RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AT VANGEST

INNOVATION

DRIVING INNOVATION AND IMPROVING TECHNOLOGY

Innovation is in our DNA and every company at VANGEST participates in R&D projects as part of its core strategy. In this endeavor, our employees are our most valuable resource with their know-how, skills and their focus on finding new solutions and better technologies. Our main areas of investment today are in composite materials and additive manufacturing.

We share our knowledge and collaborate with universities and scientific partners to explore new possibilities in response to the challenging needs of demanding industries. We started with R&D in the early 1990’s with software development which resulted in three successful products that are still on the market today. Our R&D gradually expanded into other fields like prototyping and our current focus into composite materials and additive manufacturing has yielded in several advancements.

Our R&D timeline highlights some of our exciting projects and there are more in the pipeline…

2018: Bee2B

We are working to improve additive manufacturing by developing a new 3D printer for professional use with variable extruder nozzles and other novel features for more accurate and reliable results.

2016: LaTch II

We developed and refined the one-shot process for CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) part production including the complete engineering process, bringing composite parts into a mass production environment.

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2014: LaTch & HYBRIDTEC

We developed CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) parts that can replace heavier metal parts in the automotive industry. CFRP parts can be up to 60% lighter and still maintain or exceed the performance of their metal counterparts.

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2010: BIGPROTO

We expanded our prototyping capabilities by researching and developing large-scale prototypes more efficiently, with better accuracy and surface finish.

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2008: Quick Quote

A mould cost calculation software that works in 3D and can quickly and accurately predict the cost of production of injection moulds. This product has been in the market since 2014 and continues to gain market share.

2005: ROBMOLDE

We made an automated soldering machine for machine milling.

2005: Sculptor Project

We collaborated with EADS (now Airbus) for the development of an incremental sheet forming process that doesn’t require specific dies, thus decreasing time-to-market by 70% and reducing upfront costs by 90% compared to the traditional stamping process.

2004: Solid Edge Mould Tooling

We launched an advanced 3D injection mould design software integrated with Siemens’ Solid Edge CAD system. This product is on the market since 2004.

2002: CATIA V5 MTD

We develop and update a component library to make mould design quicker by including the digital catalogues of 12+ worldwide standard part suppliers in Dassault Systèmes MTD (Mould Tooling Design) module of CATIA V5. This partnership is active today and will continue for the foreseeable future.

1999: Cosmos Project

We explored the possibilities within the emerging CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) concept by integrating mould design software (MoldPro), manufacturing data and third-party analysis software in a production scenario.

1997 – Experiment with Silicone Moulds

First experiments with silicone moulds and vacuum casting for rapid prototyping, allowing for quick production of functional parts. Today, this process is highly optimized and Vangest is a market leader in this area since day one.

1996: MoldPro V2

MoldPro is migrated to MATRA’s Euclid Designer to take advantage of new advances in 3D design and workflow.

1993: SimCnc

We developed a CNC tool path optimizer to make machining faster by significantly reducing non-cutting tool movement, beyond state-of-the-art toolpath generation software of the time.

1991: MoldPro

A 2D mould design software specifically made for the injection moulds industry, to be used within a CAD environment. It was a significant industry advancement, reducing design time by 80%.