Research & Development
Innovation through R&D
R&D Resources & Strategy
KST propels its ongoing growth by unwaveringly committing to research and innovation. Within the company’s R&D department, which is comprised of a team of over 60 dedicated individuals, strategic formulation and execution of medium and long-term product development strategies take place.
This holistic approach encompasses a multitude of facets. These include the creation of new products, the implementation of cutting-edge process technologies and equipment, research into novel materials, the refinement of development processes, and the active nurturing of design talent.
R&D Design Capabilities
To augment design and manufacturing capabilities for products, molds, and fixtures, KST relies extensively on engineering drawing and analysis software such as AUTOCAD, Pro-Engineer, Uni-Graphic, ABAQUS, and other CAD/CAM computer design assistance systems. Furthermore, the company has implemented a PLM project lifecycle management system. This system notably amplifies the management efficiency of the product development cycle and technical data.
Experience in R&D Mold Design
With a foundation of 50 years of product development experience and profound expertise in mold design, KST has meticulously crafted an impressive portfolio of approximately 30,000 products and over 4,000 sets of molds. Leveraging our professional experience, abundant resources, and comprehensive services, we are fully equipped to collaborate on your designs or actively contribute to the development of new ones. As your dedicated engineering and manufacturing partner, KST is committed to embodying the ideal partnership.
R&D Quality Management Processes & Practices
At KST Research and Development, we take immense pride in our commitment to delivering the highest quality products and services to our valued clients. We are pleased to announce that we have achieved IATF 16949 certification, a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in the automotive industry. This certification underscores our adherence to rigorous quality management practices and automotive-specific standards. Central to our quality assurance approach is the implementation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes. With APQP as a cornerstone of our methodology, we meticulously plan, design, and develop products while proactively addressing potential issues, thus minimizing risks and ensuring that our products consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. This integrated approach, combining IATF certification and the rigor of APQP processes, showcases our continuous commitment to innovation, precision, and customer satisfaction at every stage of our research and development endeavors.
Product Innovation
The company’s product line has grown significantly, surpassing the early product development of electrical terminals, and connectors. It has now transformed into a comprehensive collection of offerings that cater to a diverse range of industries. These offerings encompass solar junction boxes, electric vehicle charging connectors, stainless steel and nylon cable ties, heat-shrinkable tubes, crimping equipment, and handheld crimping tools. These products fulfill a variety of roles in sectors such as automotive, agriculture, machinery and equipment, shipping, distribution, and transmission, as well as the ever-expanding field of green energy. This expansion showcases the company’s dedication to addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base.
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
Phase 1
Planning and Program Definition
Evaluation, Prototype Control Plan
KST is IATF 16949 certified and utilizes Advanced Product Quality Planning to manage its workflow. It defines a process for the introduction of a new product with a minimal amount of risk.
When a customer requires the introduction of a new product or the redesign of a mature one, preliminary planning becomes essential, even before discussions of product design or redesign. In this APQP phase, planning is directed at understanding the customer’s needs and product expectations.
Planning activities include collecting key data to prospectively define what the customer wants and through collaborative discussion further solidify product characteristics.
Ultimately, the output from this phase of work results in the delivery of project scope (design, reliability, and quality goals), project resources, and project timing being identified.
Phase 2
Design and Development of a Product
Tooling Design & Manufacture, DFMEA
Design and development of a product, or production design change becomes the focus activity. At this time Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) created in support of the design activity.
Resulting outcomes from work in this phase include:
- Completed design review and verification
- Defined material specifications and equipment requirements
- Completed Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) to assess failure probabilities
- Established control plans for product prototype creation
Phase 3
Design and Development of Process
Tooling Manufacture & Trial, PFMEA
This phase focuses on planning the manufacturing process that will produce the new or improved product. The goal is to design and develop the production process while keeping product specifications, product quality, and production costs in mind. The process must be able to produce the quantities needed to meet expected consumer demand while maintaining efficiency.
Examples of outcomes in this phase include:
- A completed process flow configuration
- A completed process failure mode and effect analysis to identify and deal with risks
- Operational process quality specifications
- Product finishing and packaging requirements
Phase 4
Validation of the product
ISIR | MSA | PPAP | Product Control Plan
Validation of the product, process, or any changes to the production process is being made. At this point, a significant production run takes place which is used to collect information to confirm the that resulting product and process have the potential to produce the conforming product at the required rate, under normal production conditions. Also, the product quality planning activities culminate in the customer approval activity often referred to as the Product Part Approval Process (PPAP). Successful PPAP flags the project as being fit for entering into production.
Steps in this phase include:
- Confirming capability and reliability of the manufacturing process and product quality acceptance criteria.
- Performing production trial runs
- Testing product output to confirm the effectiveness of the deployed manufacturing approach
- Reconciling needed adjustments before moving to the next phase
Phase 5
Feedback, Assessment and Corrective Action
Internal Quality Audit & Improvement Activities
Continuous improvement of the product and process with a focus on improvement in safety, quality, delivery and costs.
Research & Development Features & Benefits
Research and Development (R&D) serves as the cornerstone of KST’s sustainable growth strategy. R&D extends beyond the mere creation of cutting-edge products; it encompasses the formulation of medium and long-term objectives for advancing the design and implementation of safer, environmentally conscious materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment. Additionally, it involves the exploration and evaluation of novel materials through meticulous design and testing procedures. Equally vital is the establishment of a workplace culture that fosters mentorship, training, and the professional growth of engineers, thus instilling a profound appreciation for continuous learning and career development.
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No. 8, Zhangbin East 3rd Rd., Xianxi Township, Changhua County, 507, Taiwan
+886-4-7582765
inquiry@ksterminals.com
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