01 17

Clever Solutions For Challenging Tasks ContiTech offers customized systems for the construction industry

As a specialist in rubber ContiTech continues to enhance its value chain through digitalization, and

is connecting intelligent products, systems and services: “ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber”

In close collaboration with our partners, we work quickly and flexibly to dis-

cover and explore new pathways – because it’s in our ContiTech DNA to do so.

Proceeding along our chosen route, we continue to gain knowledge and expe-

rience by working with other companies that complement us and allow us to

grow into other industry sectors. We learn all we can and share what we know

with other customers as well.

Since March, we have been the owner of a highly successful company with a

long tradition: Hornschuch AG. This specialist in surface materials owes its rep-

utation to its successful skai and d-c-fix products. With a contemporary set-up,

Hornschuch is established as a pioneer in the field. The acquisition brings us

1,800 new employees around the world. We look forward to working with them

as we operate together in the various markets and deliver smart solutions that

will take us beyond our core business.

On that note, I would like to wish you happy reading! Enjoy this edition of

ContiTech initiativ!

Best regards

Hans-Jürgen Duensing

CEO of ContiTech AG

Dear Reader,

Change is taking hold in every sector of industry – and as digitalization con-

tinues, our customers are increasingly turning to intelligent connectivity

between products, systems and machines to meet their needs. That’s why

we at ContiTech are working on our new business focus, “ContiTech. Smart

Solutions Beyond Rubber”, which explores the services we can provide to sup-

port the success of our customers.

We offer our partners in the automotive and various other key industries a

broad spectrum of expertise in technologies, research and materials, as well

as in services and consultations. In addition to our tried-and-tested products,

systems and services, we develop customized, end-to-end solutions that meet

the requirements of our individual customers. When it comes to the upkeep of

equipment, for example, predictive maintenance is key in ensuring targeted

action and consequently in keeping costs down. And then there are our vari-

ous initiatives spanning our Continental Corporation, such as the Off-Highway

initiative. As an industry specialist, we are working with our colleagues to offer

our full range of expertise to the agriculture, construction and mining industries

as well.

When it comes to supporting our partners in all regions, markets and business

areas, we at ContiTech work systematically with our colleagues from across

the Continental Corporation to provide the solutions they need for their new

developments. Our products and systems are becoming increasingly smart and

interconnected; they are technologically sophisticated, future-oriented, and

economically advantageous for all sides. ContiTech operates in a dynamic envi-

ronment, responding quickly to ever-faster changing trends and social needs

across the globe and rising to ever newer challenges.

Editor ial_ 3

In this issue

14

Interview

ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond RubberContiTech Board Member Hans-Jürgen Duensing is refocusing operations to create solutions for the technological transformation that lies ahead. It’s a change that is based on digitalization and current trends. In an interview, he talks about the focal points and initiatives behind the strategy. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 06

“Our customers appreciate the continuity and reliability we offer them”In June last year, Rolf Sudmann took over as head of Automotive Aftersales at ContiTech. In an interview with ContiTech initiative, the 52-year-old sales pro reports how he and his team ensure global availability of parts. He also tells us which services are in particularly strong demand at the moment. _________________________________________________________________________________ Page 30

Cover Story Construction

Higher, Faster, Further Construction is probably the most complex industry sector of them all, with a multitude of vehicles and machines performing a wide range of tasks. As part of an off-highway initiative, the divisions of the Continental Group are pooling their resources and expertise to offer the full range of solutions for extreme construction projects. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 14

Ideal For Tunnel BuildersDeep beneath the ocean floor, inside mountains and beneath city streets, tunnel-builders face countless challenges. When it comes to Herculean tasks such as the removal of excavated rock from inside a mountain, ContiTech conveyor belts can help. In addition, our industry hoses with supersize diameters provide the water needed to cool the head of the tunnel drill. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Page 20

3230

Expertise In Rubber Takes To The Waterways ContiTech has joined forces with Germany’s Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute, based in Karlsruhe, to test the merits of a rubber belt by the conveyor specialist as a sealant for concrete joints in canal locks. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 24

Perfect Equipment For Tough Missions Almost every workplace has its hazards – but in the construction industry, the health and safety risks are especially high. Alongside occupational safety, the efficiency of construction machines is one of the key forces driving change in the sector at the moment. Continental is helping manufacturers of construction equipment to minimize these risks and meet tougher emission guidelines. _______________ Page 34

New Products

High-Precision Measuring Technologies, Helpful Apps, and Custom-Made Lighting Accents“ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber”. That’s the motto under which ContiTech will be presenting its end-to-end solutions for industry at the forthcoming HANNOVER MESSE 2017. The techno-logy company is set to debut a digitally connected, permanently installed monitoring system for steel cord conveyer belts. Other tradeshow highlights include an app for measuring vibrations, and translucent surfaces. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 40

Et cetera

The Latest From The World of ContiTech Benecke-Kaliko and Hornschuch Join Forces _______________________________________________________________________________________ Page 12Lightweight Technologies by ContiTech Scoop Four Awards __________ Page 42

Imprint ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 43

34 24

20

6_ Inter v iew

Inter v iew_ 7

ContiTech is realigning its business: Under the motto “ContiTech.

Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber”, the company is setting itself

up for continued success in a dynamic and competitive business

field. As a global player, ContiTech will continue to focus on the key element

of its business strategy: achieving sustainable, profitable growth with cus-

tomers. As a development partner, the company aims to generate lasting

value for all stakeholders through its collaborations with customers. With

the new roadmap for the future, Hans-Jürgen Duensing, responsible for the

ContiTech division, will ensure his organization is ready and waiting with

the solutions needed to meet the technological changes – arising from the

growing importance of software, smartphones, big data and Industry 4.0 –

that will impact the company. ContiTech will work shoulder to shoulder with

customers to meet new trends and needs, both in society and among con-

sumers, by growing and developing its expertise and enhancing its core

business.

In an interview with ContiTech initiativ, Hans-Jürgen Duensing reveals the

focal points of the future and outlines the initiatives behind the strategy. >>

ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond RubberContiTech is realigning its business to grow from a manufacturer of goods to a provider of systems and extended services

Hans-Jürgen Duensing, Board Member with Continental and responsible for ContiTech, spoke to ContiTech initiativ about the company’s new strategic focus

8_ Inter v iew

CTi: “ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber” – what’s it all about?

Duensing: Our plans to refocus our business were developed by all of the

ContiTech business units working together and essentially comprise these

three elements: The first is ‘Smart’. Our products are more than just a collec-

tion of physical components. Features such as data collection sensors mean

they offer a range of additional benefits and are smart and interconnectible.

