Innovation sanctified by experts from the peer-reviewed magazine

The article details a successful collaboration with Maxion Wheels, a company specialising in the manufacture of automotive wheels, focused on the innovative design of a wheel carrier for their conveyor systems.

This project used topological optimization and advanced 3D design approaches to achieve the lightest possible wheel carrier. The newly designed carrier is now in active use at Maxion Wheels and significant savings have been achieved due to its reduced weight, which is essential for efficient operation of the conveyor system.

A total of 176 of these wheel carriers are used in the Maxion Wheels conveyor system. The reduced weight of the carriers has led to a significant reduction in electricity consumption. Within 50 weeks, consumption was reduced from the original 6208 kWh to 3200 kWh, a saving of 48,5 % in electricity. This saving has also had a positive impact on the reduction of CO₂ emissions, with a saving of 1,931 kg of CO₂ when operating continuously for 50 weeks.

In addition to the energy and emissions savings, the reduced weight of the carriers also has a positive impact on parts wear and maintenance intervals, including better and easier carrier handling.

The findings of this project, which confirm the efficiency and environmental benefits of the newly designed bike carrier, have been detailed in a paper in the journal Applied Sciences.

We are proud of this collaboration and believe it will bring further positive impacts for our department, our colleagues, partners and ultimately the environment.