The work group on XXL products is a network for manufacturers and suppliers of large-scale products, e.g. special-purpose machines for mining industry, wind power plants, ships and aircraft. All of them face the same problem: The manufacture of XXL products is hardly possible with conventional methods.
Exchange across industry sectors
In regular work group meetings, members have the opportunity for cross-industry experience exchange and mutual learning. Whether a company produces wind turbines or airplanes – all XXL products pose similar problems which are easier to solve together than on one's own.
Work group members are small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large industrial groups. New members are welcome at any time or can take part in one of the meetings completely without obligation.
Cooperation of science and industry
In 2010, the Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover (IPH) gGmbH founded the work group to foster a close dialogue between science and industry. Several IPH research projects focus on XXL products. The institute's research topics range from the development of lightweight design concepts for wind turbines to appropriate methods for a more efficient and space-saving manufacture of XXL products. Additionally, the researchers developed a definition of XXL products.