The second element is ‘Solutions’. Our customers want more than mere prod-

ucts. They want comprehensive systems and the services to go with them. As

we work to meet their needs, we’re turning from purely a manufacturer and

provider of products and systems to an extended service provider. This way,

we can offer our customers the bespoke solutions they need.

The third idea is ‘Beyond Rubber’. Natural rubber has been fundamental to our

success for the last 145 years; it’s our origin and heritage. But we’ve also long

been a specialist in plastics. Our expertise in materials means we can process raw

materials such as steel, aluminum and textiles to create complex combinations

with rubber and plastics. We also combine rubber with electronic components

to generate new, progressive products. In the future, electronic components will

take us into a variety of applications and new fields of business.

CTi: Why did ContiTech need to refocus?

Duensing: We’re a successful division within the Continental Group, and our

long and valuable tradition has helped to make us one of the top industry and

development partners for our customers in the world today. That’s something

we want to build on. Stakeholders expect industrial companies to be respon-

sible corporate citizens and skilled at finding solutions. As the global popu-

lation booms, secure access to food and water, health, the climate, secure

infrastructures and many other pressing issues are increasingly coming to

the forefront. At the same time, the needs of society are changing faster

than ever, and so our customers are exploring issues such as digitalization

and intelligent connectivity amongst products, systems and machines. The

big topic at the moment is Industry 4.0, and we too are working to deliver

the enhanced connectivity and smart, connected products our customers

want. A key advantage lies in our synergies, which we will use even more

fully: At ContiTech, for instance, we have easy access to the expertise of our

automotive colleagues from the Continental Corporation, especially those in

software development. Their expertise is often transferrable to other applica-

tions and industries, such as the off-highway sector. They are technologically

mature, ingenious, contemporary and profitable.

ContiTech views digitalization and current trends as an opportunity to generate added value with customers

Inter v iew_9

Building on our heritage as a specialist in rubber, we constantly develop our skills and expertise.

“ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber” represents the pathway ContiTech has chosen: We

continue to enhance our value chain through digitalization, and are connecting intelligent products,

systems and services to create holistic solutions. We work with our customers to add sustainable

value – for both sides and for good.

CTi: What do digitalization and Industry 4.0 mean for ContiTech?

Duensing: First and foremost, they open up a broad spectrum of opportuni-

ties: They allow us to support our customers as they work on future trends.

We want to be the ones to offer them a genuine value-add – because our

objective is to be a significant and, more importantly, a competitive partner

for the mutual benefit of ourselves as well as our customers. The main way

we can achieve this is through technology partnerships. In collaboration with

our customers, we develop bespoke solutions that always keep them a step

ahead.

CTi: Can you give us an example of that?

Duensing: One example would be from our conveyor belt unit. To make sure

their systems run efficiently and reliably even when operating at full capacity,

more and more operators are taking preventive action. That’s why we collab-

orated with the Continental Automotive Group to develop a complete solution

with electronic monitoring and detection systems. Mobile monitoring systems

can be used to maintain belts during operations and help to identify wear and

tear early on. They are quick to detect slits or major splicing errors, and also

measure thicknesses. Based on the thickness of the cover plates, reliable pre-

dictions can be made about a belt’s remaining service life. This, in turn, makes

it possible to predict precisely when the belt will need replacing. Our employ-

ees can link up to the system at any time to ensure secure operations or assess

whether maintenance or repairs or needed. So this is about predictive main-

tenance with smart solutions. That’s what we call an advanced value creation

chain. ContiTech is showcasing intelligent solutions at this year’s Hannover

Messe from April 24 - 28.

CTi: How will you ensure ContiTech remains competitive?

Duensing: “ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber” charts ContiTech’s

continued development and for its transition from purely a manufacturer and

provider of products and systems to an extended service provider. One of the

ways in which we’ll achieve this transition is by connecting even more closely

and putting the skills and expertise of our entire corporation to even better use

in cross-divisional projects. This will allow us to provide the best possible sup-

port for each other as we work on key future topics and offer our customers a

vast spectrum of expertise in technologies, research and materials. Beyond >>

ContiTech. Smart Solutions Beyond Rubber

10_ Inter v iew

“The world is constantly changing. We and our

partners must meet new requirements all the time. For us at ContiTech, it’s a

part of our DNA to respond quickly, flexibly and as

partners as we seek and pursue new solutions.”

Hans-Jürgen Duensing

our tried-and-tested products, systems and services, we will also be able to

offer bespoke solutions that meet the individual requirements of our partners

as and when they want them – today, tomorrow, or in the more distant future.

At the same time, we ensure that our smart solutions help to protect the envi-

ronment and our natural resources.

CTi: What impact will ContiTech’s realignment have on international

collaborations?

Duensing: Over the last few years in particular, we have grown consistently by

strategically developing our global activities. We are far more international now

than we were five or ten years ago, and far less dependent on specific industry

segments. As early as the beginning of last year, we stepped up our activities in

three emerging markets: NAFTA, South America and China. It was a major step

intended to further increase our international performance. We devolved a lot

of business responsibility to these markets and gave them greater freedom to

focus more closely on the individual requirements of our partners there. We

need to be close to our customers and strengthen our collaborations within the

respective markets even further. This is something we also want to reflect in

our organizational structures, so we can be as efficient and flexible as possible.

At the same time, however, we are also going to connect our various business

units far more closely. Which of our business units ultimately provides the solu-

tion is of no importance at all to our customers; they simply want the conveni-

ence of obtaining everything from a single source. And that’s the value-add we

can offer them. We will respond even faster, and with even greater agility and

flexibility.

CTi: Mr Duensing, thank you very much for talking to us. >>

Inter v iew_11

“Increasing digitalization in industry harbors growth potential for ContiTech,” says Hans-Jürgen Duensing

Benecke-Kaliko and Hornschuch Join Forces

In March of this year, Continental was granted

permission to take over the Hornschuch Group,

based in Weissbach, Germany. The anti-trust

authorities gave their unconditional approval for

the merger with the Benecke-Kaliko Group, a mar-

ket leader in surface materials, to go ahead.

The Hornschuch Group and its 1,800 employ-

ees welcome the move, which is the largest

acquisition in the almost 300-year history of

Benecke-Kaliko. “Our primary objective is to

12_ Et ce tera

strengthen our industrial business so that it can

catch up with the growth rate of our automotive

business,” explained Dr. Dirk Leiss, Chairman of

the Executive Board of Benecke-Kaliko. “As one of

the leading manufacturers, the Hornschuch Group

generates more than half of its revenues through

industrial applications: design, functional, foam

and compact foils; artificial leather for the furni-

ture, construction and automotive industries, and

for the DIY sector; and with its famous skai and

d-c-fix products.

