development

The strategic objective of Rába Development Institute (RFI) is to further increase the share of high value-added complex products in the company’s sales and to expand the scope of product delivery by strengthening the research and development potential in line with the strategic objectives it has undertaken. Accordingly, the development institute is responsible for the development of new products, from the concept, through sample production, to the execution of the necessary tests. In this way, Rába, in close cooperation with its customers, offers its partners a wide range of services, from design to full-scale testing.

Rába Development Institute

Competences

Our engineering team is at the disposal of our customers with many successful product development and research and development projects behind them. Our design, project and test engineers can cover the entire development process in accordance with international practices:

  • Project management – key customer and supplier relations
  • Bearing and gear scaling, life cycle calculations – KissSoft, KissSys, Gleason Gems…
  • 3D design – Creo -3D/2D
  • Finite element simulations, strength dimensioning – NX – Nastran
  • Frequency and order analysis even at the design phase
  • Full physical, bench test capability for axles validation – fatigue life, drive train life, noise measurement, brake testing, oiling tests, air conditioning tests – A total of 27 types of internal, Corporate standard test procedures

Rába axle for high-performance agricultural machinery

A notable example of international R&D cooperation is the success of joint projects with the American John Deere and German Claas agribusiness companies.

Claas has been recognised with the Innovation Grand Prix for its development project for a three-speed wet-brake agricultural axle capable of transmitting over 500 hp.

Designed for heavy tractors and agricultural machinery, the axles are equipped with special steering and braking systems, and are at the forefront of their class in terms of optimised technical content.

John Deere commissioned Rába to develop the axle for its largest rubber-spring tractor, also with around 500 hp, which has since become one of the company’s flagship tractors.

Development of a new generation of truck axles

One of the outstanding market innovations in the truck segment is the development of the 653, drum-braked, 10t load capacity, US standard 285mm wheelbase pitch dia axle. With the introduction of this product, the direct use of US standard wheel rims, which was previously not possible on European pitch dia axle, has been made available.

Even more innovative is the development of the world-class 656 disc brake, 10t load capacity US 285mm wheelbase pitch dia axle. This was Rába’s response to the increasing demand from US truck manufacturers for brake efficiency and dispensability. Another advantage is the increased steering angle, which gives Rába an excellent market position in this dynamically expanding segment.   The axle was presented at the Truck Expo 2020 in Las Vegas with great success.

Development of a new generation of bus axle

Rába has recently introduced its new generation of disc-braked rear axle for the eastern, former CIS countries with great market success. The development of this product and the demand for it demonstrates the need for increasingly sophisticated and comfortable axle designed for bus manufacturers. With the launch of the axle with disc brakes last year, Rába has another opportunity to stay on the market and strengthen its position. And it does so in the most sensitive urban and suburban traffic.

The axles of the future

Ongoing development in all three areas will continue, and Rába intends to enter the growing market for Electric axles. Naturally, the company sees this as a strategic leap forward and is working hard on both R&D and product development level.