Forging the Future
Battery Systems
The airlock connects the changing room with the battery cell production facility. Nozzles blast air from all sides for 15 seconds, removing any dust particles from protective clothing. Then the airlock door re-opens and the cleanroom can be entered.
120 battery modules is the daily output of this Freudenberg facility. A test station examines the modules for defects and plays a key role in optimizing the modules’ charging capacity.
A battery module is tested for internal coolant leaks. Afterwards, a report on the monitor indicates whether or not it passed the test.
An employee inspects equipment used in cell assembly to minimize downtime and improve quality.
Filtration Technologies
The filter media are assembled on a production line. The cartridges manufactured here can purify interior air in a 360-degree radius. To do this, coarse filtration, HEPA filtration and activated carbon adsorption are combined. This efficiently removes the smallest contaminants from the room air.
An automated activated carbon production line permits a wide range of activated carbon formulations to meet an extraordinary range of gas filtration and adsorption requirements. The filtration properties of the activated carbon are enhanced with customized chemical formulas.
In a test chamber for air purifiers, the pollutant removal capacity of the air purifier capacity is tested. The chamber, with a volume of 3 cubic meters (106 cubic feet), is sealed. The air purifier inside the chamber is activated by remote control, as soon as the door is closed. Standardized test pollutants are introduced during the test.
Fuel Cell Systems
The company’s pilot production facility is an important milestone on the road to the industrialization of fuel cell technology. The work involves testing numerous key aspects, such as series-production automation and implementing process innovation.
Semi-automated assembly with integrated pressure testing for fuel cells at the Innovation Center II. The so-called “stack” – the core of any fuel cell system – is based on a standardized platform and can be combined using a modular approach into various performance classes depending on a customer’s requirements.
The membrane electrode assembly (MEA), consisting of an ion-conductive electrolytic membrane, catalytic layers on the anode and cathode sides, and gas diffusion layers (GDL), is produced under cleanroom conditions. Freudenberg is enlarging the MEA and integrating an innovative sealing concept to promote long cell life.
Air Springs
Before packaging, it is important to check for irregularities in the cord and rubber layers. If a sleeve contains too many or too few cords, a camera detects this and separates the sleeve out. An operator must then validate it. Every single sleeve is checked in this way.
For axial sleeves, a machine applies cords vertically prior to vulcanization.
Digital Lab
Veteran and young employees from various disciplines work together in the Digital Lab. The work methods of the digital task force come from software development and, of course, are modern and agile. For example, projects are set up using the scrum method “lean,” in which the teams self-organize. The work all takes place side-by-side with hardware developers, managers and test stands.
Digital products are developed and sales channels created at this Freudenberg facility near Munich. Instead of cubicles or individual offices, the Digital Lab has a modern, somewhat playful office architecture, where computer workplaces, conference spaces and “real-life” hardware components stand side-by-side on an equal footing.
175 years of Freudenberg
On the Trail of the Founder
His name, Carl Johann Freudenberg, is pivotal to today's technology company's success. Founded in Weinheim 175 years ago on February 9, 1849, by him and a partner, it swiftly rose to global prominence. The story of this enterprise is well-documented in modern archives. Yet, what does this record reveal about Carl Johann's personality and influence on Freudenberg's corporate values?
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Family Ties
Freudenberg has been in family ownership for seven generations. And there are entire dynasties of employees, who have worked for the technology company for decades. The following examples illustrate employees’ strong sense of attachment to Freudenberg.
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Discover the world of Freudenberg
We are as diverse as our people, products and applications. Explore the captivating world of Freudenberg through compelling stories, insightful reports, and exclusive interviews.
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