“We are working on equal terms and are setting about organizing our new company straight away.” Dr. Hans-Hinrich Kruse, CEO of Konrad Hornschuch AG

“We have purchased the Hornschuch Group

because we want to grow substantially. We

need every man and woman on board.” Dr. Dirk Leiß, Chairman of the

Executive Board of Benecke-Kaliko AG

Acquisition for growth: Dr. Dirk Leiss, Chairman of the Executive Board of Benecke-Kaliko AG, and Dr. Heinz-Hinrich Kruse, CEO of Konrad Hornschuch AG

Et ce tera_13

“We have purchased the Hornschuch Group

because we want to grow substantially,” Leiss

continued. Dr. Heinz-Hinrich Kruse, CEO of

Konrad Hornschuch AG, added: “Our business

will help Continental to develop an even better

balance between the automotive and industry

sectors.” Steeped in tradition, both companies

operate professionally developed international

sales networks that complement each other well.

By joining forces, they will gain even better access

to customers in North America especially.

As part of a major technology provider,

Hornschuch employees now stand to benefit from

further development opportunities and interna-

tional career prospects. Collaborations will also

boost creativity in the design of surface materials

and R&D, and generate a series of new synergies.

Dr. Hans-Hinrich Kruse is optimistic: “In the sale

process, it became clear that the Hornschuch

Group can best ensure its future viability with a

strategic investor like Continental. The merger

with Benecke-Kaliko thus provides an excellent

opportunity to develop further together in our

global markets. We are simply a good match

because we have comparable traditions and cul-

tures. And we are ready for the future as well.”

Higher, Faster, Further The divisions of the Continental Group are pooling their resources for superlative construction projects

>>

From excavation work and drilling to sur-

facing, pounding and mixing concrete,

teams of experts around the globe are

extending road networks, widening canals, erect-

ing buildings and digging tunnels. Pierre de Cou-

bertin’s Olympic motto, Citius, Altius, Fortius

(Latin for ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’), describes the

construction boom to a T.

Shortcuts for giant freight ships

To expand the Panama Canal, 40,000 construc-

tion workers had to remove 150 million cubic me-

ters of earth and rubble. They then used 12 million

metric tons of cement and 192,000 metric tons of

steel to improve the canal. The new locks are 420

meters long, 55 meters across and 18.3 meters

deep. Their gates are ten meters thick and, at 33

meters tall, they are as high as a multi-story build-

ing. Liquid gas tankers and ships with cargoes of

up to 14,000 containers have now been passing

through them since the summer of last year. Prior

to its expansion, the Panama Canal could accom-

modate ships with no more than 4,400 containers.

It is now one of the most important waterways in

the world.

Meanwhile, over in Antwerp, the world’s largest

lock has been in operation since June 2016. At 68

meters long, 17.8 meters deep and 500 meters

wide, it took 22 metric tons of steel to build –

enough for three Eiffel Towers. The new maritime

connection now means ships up to 395 meters

long carrying up to 19,200 standard containers

can access the sea between the Scheldt and the

Waasland Canal.Giant cargo ships pass through the locks of the new Panama Canal

16_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

Mega-fast expansion of megacities

By 2050, the cities of the world will have two

billion more inhabitants than today. Already,

megacities around the world are spawning new

residential and business areas – all in record

time. One example is Chengdu, in western China,

which has been transformed from a remote

mountain town known for its hot food and pan-

das to one of the greatest boomtowns in the

country. Five million of the 14 million who live

in the provincial capital of Sichuan live in newly

constructed areas. In addition, many established

companies, such as Volkswagen and Siemens,

have already established themselves in the bur-

geoning industrial areas and are gradually being

joined by increasing numbers of tech companies

and startups settling in western China’s brand

new business base. Chengdu is also home to the

largest building in the world: the New Century

Global Center has a footprint of 200,000 square

meters and offers 1.76 million square meters of

space. It was erected in just three years and is

large enough to accommodate the Sydney Opera

House twenty times over.

Industry trends

Around the world, infrastructure investments are

on the rise, and the list of ambitious construction

projects is long. In 2020, the 1,007-meter-high

Jeddha Tower on the west coast of Saudi Arabia

will succeed the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai

as the tallest building in the world. These super-

lative construction projects involve hundreds

of thousands of people, who operate countless

machines, from cranes, excavators and hydraulic

breakers to drill rigs, single-drum compactors,

bulldozers, compressors and many, many others.

Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion_17

“With its broad spectrum of vehicles and machin-

ery and the variety of tasks they perform, the

construction sector is virtually the most complex

industry segment of them all,” reports Pierre

Pomper of Continental. Many of the machines are

highly sophisticated. Tailored specifically to meet

the needs of a particular construction project,

they are produced only in small numbers.

Their users expect them to work reliably, deliver-

ing abundant power and increasing productivity

while using as little fuel as possible. “To succeed

in the market, you have to consider more than

just performance and fuel efficiency as parame-

ters. You also need to offer increased safety and

comfort and – most importantly – come up with

offerings for customized solutions. And that’s

where our solutions come up trumps.” Pomper

explains, because depending on the context

in which they are used, these machines are de-

signed to make work easier.

Chengdu, China, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world

>>

Multiple skills from a single source

In order to fulfill these special requirements even

better in the future, the divisions of Continental

– ContiTech among them – have joined forces to

create an Off-Highway Initiative focusing on mate-

rial transport, agriculture, construction and mining.

“We offer our customers a huge range of expertise

and skills in the fields of research, products and

materials from across the Continental Group. As

well as our tried-and-tested products, systems

and services, we create specially tailored, turn-

key solutions that meet the specific requirements

of our partners,” Hofmann points out. “Our goal

is always one of mutual benefit and added value

for the customer. We are responding to future

topics and the needs of society early on in close

collaboration with our customers. The question

we ask ourselves throughout is: How can we be

even more successful in the markets together?”

As a division of the Continental Group, ContiTech

is a leading industry specialist. Its innovative solu-

tions keep Continental at the forefront of tech-

nology in many key industries. By joining forces

with other divisions of the Group, ContiTech can

provide an even better service for customers.

“More than ever, we are collaborating closely

across divisions as a development partner to de-

vise progressive solutions. Pooling our resources

in this way makes us more efficient and gives us

the best chance of growing along with our cus-

tomers in the construction industry. In a first step,

we produced a type of segment-specific inventory

of our product portfolio and presented it to our

customers. We are also doing more to approach

manufacturers with it so that we can develop

solutions together and pursue completely new

applications,” Hofmann adds.

Smart solutions for construction

The extensive product portfolio extends from ba-

sic technologies to advanced electronic solutions

and includes displays, instruments, telematics

solutions, electronic control units; tire, drivetrain

and exhaust treatment technologies; conveyor

belts; vibration and hose technologies, as well

as air spring systems and materials for interiors.

