Behind the innovations: Industrias Alegre

Advanced Manufacturing – ¿Cuál fue la motivación para empezar a desarrollar vuestra innovación en proceso de fabricación para módulos de baterías?

Miguel Alagarda – La nueva industria del vehículo eléctrico necesita piezas con requerimientos técnicos complejos. Muchas de ellas suponen grandes desafíos técnicos. En este caso, el reto consistía en mejorar un proceso ya existente, que estaba en marcha en otro proveedor pero presentaba un nivel elevado de scrap. A ello se añadía el reto de cubrir un alto volumen de producción y un control de calidad realmente complejo.

AMM – Can you tell us how the product development process went? Any anecdotes or obstacles that got in the way? M. Alagarda – Until we decided that this was the most suitable process that allowed us to offer a balance between productivity and investment cost, we were thinking in various directions and studying multiple configurations. The first steps were very complex. When we considered making the injection vertically, we knew that there are no large tonnage machines with this configuration and that they would have to manufacture it for us. But we also couldn’t find smaller machines anywhere in China to make the prototype mold, which was a smaller version.

AMM – What technology is behind this innovation?

M. Alagarda – Our production process incorporates a large-tonnage vertical injection machine capable of ensuring the correct placement of the metal inserts inside the molds. On the other hand, the machine works with two molds that are located on sliding tables on both sides to ensure a production volume and speed that are sufficient. Lastly, we have automation and control mechanisms that ensure the correct presence of the inserts before injection and the quality of the finished piece.

AMM – What are the main advantages offered by this innovative product? What needs does it fulfill and how can it improve the lives of companies?

M. Alagarda – There are two fundamental advantages in this production process: high productivity and guaranteed quality. Both aspects were essential requirements from our client to improve their levels of efficiency and profitability, and at Industrias Alegre we have successfully resolved this.

AMM – Which industries is the innovation mainly aimed at?

M. Alagarda – This process combines existing technologies with the know-how of Industrias Alegre and is specifically designed to manufacture electric battery modules for the automotive sector. However, it could be transferred or adapted to other types of products and sectors where multiple overinjection of multi-material elements is necessary, with high weight and a strong demand for production and quality.

AMM – What are the main obstacles faced by a company that wants to develop an innovative product?

M. Alagarda – Speaking in general, we would say that the main obstacles to innovation for both product development and production processes are, on one hand, resources, both economic or financial and personal, and on the other hand, the market itself. Innovative companies must follow the innovation strategy we have set and prioritize it, detect innovative talent in the company, and provide the necessary resources to carry it out.