Research & Development
Our research and development is market driven. We observe and analyze the demands in the material handling market. At the same time, we study the possibilities for new technology to improve our way of conducting business in this industry. With this approach, we have been able to continuously launch new products that provide genuine benefits for our customers.
We apply concurrent engineering principles within our Research & Development. The fact that Konecranes is a fully integrated company—as manufacturer, distributor, and service provider for overhead material handling products—gives us a clear advantage in respect to our competitors. Every development project team consists of experts from engineering production, sales, purchasing, and service. Using our experience with cranes of all makes and models under service agreements worldwide, Konecranes fuels its Research and Development function for further innovations improving the features in our product range.
We enhance our knowledge by cooperating with universities, research institutes, and strategic suppliers in our in-house development and multi-company/multi-country research projects.
Our technological focuses are hoists, drives, motor controls, and software. We focus on integrating these components into our cranes. Our most recent achievements include development of the world's most modern compact Electric Wire Rope Hoist, a full range of Electric Chain Hoists, and a complete series of motor controls from 0.3 to 1500 kW power rating. For the harbor industry, we have developed a unique Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Crane, a Grab Unloader, and onboard shipboard gantry cranes known as the Munckloader. Another R&D achievement from Konecranes is the Container Handling Crane (Ship-to-Shore) design, The BoxHunter®. Read more.
Safe, Energy-efficient Lifting
A good example of using technology is the precise, detailed equipment information provided by the computer-based Crane Management System, CMS, coupled with our vast service contract base and predictive maintenance concept. The system enables us to ensure the safe and uninterrupted use of cranes throughout their entire life span. Thus, our product development work fulfills our promise of Lifting BusinessesT.
The efficient use, recyclability, and energy efficiency of materials are key aspects of Konecranes Group product development. More than 98 percent of the material in a typical Konecranes crane can be recycled, and our hoists and lifting trolleys have long been pioneers in our industry when it comes to space efficiency. An excellent example of this is the world's most compact hoist, Konecranes CXT.
In 2007, Konecranes delivered the first of the new generation RTG cranes, specifically designed future environmental demands taken into account. Our RTG cranes are among the most energy-efficient on the market, and their fuel consumption can be further improved by about 30 percent, using various control systems.
New Laboratory Facilities Aid Product Testing
When it comes to raising electric motor efficiency, modern inverters are unsurpassed. Fitted with such devices, motors are increasingly able to convert as much as 70 percent of the braking energy back into the grid. Konecranes has reset the standards for the entire industry. We were the first in the world to make inverter technology a standard feature across our entire broad range of products, from the smallest chain hoist to the most gigantic yard crane. Thus, an ever increasing body of users can enjoy benefits such as stepless speed control and sway prevention.
Close cooperation with educational and research institutions in our field is vital to our development work. With our new product development laboratory, completed in 2007, testing is even easier. In fact, testing in our own facilities and other research establishments is an essential part of our development work. Active participation in the industry's international development work gives us a strong platform and detailed knowledge of the main technological trends in the field.
Our development staff is a mixture of experience and youth. Together we strive to develop unique, innovative designs. If you are specialized in electronics, software or structural engineering, or machine design, and are searching for new demanding employment challenges, contact our recruitment service to learn how to join the leading company in the crane industry.