“We work systematically to provide solutions that

meet current and future trends. In the future, we

will offer our customers far more than products;

we will offer them customized solutions. Manufac-

turers of construction equipment can expect us to

deliver customized solutions that will keep them

one step ahead,” says Hofmann.

Contact:

Dr. Michael Hofmann,

Michael.Hofmann@cbg.contitech.de

Pierre Pomper,

Pierre.Pomper@continental-corporation.com

18_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

Continental is highly effective in offering top technologies and comprehensive systems

for challenging construction projects

>>

Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion_19

Historic project: This drill head ground its way through the Saint Gotthard Massif to create the longest rail tunnel in the world

Ideal For Tunnel BuildersContiTech conveyor belts and hoses are reliable transport for materials, water and overburden

Conveyor belts from ContiTech are in

action in tunnel-building operations

around the world. Ports, mountains,

cities – whatever the setting, large-scale con-

struction projects always generate tons of exca-

vated material. This is carted away by ContiTech in

tandem with leading logistics companies, such as

during construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel

in Switzerland. This engineering marvel opened

for business in December 2016. Since then,

passenger trains and long, heavy cargo trains

passing through the 57-km railroad tunnel – the

longest in the world – shuttle between Zurich

and Lugano 45 minutes faster than previously.

Full construction is scheduled for completion in

2020, when freight trains carrying up to 2,000

metric tons, instead of the current 1,600, will roll

through the Gotthard Tunnel.

During construction of the railroad tunnel,

28.2 million tonnes of excavated rock from the

Saint-Gotthard Massif were removed, most of

22_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

Conveyor belts and large hoses by ContiTech were in operation day and night for several years to help

construct the epic Gotthard rail tunnel

which was then returned to the mountain in the

form of concrete. “Our conveyor belts were also

used in the construction of the Lötschberg Base

Tunnel in Switzerland and subway tunnels in

London and Moscow. Currently they are being

used in Lima, Peru and Down Under”, explains

Key Account Manager Birgitt Wolf of ContiTech.

In Sydney, Australia’s longest and deepest sub-

way tunnel is due to be completed in 2019 and

will run below the harbor and the city center.

Compared with trucks, conveyor belts really

come into their own in tunnel building. Emis-

sion-free, they require no extra exhaust ventila-

tion systems to be installed. They can also manage

tight curves while withstanding high stress. “Our

clients report that they reuse our belts for up to

three or four construction projects.” Whatever

the project, ContiTech has an appropriate con-

veyor belt in its portfolio. Steel cord models, for

instance, are suitable for especially high-load

transportation, while corrugated sidewall belts

require less space, making them ideal for exca-

vating subway networks. In addition, they are

low-noise, which is especially advantageous in

cities, and can convey bulk material vertically.

With lift heights of 400 meters, they can remove

up to 6,000 tons of waste material an hour.

Big-bore hoses in virtually any length

During construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel,

it was not only ContiTech conveyor belts that

featured heavily; a 1,520-meter water hose was

also used, for the drilling operations of ContiTech

subsidiary Eddelbüttel + Schneider (E+S). The

record-breaking hose was manufactured in 112

lengths. These were wound onto 14 gigantic hose

reels and dispatched to the client as an abnormal

load. With an interior diameter of 300 millime-

ters, the eintre construction weighed a massive

75 tonnes. During the construction project, the

giant hose transported the vast quantities of

water needed to remove the excavated material

from the tunnel. “It was the longest coilable hose

we have ever designed and wound onto a reel,’

Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion_ 23

reports Marcus Prinz, Managing Director of E+S.

The hose was manufactured by ContiTech Rubber

Industrial, which runs its operation in the Hungarian

town of Szeged.

The hose was chosen for tunnel boring by the

German underground technology company

Herrenknecht, based in the state of Baden-Würt-

temberg. Herrenknecht has been using hoses by

E+S for more than 15 years. During construction

work on the Gotthard Base Tunnel, four enormous

tunneling machines drilled their way through the

mountain rock and finally met in the middle, with

just a 0.00014-percent deviation between them.

Faster, higher, stronger

The 18-day spectacle of the Olympic Games

belongs first and foremost to the athletes. But

what good is a sporting contest if there’s no

audience to watch it? To ensure people could

get around at the 31st Olympiad in the Brazilian

megacity of Rio de Janeiro, the city built subway

line no. 4. Over 16 kilometers long, the new metro

line links Barra, the main Olympic area, with the

Ipanema neighborhood. During the Games in sum-

mer 2016, it transported visitors to the venues in

just 15 minutes, and has been relieving the strain

on the city’s traffic ever since. The construc-

tion was a Herculean task. Thanks to ContiTech,

the colossal tunnel-boring machine “Tatuzão”

(English: big armadillo) kept a cool head as it lab-

ored – literally, with industrial hoses with extra-

large diameters carrying water to the drill head to

cool it. “The whole project was under massive time

pressure. If a machine stops working because it’s

not being cooled sufficiently, it can have serious

consequences for finishing on time. Our solutions

and systems play a key role in preventing such

unscheduled stoppages,” points out Guy Enta,

Director of The Americas at ContiTech.

Contact: Guy Enta, Guy.Enta@contitech.ca

Markus Prinz, Marcus.Prinz@fluid.contitech.de

Birgitt Wolf, Birgitt.Wolf@cbg.contitech

>>

x x_ Rubr ik

Test setup: A ContiTech hoisting belt with steel cord members

Expertise In Rubber Takes To The Waterways ContiTech conveyor belts and hoses make for reliable transport of material, overburden and water

From canals to navigable rivers, waterways have been used for

transportation since the Middle Stone Age (approx. 9,600 B.C.). In

northern Europe, major river systems were indeed the main means

of transport for many centuries, both for heavy loads and for passengers.

The first human-made waterways in the region were probably in the prov-

inces of the Roman Empire. Construction of the first canals in Asia and

Northern Africa began during the reign of Pharaoh Necho II, who ruled from

610 to 595 B.C. In Egypt, the Nile and Mediterranean were linked to the Red

Sea by a waterway that was in many ways an early geographic precursor of

today’s Suez Canal. According to the geographers of antiquity, it had locks

at either end. Canal locks were first invented back in 984 A.D., by Qiao

Weiyue, assistant commissioner for transport in Huaina, China. Until then,

slipways and ramps had been used to overcome differences in water level,

but these often left vessels damaged and loads vulnerable to theft. They

were also dogged by problems of drought. To resolve the situation, Qiao

Weijue had two suspended gates fitted with a distance of 50 paces (76 m)

between them. He then had the intervening stretch of water roofed over

and the banks shored up to create a lock. Each lock could effect a change

in water level of between 1.2 and 1.5 meters.

