Svanehøj’s Innovation Lab brings technical ideas to life

 

Since 2022, Svanehøj has dedicated a space to transform complex technical concepts into reality – a place where creativity is not only encouraged but actively tested and refined. This space is known as Svanehøj Innovation Lab.

 

The R&D phase at Svanehøj relies largely on prototypes that can be tested in scenarios as close to reality as possible. The Innovation Lab provides Svanehøj engineers with a dedicated space next to the production area for on-site idea testing and experimentation. It has significantly enhanced innovation in product development, while also strengthening the collaboration between the R&D and production teams.

 

- We have always been blessed with skilled people who come up with innovative ideas and wanted to strengthen this culture by enabling real-life proof of concept testing of such ideas, says Uffe Løjstrup Kristensen, Director, R&D & Technical Department.

 

Recognizing the need for engineers to have a physical space to test ideas, the Innovation Lab began to take form. In this process, Ole Wittendorf, an experienced Svanehøj traveling fitter, was brought in to run the lab in a new role as Innovation Lab Technician. Ole brought with him years of practical experience working directly with customers on-site and helped designing and setting up the facilities. This way, Svanehøj has created a place that stays aligned with customer needs. 

 

The Innovation Lab is primarily used to develop new products and solutions; however, it also plays an important role in the continuous improvement of existing products. When technical challenges arise, the lab is the go-to place for diagnosing, identifying root cause and resolving issues, leading to enhanced product reliability for all Svanehøj customers.

 

Paving the way for new technology

The integration of 3D printing technology at Svanehøj's Innovation Lab has revolutionized the prototyping and testing process. With the ability to quickly print components directly from computer designs, the need for traditional casting methods has been significantly reduced. This not only accelerates the development of prototypes but also allows for rapid testing and iteration of ideas, ensuring that concepts can be swiftly validated, and proof tested.

 

3D printing has also become an invaluable tool in the production process, especially when specialized tools or temporary fixtures are needed. The Innovation Lab is equipped with its own 3D printer, while the production area benefits from 2-3 additional printers, all of which contribute to smoother and more efficient production workflows.

 

Traditionally, critical pump components were cast in steel, a process that requires considerable time. However, with the advent of 3D printing, these components can now be quickly manufactured and tested against theoretical calculations, allowing engineers to experiment and validate their designs more efficiently.

 

Essentially, 3D printing has not only enhanced the speed and flexibility of the R&D process at Svanehøj but has also provided significant support to production, bridging the gap between design and execution with exceptional efficiency.

 

- We aim for the highest standard of technical excellence in our products and consistently pursue solutions that are thoroughly tested. We take immense pride in the features we develop, but maybe even more so in the way we do it, says Uffe Løjstrup Kristensen.

 

Redefining the lifespan of product ownership

At Svanehøj, the product lifecycle begins in the R&D team, where new products and features are conceptualized and tested. During this phase, the Innovation Lab plays an important role by providing the desired space for engineers to experiment and refine ideas.

 

Once the initial development is complete, ownership of the product shifts to the Engineering and Product Data Management teams, where products undergo further improvement and meticulous documentation before ending up in production. Often, customers and suppliers, including subcontractors, are actively involved from the initial stages in product development to ensure that the development process is collaborative and responsive to real-world needs.

 

Every prototype, every experiment, and every new idea is developed in an environment where safety has top priority. By fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement, the Innovation Lab not only drives technological advancement but also ensures that it does so in a way that is reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible.