Support throughout the entire product development cycle, including the process steps of design, simulation, and manufacturing.
We support our customers throughout the entire product development cycle – from the initial concept idea to validated industrial solutions. Our integrated approach combines design, simulation, and manufacturing into a seamless development process with measurable added value.
The Institute for Product and Production Engineering FHNW considers the product development cycle as a holistic process and offers companies both end-to-end development services and targeted support for specific development phases.
Our Services in the Product Development Cycle
1. Design and Product Engineering
We develop innovative product concepts and detailed designs in an iterative, application-oriented manner.
Concept development and system architecture
CAD design and interface definition
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)
2. Simulation and Virtual Validation
Simulation is a key tool for early concept evaluation and for reducing development risks and costs.
Structural, thermal, and fluid simulations
Multiphysics simulations (e.g. thermo-electro-mechanical, thermo-chemical)
Topology optimisation for weight and performance enhancement
Virtual design iterations to improve product performance
3. Prototyping and Testing
We manufacture prototypes, engineering models, or structural-thermal models and test them against the defined requirements.
Rapid prototyping and small-batch manufacturing
Measurement and testing for quality assurance
Experimental validation of simulation results
Optimisation as an Integral Part of Development
Optimisation is performed continuously across all development phases.
Simulation-driven design improvements
Topology optimisation for material and weight reduction
Performance enhancement of existing series products
Multiphysics Expertise for Complex Systems
Thanks to modern computing capabilities, we analyse coupled physical effects such as structural mechanics, thermal behaviour, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and chemical processes. Multiphysics approaches are essential for high-tech applications such as turbines, batteries, fuel cells, and aerospace systems.
Our expertise is based on demanding development projects, for example in aerospace (STIX, CaSSIS), industry, energy, and medical technology. We understand the requirements for highly reliable systems and industrial implementation.
Ihr Mehrwert
Reduced development risks through simulation and validation
Cost-optimised products through design and topology optimisation
Technological leadership through interdisciplinary research expertise
Product development is the core of a successful company. We help you efficiently translate technological innovation into market-ready products and strengthen your long-term competitiveness.
Selected Projects
GreDom insert
- Institute
- School of Engineering and Environment
Free-space optical communication with a high-altitude balloon
- Institute
- School of Engineering and Environment, Institute for Sensors and Electronics
- Research field
- Aerospace, Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering
With Coatings Towards Better Batteries
- Institute
- Institute of Product and Production Engineering
- Research field
- Mechanical engineering, Energy and environment
Functionalization of artificial skin
- Institute
- Institute of Product and Production Engineering
- Research field
- Mechanical engineering
Contact and collaboration
We are pleased to put our continuously advancing expertise at your service. If you have any questions or are interested in our offerings, please feel free to contact us.
Prof. Dr. Kaspar Löffel
- Phone
- +41 56 202 85 64
- kaspar.loeffel@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Gröbelbauer
- Phone
- +41 56 202 74 46 (Direct)