Smart development approach leads to success story

Out of a technical challenge comes a success story: Working in close collaboration with an international customer, SFS developed precision components for Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries – reliable, precise and efficient. What made this possible was a smart development approach that saves time, cuts costs and allows all parties to speed up their power to innovate: that was how a simple request led to a strong partnership as equals.

Added value

Short development times through optimally coordinated processes
Tailor-made solutions thanks to in-depth expertise
Time and cost savings through close collaboration and efficient procedures

A leading global manufacturer of electronic components engaged SFS to develop high-precision, robust and cost-efficient components for a new series of batteries for EVs. The focus was on key parts for high voltage connections that require maximum reliability, safety, and optimal conductivity. These components were made using cold forming and in combination with the plastic injection molding technology – a targeted combination of the two technologies to turn functional, economical solutions into production-ready assembly methods.

Efficient development is key
Right from the beginning of the project, the SFS Group implemented a holistic development approach based on simultaneous engineering. This involved the customer’s development departments working in close collaboration with our internal teams. From the initial stages of product development, experts in engineering, material sciences and production worked hand in hand to fulfill the customer’s specific requirements. There are several benefits of simultaneous engineering:

INDUSTRIAL_AUTOMOTIV_3566 — Contact ring – custom-designed and -manufactured

Reduced time to market and enhanced competitive advantage through parallel processing across various teams and phases
Reduced development costs through close collaboration and regular communication
Avoidance of additional process steps in production thanks to function-oriented design and comprehensive understanding of part application

E_Mobility_3 — Battery of an electric vehicle

Trust creates innovative solutions
The collaboration between SFS’s development departments and the customer was characterized by mutual trust and open communication. Regular workshops and the cooperation between interdisciplinary project teams enabled challenges to be identified at an early stage and mastered jointly. The customer in particular highlighted SFS’s ability to respond flexibly to the changes requested and implement them quickly and efficiently.

industrial_metal_plastic_combination_6_1920px — Overmolded screw – smart combination of two technologies

The result: high-precision, robust components
High-precision, ready-to-use parts with outstanding mechanical qualities were made using state-of-the-art cold forming and plastic injection molding procedures. In developing these customer-specific products, not only did SFS meet the high demands placed on it with regard to precision and reliability, it also created added value in terms of resilience with specially finished copper parts and individual surface treatment.

These precision components play a key role in the end customer’s new EVs and are pivotal to the efficiency and safety of the vehicles.

A partnership that makes a difference
The transformation from a supplier to a strategic development partner has not just made SFS more competitive, it has also strengthened the bond between us and our customers and cemented the partnership. This success story impressively shows how a vision becomes reality and lasting added value is created through strategic collaboration.