The Höfler Speed Viper cylindrical gear generating grinding machine and the Klingelnberg P 65 precision measuring center are the first machines in which Klingelnberg has implemented and launched its newly developed design concept. Both were honored at this year's iF Design Award with a distinction in the "Product" category.
The iF Design Award is given out once a year by the world's oldest independent design institution, iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hanover/Germany. The competition attracted a large number of entries again this year, with 6,400 submissions from 54 countries vying for the internationally acclaimed seal of quality. It wasn't an easy choice for the 63-member jury of experts, who recognized not one, but two, of the machines submitted by Klingelnberg with an award in the "Product" category. Martin Boelter, chief operating officer at Klingelnberg, accepted the Design Award for the Speed Viper cylindrical gear generating grinding machine and the precision measuring center on Mar. 9, 2018, during the iF design award night at BMW Welt in Munich/Germany. "We are extremely pleased that our new design language has received such immediate confirmation!" exclaimed Boelter at the awards ceremony, which was attended by some 2,000 guests from 36 countries.
The Speed Viper cylindrical gear generating grinding machine and the P 65 precision measuring center were designed in line with Klingelnberg's new brand and design principle: "The new precision is black." The machine builder launched the design project in February 2016, as the design concept for the new Speed Viper 300 was evolving. Working together with product design specialist, The Kaikai Company, Klingelnberg developed a new look that will extend to the company's product portfolio. The P 65 precision measuring center was designed from the ground up based on these new standards, which feature a longlife color concept focused on dark gray hues. The color scheme ensures that machines used directly on the shop floor are less prone to showing dirt. Klingelnberg's signature blue color comes into play as an eye-catcher in selected design elements, which are coordinated with every product group and product; together, these elements form a central, unifying moment that promotes a consistent brand image. The machine's haptic interfaces were a major consideration in the ergonomically optimized design, since this is where the user "gets a feel" for the machine's quality in the truest sense of the word.
This overall concept, which can be applied to the entire machine lineup, immediately received accolades in its first practical implementation in the Speed Viper and the P 65. More information on the Speed Viper cylindrical gear generating grinding machine and the P 65 precision measuring center can be found under "Design Excellence" in the iF World Design Guide.