In 1325 A.D., the invention of the pound lock finally prompted the

construction of the great canal systems of central Europe. Later, between

1700 and 1850, Europe’s rivers were systematically controlled, and safe,

peaceful, managed waters were soon the preferred route of travel rather

than natural rivers, with their strong currents, silt accumulations and dan-

gerous banks.

Today, the worldwide inland canal network has a combined length of about

600,000 kilometers. Locks and lock systems with one or more chambers

allow vessels to overcome water level differences of up to 25 meters.

Upstream and downstream waters are controlled by opening and closing

two watertight gates: When a vessel has entered the chamber, the gates are

closed and water is allowed in or out, raising or lowering the water level to

that of the next stretch of water.

26_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

SOUTHERN LOCK GATE

Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion_ 27

NORTHERN LOCK GATE

NEW SEAL

OLD SEALANT

RIVER MAIN

Upstream water

Downstream water

Pilot project: Germany’s Federal Water-ways Engineering and Research Institute is using the general refurbishment of the lock at Kleinosteim to test a new sealing

system that uses a belt by ContiTechPositive deployment in the field

Germany’s waterway network consists of 7,300 kilometers of inland and

23,000 square kilometers of maritime waterways. They are used by ever-in-

creasing numbers of vessels that transport people and goods. But for growth

of this kind to be safe and reliable, a fully functional infrastructure is needed.

Siphon structures, bridges, barrages, ship lifts and locks must all be main-

tained and upgraded every few years. At present, about 30 percent of the

country’s 315 locks are in need of repairs, conversions or maintenance, hav-

ing reached the end of their useful lives, in theory at least – and in some

instances even exceeded it. Last May, for example, the north chamber of the

lock at Kleinostheim on the River Main required a complete overhaul, with

a thorough upgrade and new seals. It was the first time the joints had been

modernized for many years.

On this project, Germany’s Federal Waterways Engineering and Research

Institute opted for the product of a joint research effort with ContiTech. “The

materials ContiTech uses in its conveyor belts are already being utilized >>

28_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

successfully in rubber dams and have proven to be extremely resilient, among

other things. They are even able to withstand deliberate acts of vandalism,”

explains Michael Möschen, application technician with ContiTech. Together,

the research team road-tested a new sealing method for lock basins to find

out how an existing lock might be retrofitted with extra-durable seals.

Unlike continuous structures, the walls of a lock consist of several sections.

Between them, expansion and sealing joints give the concrete the space it

needs to expand on hot days without damaging the canal wall with the pres-

sure they exert. At Kleinostheim, the joints were originally sealed with PVC to

prevent water from permeating them. After fifty years, however, the profile

seals are now crumbling, and water is entering the basin from both the River

Main and the adjacent lock chamber.

Back in 2010, as part of a pilot project with the Federal Waterways Engineer-

ing and Research Institute, ContiTech floated the idea of using a strip of natu-

ral rubber. The suggestion was to use a hoisting belt with a steel cord-traction

member, much like those used to raise and lower bodies-in-white on the

production lines of automotive manufacturers. In three stages of develop-

ment, different profiles were tested and a series of complex lab trials was

carried out on joints simulated in a concrete model in the halls of the Federal

Waterways Engineering and Research Institute. When the time came to pilot

the solution in Kleinostheim, the team laid the belt along a joint in the pump

tunnel, bolted down the sides and then covered the fixture-points with pro-

tective plates.

“After about five years in operation, our conveyor belt material has lasted very

well and proven that it’s simply perfect for this kind of work,” says Michael

Möschen. “Last year,” he adds, “we went into the next stage of construc-

>>

ContiTech application technician Michael Möschen is always on the lookout for new conveyor belt applications

tion and further optimized our process. Together with the Federal Waterways

Engineering and Research Institute, we aim to make this solution for sealing

lock joints a standard construction technique.”

Fewer major construction sites

The new, enhanced method of maintaining lock joints with ContiTech con-

veyor belts means work can be carried out while the lock is in operation with

a full basin of water. It must be drained only very briefly to provide access

to the bed. “Lock chambers only need to be laid dry for a short while so that

our workers and technicians can install the natural rubber belts. This tends to

take no more than two weeks – which saves both time and money,” Möschen

adds. Being especially durable, the rubber belt will mean fewer major con-

struction sites in the future, as locks will require less frequent maintenance.

“As conveyor belt specialists, we are always looking into new uses for our

products and materials – even if they are far removed from the usual world of

mining. Using them to seal joints in locks has taken us into uncharted waters,

so we now have to wait and see if this method catches on. After about five

years in use, the system we have just set up will be checked over, and if it is

recognized as meeting all the standards, then we offer a viable solution for

repairing joints in all locks,” Möschen adds.

Contact: Michael Möschen, Michael.Moeschen@cbg.contitech.de

Cont iTech . Eng ineer ing Next Level_ 29

And here’s how it works… To install the belt, the research team drilled four holes down into each canal

wall, two on either side of their joints and running parallel to them. They

then used a strong water jet to smooth down the transitions between the

bores and create a channel around each joint within the wall. The channels

could be accessed from the canal bed via a cross bore.

Working from each side of the canal, the team then pulled a length of rubber

downward inside the channels in the canal walls and out across the bed of

the lock. They filled the channel with special tensile cement and bonded

the two lengths of rubber together on the canal bed with a sealant beneath

them. The sealant evens out any irregularities by swelling up on contact

with water. Finally, to protect the rubber strip from the waves and rocks

that wash down the canal, they bolted the steel plates onto them on the

canal floor.

Compared with PVC, ContiTech’s conveyor belt material has the advantage

that it is extremely robust and very flexible. For this reason, the research

team is confident that it will offer watertight protection for longer than con-

ventional solutions. It also expands and contracts in summer and winter, and

is easy to attach. The longitudinal steel-cord tensile members give it inher-

ent stability, while the cord-free section can expand as much as is needed.

“Our customers appre-ciate the continuity and reliability we offer them”Rolf Sudmann, head of ContiTech’s Automotive Aftermarket segment at the ContiTech Power Transmission Group, is a sales pro with a passion

Rolf Sudmann, 52, is no stranger to the

automotive aftermarket. The interna-

tional spare parts business has been his

professional home base for over 25 years. In June

of last year, the sales pro took over as head of

Automotive Aftersales at ContiTech.

As one of the world’s leading global premium pro-

viders, ContiTech develops and manufactures a

full range of powertrain components for passen-

ger cars, trucks, and buses and coaches. It also

offers first-class service and global access to

parts thanks to its international organizational

structures. Besides a broad range of top-quality

products, ContiTech offers contemporary, cus-

tomer-specific solutions and services that extend

far beyond the product itself.

