More space to develop sealing solutions 05 Jul 2018

Producer of sealants and gaskets for underground construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, has expanded research and development capabilities by 50% to 3,000m² at its Innovation Centre based at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

The new space includes a 300m² showroom area demonstrating research and development and opportunities for product innovation.

Trelleborg new research centre

“Innovation is not only about new products and materials, but also advancements in analytical and technical capabilities to resolve problems and accelerate technological breakthroughs,” said Prof Dr Konrad Saur, Director of Global R&D at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

The new Innovation Centre will host laboratories with the latest analytical equipment and measurement centres, innovation and prototype facilities, and a major test area with a fully equipped tool room and materials laboratory. Capabilities will range from standard mechanical testing to analysis of materials, including Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Digital Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to a highly advanced high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX).

“With such capabilities working in combination, complex problems can be assessed and resolved rapidly. No time is lost shipping samples from lab to lab, so turnaround times and iterative assessment are faster as cross-functional competencies work directly together. These capabilities support material and product development, fundamental research of sealing designs and interactions in sealing systems, as well as root cause and failure analysis in production and from the field,” said Saur.

The new Innovation Centre is also home to the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions global headquarters and various global support departments. Personnel have begun moving into the centre and its official opening is planned for September 2018.