This week the official launch site of the software product TriboForm Engineering, a startup from the University of Twente. Launching customers Volvo, Mercedes Benz and Skoda develop components such as hoods and car doors with the simulation method of the fast-growing startup from Enschede. Director and founder Jan Harmen Wiebenga speaks of a dream. “When we see these cars on the road, we realize that we cooperated thereto. That of course makes us very proud.”
The demand for the TriboForm software giant. The startup now controls a large share of the European car industry. TriboForm makes simulation methods in the field of friction modeling and predicting tribological behavior. A branch of the mechanical engineering in which the contact between the materials is described under various conditions. The software is used in the development and production of new automotive parts. That gives automakers much time and savings. Until now, often with practical tests sought to reduce the risk of fractures and waviness of steel or aluminum.
The official introduction of the product takes place this week in Germany, the heart of the global auto industry. TriboForm launching the product on the Triboforum 2016, a triennial vakconferentie. The company does along with the main engineers of Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. At the request of the Volkswagen Group, there already was a presentation in Hanover with experts from Porsche, Seat, Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda. It makes clear how great the interest is for the software.
Road to Success
Wiebenga TriboForm started in 2013 with his companion John Cave. This they did during their PhD research at the University of Twente. TriboForm has grown to six people and is perched on the Knowledge Park Twente in Enschede. “Our ambitions go far. With the launch of our software product we enter a new growth phase,” said Wiebenga. “Competition in the automotive industry is large, and thus the desire for innovative software products like ours.”
Unique software technologies
Where many startups be shackled primarily in the R & amp; D departments of automotive, TriboForm working effectively contribute to the production of the latest cars. According to technical director Johan Cave is because of the different nature of the software technology. “Our software is mainly used in the automotive industry for simulating friction, lubrication and wear in production of new automotive parts such as a hood, car door or fender. As a result, automotive companies and suppliers in state in a time and cost effective manner to produce high-quality components. Such a thing did not exist at this level. ”
Research
The TriboForm software is based on many years of research at the University of Twente. Wiebenga and Cave promoted within the Department of Applied Mechanics (prof. Ton van den Boogaard) of the CTW faculty and still have close contact with the department. The link with the University of Twente and Saxion College was the duo reason to stay in Enschede. “Only then can we continue to grow rapidly as a company. In addition, Germany is ‘around the corner’, which also plays a major role,” says Johan Hol.
Big Future
For Wiebenga and Cave, which the car doors from both the new Volvo XC90 in their office as Mercedes-Benz C-Class have standing, this is just the beginning. “Our ultimate goal is that our product standard is going into the development of cars worldwide. And even beyond the auto industry, we take steps.”
To financially facilitate the growth spurt, various parties want to invest in the company. The interest is reinforced by that interest from outside of the automotive industry.
http://www.triboform.com/
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