Research and Development

Know how> R&D

Research and Development

METALOGONDE, as a technology-based company specialized on material handling and processing bulks for industrial use, supports its activity on a solid internal R&D centre. Specialized staff perform experimental research activities in the various stages of design, prototyping and testing of new equipment solutions. Working in close collaboration with partners from the Portuguese Scientific and Technological System, METALOGONDE has been developing a comprehensive knowledge network, generating unique solutions that incorporate important technical improvements with direct impact on several industrial production processes.

Each prototype that the company develops aims to respond to a specific constraint and results from the application of a careful scientific process that incorporates distinctive technological benefits that contribute to the development of the existing level of knowledge and responds to rigorous quality requirements.

Internally, METALOGONDE promotes a culture of excellence, encouraging the continuous training of its professionals, the adoption of innovative work processes and methods and the sharing of knowledge with other companies and entities in the scientific environment.

The prototypes developed and the knowledge generated are thus the genesis and engine of new lines of research and experimental development that, in line with the company’s culture of excellence, have boosted its recognition and growth in the national and international markets.

The scientific method

The scientific method used by Metalogonde in the execution of its R&D projects is based on a structure of activities and states, which organically adjusts to the specific nature of each project:

1. Specification and analysis of technological and scientific uncertainty.

At this stage, the company identifies, characterizes and enunciates the technological uncertainty that the project seeks to respond to. It proceeds with the formulation of hypotheses for its resolution, the definition of an approach strategy and the qualification and quantification of metrics that allow its resolution to be assessed.

2. Elaboration of the Descriptive Memory of the solution.

In this step, the technical and functional requirements of the solution and technology to be developed are specified. It comprises the study and description of technology or research objects, with special relevance to the enumeration of the key points that are intended to be developed in view of the present situation of knowledge or current state of development. Within the scope of this stage, when applicable, research and preparation of the list of legislation and standards applicable to development is carried out.

3. Research and study of solutions.

At this stage, opportunities for disseminating the technology are explored and the limits of use are set, as well as any other essential requirements to which the technology must respond. Based on this study and considering the stated theoretical hypotheses, the technical research, development and implementation strategy is established.

4. Proof of concept development.

Development of the technology and its validation against the previously defined requirements. This stage will be the result of applying the previously identified technical development solution to a base version (or prototype). This phase may involve the prior modeling and simulation of the technology using 3D tools, as well as the review and approval of the estimated results against the limits of use and the essential requirements defined for the technology.

5. Execution of tests/tests on prototype and registration.

At this stage, the prototype is tested and tested in order to validate, or not, the development carried out, producing the respective performance records in order to determine the follow-up to the product development process. The follow-up may include changes to the project and prototype with a view to improvement or the decision to abandon/postpone the project due to unsatisfactory results.

Disclosure and registration of patents

Internally generated knowledge makes Bulk Handling Technology move forward. New products and innovative technical solutions, after being carefully tested, are ready to be distributed and used in new projects, contributing not only to the expansion of our customers’ production capacity but also to the optimization of their value chains.

Whenever justified, METALOGONDE applies for the registration of a patent for the protection of the results obtained, advances achieved or new products developed by its Research and Development processes.

Highlights

Research and Development

Project "WEAR"

Project "DRECHE"

Project "RPET"