Knorr-Bremse and John Von Neumann University Complete R&D Project

Source: Knorr-Bremse announcement

KECSKEMÉT, Hungary, MUNICH – A consortium formed by Knorr-Bremse, the global market leader for braking and other rail and commercial vehicle systems, and John von Neumann University in Kecskemét, Hungary, has successfully completed a joint 27-month research project.

The focus of the project was on alternative raw materials – particularly polymer and rubber materials – and technologies for use in the commercial vehicle industry. The research findings will feed into Knorr-Bremse’s research and development strategy and activities in the long term.

“The consortium members have clearly demonstrated just how important fundamental research on raw materials is, and their achievements directly contribute to our strategic R&D approach,” commented Andreas Wimmer, Vice President Systems & Vehicle Technologies at Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems. “The project’s key components play an essential role in diverse applications at Knorr-Bremse, helping to secure our product portfolio and our technology leadership – today, and even more so in the future.”

Related posts:
Knorr-Bremse Named “Best Brand” in Germany
Knorr-Bremse Launches Next Phase of Its Climate Strategy

The consortium members received a non-repayable EU grant of HUF 350 million (approximately  €1.1 million) in 2017 to deepen and expand their cooperation in R&D, researching into alternative product development procedures and raw materials which could help to develop new prototype systems.

The project included the development of prototypes of a modular electronic air treatment unit for commercial vehicles and a new trailer brake control valve. In the process, in addition to Knorr-Bremse’s functional innovations, a number of nano-composite raw material recipes and testing procedures were developed in cooperation with John von Neumann University and tested at the Knorr-Bremse R&D Center in Kecskemét.

Sign up for our weekly email to stay on top of the latest news and insights!

Polymer and rubber raw materials play a major role in Knorr-Bremse’s research and development activities. Various parameters of their mechanical properties were also enhanced during the R&D project with the help of nano-scale material components. In addition, it also proved possible to improve existing test procedures for use with polymers, generating faster and more efficient methods that reduce the duration of the tests.

The entire announcement can be viewed by clicking HERE.

The Brake Report
The Brake Report

The BRAKE Report is an online media platform dedicated to the automotive and commercial vehicle brake segments. Our mission is to provide the global brake community with the latest news & headlines from around the industry.