Co-development: Developing bearing solutions together that truly work

Choose co-development: technical expertise, custom solutions and complete peace of mind for our clients

In a world where products and machines are becoming increasingly complex, it is essential to use components that align perfectly with the specific requirements of your application. At IBS Rotterdam, we believe the best solutions arise through collaboration from the very beginning. With our Co-development service, we sit down with you as our client to create a bearing solution that performs optimally, is fully aligned with your design, and stays within budget.

What is Co-development?

Co-development at IBS means we contribute from the start of a development process by thinking along, advising, and offering technical solutions. You bring in your product knowledge, and we contribute our expertise in bearings, bearing housings, and related components. By developing together, we don’t just arrive at a solution that fits – we create one that is truly optimized for performance, cost, durability, and ease of maintenance.

This form of collaboration is especially valuable for companies that:

Design unique machines or vehicles;
Develop trailers, systems, or products with customer-specific variants;
Need to respond flexibly to their clients’ needs;
Refuse to settle for standard components when those don't fully meet requirements.

How does a Co-development process work?

A typical Co-development project at IBS Rotterdam progresses through several phases. Below we outline the process step by step:

1. Initiation by engineering

The first request typically comes from your engineering department. You are looking for a bearing solution that isn’t readily available, or you're uncertain about the most suitable variant. We engage in a conversation, analyze the situation, and assess your technical requirements.

2. Joint analysis and design

Together with your engineers, we discuss technical specifications, available space, load, mounting options, and cost constraints. With our expertise in bearing technology, we can propose alternatives – such as different materials, modified shapes, or specialized seals.

3. Coordination with procurement

At this stage, we also involve your procurement department. It’s crucial that the chosen solution is not only technically sound but also fits within budget. Early alignment helps us arrive at a solution that is both technically and economically feasible.

4. Design proposal and optimization

We present a concrete design proposal, which is further refined where necessary. This may involve a completely new bearing, a modified version of an existing model, or a combination of components.

5. Prototype and testing phase

If desired, IBS can produce a prototype. This test version is trialed in your application, allowing for fine-tuning before moving on to final production.

6. Production and delivery agreements

Once approved, series production begins. We coordinate delivery schedules, quantities, and inventory management with you. If needed, we can also take over inventory management, ensuring timely delivery at all times.

Who is Co-development for?

Co-development is particularly well-suited for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and companies that:

Develop or assemble products in-house;
Regularly implement customer-specific modifications;
Work with long product lifecycle series;
Seek technical and economic optimization in their component selection.

Clients with fixed machine configurations and low variation are generally less in need of co-development. For them, standard components typically suffice.

What does Co-development offer you?

1. The best bearing for your application

Instead of settling for a compromise, you receive a solution that is fully tailored to your application. No overengineering, no underperformance – just exactly what you need.

2. Cost savings

Because we actively contribute to the design and material selection, smarter solutions often emerge. A smaller, yet more efficient bearing may be both cheaper and lighter than a heavier alternative.

3. Time savings and supply reliability

In co-development projects, we often take care of inventory management as well. We maintain a buffer stock and ensure timely reordering with our partners, preventing supply issues and production downtime.

4. Full-service support

We provide complete peace of mind. You simply order what you need – we handle logistics, inventory, and quality control. This saves time, reduces internal coordination, and avoids unforeseen costs.

5. Long-term collaboration

Co-development often leads to lasting partnerships. We get to know your product, your goals, and your challenges, enabling us to support you faster and more effectively in future projects.

Working with IBS: transparent, skilled, and committed

Thanks to our hands-on experience, in-depth technical expertise, and global supplier network, we can truly add value to your development process.

Where standard solutions fall short, IBS Rotterdam offers co-development as the answer. Together, we ensure your application is equipped with the right bearing technology: reliable, efficient, and future-proof.

Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an appointment? Get in touch with us!

We can't wait to help you too!

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