In an interview with ContiTech initiative,

Rolf Sudmann tells us how he and his team rise to

the challenges of the spare parts business.

CTi: ContiTech’s aftermarket business has been

extremely successful for years. Why is that?

Sudmann: A key factor in the success of our spare

parts business is not only the quality but also the

availability of our products. Workshop repairs

around the world are all about just-in-time supplies,

with parts being ordered as and when they are

needed. Repairs have to be carried out as quickly as

possible, but independent workshops simply don’t

have the space to keep thousands of spare parts in

stock. So instead, they receive several deliveries a

day from their business partners, who are our cus-

tomers. For suppliers, this degree of availability rep-

resents a major challenge. Our ContiTech plant in

Hanover alone produces 250,000 drive belts a day,

more than 100,000 of which are for the spare parts

business. Its entire product range includes over

3,000 toothed, V, and V-ribbed belts, 4,500 molded

hoses, and 700 complete kits containing water

pumps, vibration dampers, tension pulleys, and so

on. For dealers to receive the parts they need on

time, perfectly planned production and distribution

logistics are essential. >>

32_ Inter v iew

“Around the world, we are synonymous with expertise, reliability and technological leadership.”Rolf Sudmann

CTi: How do you ensure that the correct parts

are delivered, and that shipping takes place

immediately?

Sudmann: Our aim is to achieve 95 percent deliv-

ery reliability. To make that happen, we set up our

GRIP95 project, which uses a planning system to

make reliable forecasts about dealer requirements

around the world. This allows us to harmonize our

various processes, from capacity, materials and

production planning, through to logistics and sales.

The system has already increased our delivery

reliability to consistently over 92 percent, and I’m

confident we can do even better than that. With my

extremely loyal and highly motivated team, I know

we’ll manage the 95 percent we’re aiming for by the

end of 2017 at the latest. I know we’ll make it!

CTi: What are the main challenges facing the

spare parts business at the moment?

Sudmann: The main challenge is the complexity

and diversity of the many vehicle models that man-

ufacturers are currently producing. Another factor

is engines and engine maintenance, which are

becoming increasingly demanding: The automotive

industry is making huge technological advances

at the moment, and suppliers, repair workshops

and dealers have to keep pace with their technical

innovations.

CTi: How do you support repair workshops in

delivering faultless and professional mainte-

nance and repair services?

Sudmann: We offer technical and product training

programs around the world. We’ve also produced

a new video series, Watch and Work, which pro-

vides plenty of practical advice. The videos can

be accessed via YouTube, and ContiTech’s social

media accounts and are available in English and

German. We are also producing them in other lan-

guages so that as many technicians as possible can

benefit from the tips and handy advice we have for

them. Another source of information is our Product

Information Center, PIC, which provides technical

data, fitting instructions and much, much more. PIC

materials are available in 16 languages and can be

accessed via a PC or mobile app. Users can locate

materials with the help of the information on the

packaging. All they need to do is scan in the item

number or QR code, and all the relevant product

information will automatically come up. We are

constantly enhancing our digital services so that

everyone can benefit from our expertise. Our com-

prehensive info service is attracting more and more

visitors.

CTi: How is business developing in the global

markets for your area of work?

Sudmann: Continental is a strong brand and has

long been established in the NAFTA region, Brazil

and Asia. Around the world, the Continental name

is synonymous with expertise, reliability and tech-

nological leadership – which is also positive for us

at ContiTech. All in all, the future is looking bright:

Over the last few years, more new vehicles have

been registered in China than in any other coun-

try in the world. So over the years ahead, demand

for our drive belts and kits will be very strong, as

original parts will gradually need maintaining and

replacing for the first time. Our production sites

and sales managers in the various regions are close

to our customers. Our outstanding setup means we

can focus as closely as possible on the needs of our

customers in the markets. In Brazil and the NAFTA

region, the successful integration of Veyance has

given our business a boost. And we’ve also grown

together very well as a team.

CTi: At the moment, there’s a global trend

towards more electric vehicles. Germany cur-

rently has just 55,000 e-mobiles on its roads,

with one million expected by 2020. By 2030, the

German government’s electric mobility program

is aiming to have six million e-mobiles on the

roads. How will that affect your business?

Sudmann: Combustion engines are not going to

disappear overnight – but we’re keeping the future

clearly in mind as we plan our activities in this area.

More and more products in our range can be used

as spare parts for electric cars. But that’s just one

aspect; another thing we are doing is extending our

service range. Take our five-year warranty, for exam-

ple. To benefit from that, repair workshops need to

register once on our website, and they’ll have a war-

ranty for every ContiTech product they fit to a car. In

the future, we intend to continue developing services

that will support retailers selling our products.

Inter v iew_ 33

“We're aiming for 95 percent delivery reliability - so that our customers will always receive the right parts fast

and when they need them.” Rolf Sudmann

Another point we’re looking into is the influence

of digitalization. How can we use the information

it provides? What services can we develop on that

basis for our customers that will help to attract new

customers to independent repair workshops?

CTi: For the younger generation, cars are becom-

ing less and less important as status symbols.

They would rather rent mobility than buy it. How

are you tackling that point?

Sudmann: We need to adjust our strategy accord-

ingly. The last few years have seen a number of new

mobility concepts emerge, such as car-sharing or

ride-sharing services like Uber. So this is about large

fleets of vehicles all over the world – which, like any

other cars, require maintenance and spare parts.

And that’s where we come in: We want to approach

the fleet managers responsible for them and win

them as our customers for the free aftermarket.

CTi: You tend to spend a lot of time on the road,

in India one week and Brazil the next. How do you

manage to keep a healthy balance between your

professional commitments and your home life?

Sudmann: I don’t spend much time at home, but

over the years my wife and three daughters have

become used to it. When we do have time together,

we tend to make good use of it by organizing our-

selves properly. I also find the time to pursue my

great passion: triathlons. Just like work, triathlons

are about constantly motivating yourself to deliver

peak performance, even when you face obstacles

and setbacks. That’s how you achieve your goals –

and it’s my motto as the head of my segment.

Contact: Rolf Sudmann, Rolf.Sudmann@ptg.contitech.de

>>

34_ Mobile Baumaschinen

>>

Perfect Equipment For Tough Missions From health and safety to efficiency and reliability, Continental offers manufacturers of construction machinery the systems they need to deliver on the trends driving their industry

When it comes to demolition work

or constructing foundations,

trenches or roads, there’s usually

a hydraulic breaker in action somewhere. Break-

ing rocks is a noisy business and disruptive to

people who live nearby. It also affects the health

of machine operators themselves. Demolition

work especially exposes them to a range of risks

and strains: machinery vibrates their entire bod-

ies, posing a long-term threat to the lower back,

while constant noise from machines and vehicles

can damage hearing.

