R&D Center
SPE bases its industry leadership on its journey that began in 2017. Since then, it has continued its operations by adopting a customer satisfaction, trust, and quality-oriented approach. Demonstrating its difference in the industry with an innovative perspective, SPE has become Europe’s leading manufacturer in product groups such as ball joints, control arms with ball joints, tie rods, tie rod assemblies, tie rod ends, non-ball jointed control arms, control arm bushings, rubber components, steering links, steering link bushings, repair kits, Z-rods, Z-rod kits, stamped control arms, aluminum and steel forged tie rods with ball joints.
SPE maintains its influence in the industry as one of Europe’s leading companies in the production of suspension and steering parts for passenger and light commercial vehicles in the replacement market.
R&D and Innovation
Since April 2018, SPE has held the R&D Center title granted by the Ministry of Science, Industry, and Technology under Law No. 5746. The R&D Center has a strong infrastructure with over 80 competent personnel, including engineers, as well as a team of associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, working together on innovative projects.
The R&D Center offers functions such as product development, process improvement, technology development, test/validation methodology development, as well as customer technical support services.
Tools and Technologies Used:
- Material Properties Database: Material selections are made using CES Selector software and validated with a Spectral Test Device.
- 3D Modeling: 3D solid and surface modeling is performed using Siemens NX Unigraphics.
- Simulation and Analysis: Process simulations and analyses are carried out with Ansys Workbench, nCode Design Life, Autoform, and Simufact software.
- Validation and Measurement: Products are validated using high-precision 3D CMM, Laser Scanning, and Durability Test Devices.
- Data Management: IFS and TeamCenter software are used for information and data management.
New Product Development
SPE develops high-quality products for the vehicle replacement market through projects compliant with TS 16949 quality management standards, based on demands from customers and sales/marketing teams. The production process involves comprehensive studies such as competitor benchmarking, literature and patent research, design, analysis, simulation, and process analysis. Innovative technologies, patents, and utility models are closely monitored to develop products that are equivalent to or of higher quality than original parts.
Process Development
After designing new products, their production processes are developed, and innovative processes are adapted within the R&D Center. Additionally, process optimization projects are implemented using lean manufacturing techniques to increase production efficiency.
Product Improvement
Product design and manufacturing processes are improved based on performance enhancement requests from customers and end-users. Furthermore, field product performances are continuously monitored, and additional improvements are made to maximize customer satisfaction.
Technology Development
In technology development, efforts are made to adapt produced products to new technologies and to improve production stages. This ensures that SPE maintains its industry leadership and consistently upholds its brand value.
Advanced Engineering Studies
Products in the design phase are tested through analyses and simulations conducted with Siemens NX software before reaching the prototype stage. This approach minimizes losses in the product development process. Additionally, globally recognized finite element analysis software such as Ansys, Autoform, and Simufact are used to bring products to market more quickly and gain a competitive advantage.
R&D Projects
In addition to R&D projects, SPE also undertakes various projects in collaboration with public institutions and universities, including TÜBİTAK – TEYDEB projects and European Union-supported projects like HORIZON 2020. Moreover, patent and utility model studies are conducted during the product development process to protect these innovations.
By continuously increasing its annual new product development capacity, SPE has strengthened its leadership in the European market. The company has also positioned itself as a reliable and robust firm in new markets through its recent investments.
