Automotive saves millions thanks Twente software – Automotive Management

This week the official launch site of the software product TriboForm Engineering, a start-up of the University of Twente. TriboForm, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Skoda known as launching customers. The software is used in the development of production of novel (sheet metal) components.

Wiebenga and Cave: although interest from outside the automotive industry

 Manufacturers develop sheet metal parts such as hoods and car doors with the simulation method of the start-up from Enschede. The young company already operates to a large part of the European car industry simulation methods in the field of friction modeling and predicting tribological behavior. The tribology is 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 and supplies automotive manufacturers save time and savings. Until now, often with practical trials attempted to reduce the risk of fractures and waviness of steel or aluminum.
 The official introduction of the product takes place this week in Germany, a major center of the global auto industry. TriboForm launching the product on the Triboforum 2016, a triennial vakconferentie in cooperation with chief engineers from Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. At the request of the Volkswagen GOEP there already was a presentation in Hanover with experts from Porsche, Seat, Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda.
 

 
Way to Success
 

 Wiebenga TriboForm started in 2013 with his partner Johan Cave during their doctoral 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 technology
 

 While many start-ups mainly be shackled to the R & amp; D departments of car manufacturers, 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 manufacturing new auto parts, such as bonnets, car doors or fenders. As a result, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers in state in a time and cost efficient way to produce high-quality parts. 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 to remain with the University of Twente and the Saxion College was the duo drove in Enschede. “Only then can we continue to grow rapidly. In addition, Germany is around the corner and that plays a big role,” says Cave.
 

  Big Future
 

 For Wiebenga and Cave, which the doors of 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 enhanced by the interest there is now outside of the automotive industry. (Source: engineers online)