To reduce these impacts, manufacturers of breakers

are increasingly relying on solutions by ContiTech,

whose air actuators are especially reliable, even

amid the dust and constant pounding on construc-

tion sites. Not only do they isolate vibrations in

construction machines; they are also robust and

resilient, including in hostile conditions. >>

Cont iTech . Eng ineer ing Next Level_ 35

More productivity, less noise

A hydraulic breaker consists of a housing, a strik-

ing mechanism and a chisel, which is inserted into

the housing. It is operated by a carrier – usually

an excavator. This provides oil under high pres-

sure, which is converted into kinetic energy via a

hydraulic cylinder and transmitted to the chisel.

Adding an air actuator to the setup cushions the

effects of the striking mechanism on the chisel,

allowing an increased strike frequency of between

1,000 and 1,500 strikes per minute at forces of

between 30 and 80 metric tons. This increases

productivity by as much as 80 percent compared

with conventional solutions. But at the same time,

air actuators in hydraulic breakers reduce noise

levels by up to 25 dB and isolate vibrations, im-

proving working environments for machine op-

erators and enhancing occupational health and

safety.

“By offering these properties, our air actuators

add more value than steel spring bearings or hy-

draulic cylinders. They not only increase produc-

tivity but also significantly reduce noise and vibra-

tion levels,” says Verena Weiss, head of Industry

at ContiTech Air Spring Systems. The ContiTech

solution also has another advantage: hydraulic

breakers with air actuators can even be used

under water, in harbor or canal construction, for

example.

Cushioned with air

The construction industry is all about timing. More

often than not, everybody is working under con-

stant pressure. Machine operators often sit in

their vehicle cabins for hours on end, making it all

the more important for machine manufacturers to

provide a better, more comfortable environment

for them to work in. Air springs in seats and cabin

mounts help to improve workplace ergonomics

and create a user-friendly environment, staving

off fatigue and reducing ill effects on health.

Thanks to their compact design, air actuators by

ContiTech are easy to fit to seat frames and ena-

ble stepless adjustment of seat heights. Internal

pressure is automatically adapted via a height

control valve to suit the operator’s body weight.

Their ergonomic benefits mean solutions of this

kind are found not only in buses or long-distance

trucks but also in construction machines, such as

wheel loaders.

Working in comfort

Another offering from Continental is the modular

driver workplace. This can be highly flexibly con-

figured, with fittings that can be adjusted to suit a

wide range of applications and wishes. All switches

are in easy reach, and further switches can be clus-

tered around the steering wheel on additional pan-

els if needed. The right arrangements mean drivers

no longer need to take their eyes off what they are

doing or reach upward to access overhead con-

trols. The modular driver workplace is available in

a range of possible configurations, from minimalist

cockpit to comprehensive, high-end solution.

Meanwhile, the surfaces of the cabin interior also

have to withstand the tough conditions of everyday

construction site operations, and the right mate-

rials are needed. Expreshn Protect, for example,

is highly scratch resistant but also attractive and

pleasant to touch. It is resilient not because it is

hard but because it is elastic, and therefore able

to withstand gouges from sharp objects. With

scratches now a thing of the past, drivers’ cabins

remain in good condition for longer.

Another scratch-proof interior material is Decoject,

a cost-efficient alternative to paint on injec-

tion-molded parts that adds to the quality feel of

cabin cockpits.

These turnkey solutions by Continental and

ContiTech for operators’ cabins represent a genuine

value-add for vehicle manufacturers and drivers,

and play an important part in the long-term satis-

faction of customers.

Health and safety – the be-all and end-all in

construction

When it comes to mobility, robust, high-perfor-

mance Trackman rubber tracks keep construction

vehicles moving securely. Similar to a closed drive

belt with a track section, Trackman solutions can

be used on heavy plant, haulers, pickups and road

construction equipment. Even with power units

delivering 500 hp or more, they offer super-strong

36_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion_ 37

grip on loose ground on construction sites and

elsewhere. In addition, Armorlug technology –

which consists of several layers of fabric em-

bedded in the drive lugs for extra strength and

resilience – makes them even more durable and

heavy-duty. The latest technology reduces vibra-

tions, enhances comfort and allows Trackman

rubber tracks to get by on less energy than chain

solutions.

Telematics system improves fleet security and

efficiency

Unexpected breakdowns and unavailable vehicles

can send entire construction schedules spiraling

out of control. That’s why Continental has devel-

oped a new telematics solution to support fleet

managers, drivers and maintenance teams. The

ContiFlexBox keeps them up to date on all the

relevant aspects of their vehicles and tires, and

supports efficient fleet management when used

>>

in combination with the tried-and-tested Conti-

PressureCheck system for tires. By warning users

when air pressure requires attention, the system

reduces the risk of tire damage and keeps down-

times to a minimum. It also saves time and money

spent on regular maintenance, enhancing overall

fleet efficiency and cutting operating costs in the

process.

The ContiFlexBox is very easy to install. It is fitted

to the driver’s cabin and powered via the engine

ignition. ContiPressureCheck for tires automati-

cally collects the pressure and temperature data

from sensors inside the tires. The ContiFlexBox can

be used in vehicles in a wide range of industries.

Efficient systems for fewer emissions

Current Stage IV emissions legislation for non-road

mobile machinery means manufacturers are re-

lying on exhaust treatment technologies to meet

requirements. SCR systems remove nitrogen oxide

and particles from engine emissions by injecting urea

(AdBlue) into the system. Continental’s high-activity

oxidation catalytic converters, which are mounted

in a compact space close to the engine, have pro-

ven popular among manufacturers. By responding

extremely fast to the higher temperatures achieved

early on, they ensure exhaust is treated highly effi-

ciently – a key requirement for high turnover rates

in SCR systems. High-quality dosing and mixing of

AdBlue with pre-treated exhaust allows diesel en-

gines to work as sparingly as possible, reducing fuel

consumption and particulates in the process.

In 2019, emissions guidelines will be tightened

even further: Stage V regulations will see even

lower limits for particulate emissions from diesel

engines delivering between 130 kW and 560 kW.

Moreover, the quantity of particles emitted will be

subject to a legal maximum for the very first time.

To help manufacturers continue meeting stringent

legal standards, Continental offers the full range of

emission-relevant engine and exhaust system con-

trol modules, fuel injection technologies, sensors,

SCR systems and injectors, catalytic converters and

filters, AdBlue tanks and hoses, as well as software

and engineering services. To meet Stage V require-

ments, additional particle filters or combination

filters with an SCR coating will be used to cut nitro-

gen oxide emissions.

