 3D printing for reasons of stability or choice of material. Operating our own CNC workshop would not be economically viable for us at Climeo and is not in line with our procurement strategy. For this reason, we procure the components via a web platform and thus have access to an international supplier network.

As soon as the prototype has been manufactured, the test assembly follows. What conclusions can be drawn from this for the further development process?

Test assembly gives us quick feedback for production optimisation. The findings from the test assembly flow directly into the next development cycle. A distinction is made as to whether it is a matter of optimisation or an urgently needed change. In addition, production aids are manufactured internally using 3D printing technology, which optimises the assembly process.

Climeo is currently working with a manufacturer for large series in Asia. How does this cooperation work?

Climeo works with an agency for procurement in Asia. This agency searches for the right manufacturers for us in Asia and takes care of the communication. The close cooperation with the series manufacturer began early in the development process. Our intention was to prepare the Asian manufacturer for series production – this includes feasibility testing and a precise estimate of manufacturing costs. Both are important to identify cost drivers early on and to shape production prices.

The development process of the mechanical components, supported by 3D printing technology, allows Climeo’s developers the optimal conditions to further perfect the functioning of the Climeo Indoor Climate System. Find out more about how Climeo products work here.

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