In over 30 years of experience, we have carried out more than 300 industrial vehicle projects.
Each project has variables that make it unique (characteristics, objectives, interlocutors), but after having seen so many, we can say that we have developed a method that allows us to guarantee the customer the best possible result in terms of costs and performance. We’ll describe it in this article.
1. Analysis
A project arises from a market need, such as a range renewal, the electrification of an existing vehicle or the launch of a new product.
Therefore, in the first phase of the project, the specifications with which the machine will face and compete in the market must be defined. Once the weight and dimensions have been estabilished, the first analysis to be done is to determine the “muscles” of the machine.
Together with the calculation of the performances, the regulations and the needs dictated by the homologation legislation are analyzed, since this will undoubtedly condition the technical and commercial choices.
2. Engineering
Once the requirements analysis is completed, it’s time for the actual engineering.
A fundamental step is the one concerning the design of the hydraulic systems, which is what determines the vehicle’s performances. The hydraulic circuits, in fact, affect the power and controllability of the machine, allowing to make the difference by working on specific characteristics.
Hydraulics are related to the power of the vehicle’s engine. Our team of engineers carries out all the necessary studies and checks for a correct installation and testing of the power units most suitable for the machine, proposing ideas and improvement solutions on all connected systems.
Another fundamental component of an industrial vehicle is its undercarriage, one of the most stressed and exposed to shocks parts. MAIN designs tracked and wheeled undercarriages for machines of all types from 1 to 40 tons of weight, studying the layout and positioning of the internal components and the related structural calculation.
Through the FEA analysis, in fact, we ensure through computer simulations that the project guarantees maximum performance, optimizing the structure for an effective cost reduction.
3. Style
In unison with the design of the technical characteristics of the car, our Style department studies technological and aesthetic solutions capable of characterizing the vehicle, making it distinctive from the competition and representative of the identity of its Brand.
Whether it’s the stylistic design of cab interiors, vehicle bodies or entire machines, the aim is always to find intelligent solutions capable of integrating design and functionality, solving every production aspect objectively. Result of the continuous search for this harmony are cutting-edge solutions capable of making every project attractive and stimulating also from a commercial point of view.
4. Verification of the Project
Our method, tested over the years, allows to obtain the best result in the shortest possible time. Effective and continuous communication with the customer allows to evaluate the evolutionary process of the style and technical characteristics, ensuring the success of the project.
The apex of the collaboration is achieved in the product testing phase, which takes place in the MAIN Experiential Lab: a space designed for a total immersion in the project, in which to experiment with the preview of the final result using tools such as mock-ups and Virtual Reality Experience.
5. Ptototyping & Testing
In addition to the Lab, MAIN has a space entirely dedicated to the creation of functional prototypes on which to perform all the tests necessary for the project in progress.
If you want to learn more about the possibilities for making prototypes, you can find the dedicated article by clicking here.
6. Industrialization
Once the prototypes have been tested, the original drawings are arranged according to the improvement opportunities collected. After this last step, the vehicle is finally ready to be industrially produced and placed on the market!
This process is the result of years of experience in the sector and allows us to guarantee our customers the maximum optimization of costs and design times.