Heavy loads on uneven terrain

Components in construction vehicles must with-

stand extreme loads, so manufacturers have opted

for elastomer bushes by ContiTech for several

years. As a development partner, ContiTech sup-

ports customers with a range of solutions, such

as extra-durable bushes that withstand especially

tough conditions and last significantly longer than

conventional ones. On the rear axles of articulated

full-suspension dumper trucks, they offer optimum

damping, connecting the hydraulic spring and the

axle. “During development, we faced some particu-

lar challenges with regard to materials,” reports

Dr Stefan Narberhaus, head of Industry Develop-

ment at ContiTech Vibration Control. “Even under

heavy loads, materials must keep their shape as

well as possible. But at the same time, the com-

ponent must remain rigid and fit into the space

available without requiring connecting parts to be

changed. We managed to find the right rubber com-

pound to offer all of these characteristics.” In addi-

tion, the engineers adjusted the geometry of the

bushing to optimize its durability even further.

Contact:

Dr. Michael Hofmann,

Michael.Hofmann@cbg.contitech.de

Pierre Pomper,

Pierre.Pomper@continental-corporation.com

38_ Cover S tor y Const ruc t ion

ContiPressureCheck™ and the ContiFlexBox form a new telematics system that gathers and presents tire- and vehicle-related data for highly effective fleet management

>>

Product Highlights

Air springs in driving seats and cab mounts make drivers’ workplaces as comfortable and ergonomic as possible

Acella Protect is especially resistant to abrasion. This makes it ideal for interior surfaces, such as seats and seat bolsters, that suffer significant wear and tear

Rubber tracks are fitted with a special anti-vibration technology to enhance comfort for operators

Less distortion, the same rigidity: The heavy-duty bushing by ContiTech can withstand the challenging conditions of construction sites

The ContiFlexBox is a telematics solution that enhances the safety and efficiency of machine and vehicle fleets in all industry segments

Air actuators by ContiTech dampen the impact of striking mechanisms on chisels in hydraulic breakers

Integrated Industry – Creating Value is the key theme of this year’s

HANNOVER MESSE trade exhibition. Running from April 24 through April

28, 2017, the event will highlight an array of technologies for Industry 4.0.

“The technologies needed for the successful digitalization of industrial pro-

duction are fully developed and ready to go,” commented Deutsche Messe AG

Managing Board Member Dr. Jochen Köckler. “The task now is to ensure that

decision-makers from industry and the energy sector understand the direct,

long-term benefits that digitalization can offer them and their organizations,

business models and employees. Challenging people to ‘think outside the box,’

highlighting all the various ways in which digitalization can add value, and open-

ing up new markets – that’s what this year’s HANNOVER MESSE is all about,

with its lead theme of Integrated Industry – Creating Value.”

As connectivity increases in the industrial sector, tremendous growth potential

is emerging, not just for ContiTech as an international technology company.

Hans-Jürgen Duensing, Board Member with Continental and responsible for

the ContiTech division, explains: “We are using methods of digitalization to add

even more value. Digitalization is a major opportunity for us to work with our

customers to generate added value on a lasting basis. As an industry partner,

we can establish the conditions required and play a key part in shaping the

industrial infrastructure, with intelligently connected systems, machinery and

equipment paving the way. This is why we work tirelessly to make our products

and systems smarter and offer end-to-end solutions.”

One of the key characteristics of the fourth industrial revolution is intelligent

connectivity between production and maintenance based on real-time data

that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. “This opens up entirely new

business opportunities,” Duensing adds. “In the future, predictive maintenance

of machines and systems will drive efficiency in many of the industry sectors

we work for.”

HANNOVER MESSE will see ContiTech debut a monitoring system for steel-cord

conveyor belts that is permanently installed and can be digitally connected.

End-to-end solutions, from installation to maintenance

Around the world, conveyor belts keep the wheels of industry in motion. From

rare earths for cutting-edge electronics to copper, ore and coal, bulky over-

CONTI MultiProtect: Protective rip inserts are embedded in the conveyor belt. Their characteristic magnetic fields help to detect longitudinal tears

High-Precision Measuring Technologies, Helpful Apps, Customized Lighting AccentsThe HANNOVER MESSE 2017 tradeshow will see ContiTech showcase its latest end-to-end solutions for industry

40_ New Produc ts

New Produc ts_ 41

ContiTech at the HANNOVER MESSE tradeshowContiTech will be showcasing its latest progressive solutions for industry

in Hall 6, booth F18, where the motto will be “ContiTech. Smart Solutions

Beyond Rubber”. A further ContiTech booth can be found in Hall 25,

where drivetrain technologies will be on display at booth B23, in keeping

with the tradeshow’s role as the leading event for Motion, Drive &

Automation.

Visit us at HANNOVER MESSE.

To sign up for your personal e-ticket go to: http://www.

hannovermesse.de/ticketregistration?Rnryrk38yyku8q

burden, white-hot slag and even oily or fatty substances – when it comes to

long-distance transportation, conveyors are the solution. Not only are they fast,

safe and damage-free, but they can also cover height differences of up to 700

meters. So when top quality and reliability matter, and clever solutions and

service are needed, ContiTech has the answer – because smooth operations

are key to enhancing efficiency. To keep conveyors running smoothly and effi-

ciently, even at peak capacity, operators are increasingly resorting to preventive

action, as lengthy downtimes can disrupt entire production chains and incur heavy

losses. Until now, assessing the condition of a running belt was a time-consum-

ing and labor-intensive business. But today it’s a job for electronic monitoring

systems by ContiTech.

“CONTI MultiProtect is a smart software solution that we developed ourselves.

It helps us to detect damage early on, while the belt is in operation, and allows

us to carry out repairs in good time. So extended downtimes or complete system

failures can often be avoided,” explains Patrick Raffler, an application techni-

cian with ContiTech. In addition, CONTI MultiProtect monitors the condition of

splices and identifies damage within the carcass. User-friendly, it is operated

intuitively via a graphical user interface.

“We offer our customers the full service package – from technical consultations

and comprehensive planning services to the engineering, production, provision,

installation and launch of our solutions and components. Maintenance and

monitoring complete the service spectrum. Every aspect is perfectly tuned to

provide a harmonious solution for optimum operations and the best possible

customer value,” points out Hannes Friedrichsen, head of the business unit at

ContiTech.

Other product highlights at this year’s Hanover trade fair

The forthcoming HANNOVER MESSE will also see ContiTech showcase

its enhanced ViProtect app for iOS and Android systems. This allows users

to analyze vibrations in driver cabs, engines and other industrial devices by

smartphone. Excessive vibrations put an undue strain on components, often

resulting in expensive, time-consuming downtimes and repairs. To prevent this

happening, the ViProtect app can be used to assess the vibrations of industrial

vehicles and machinery based on targeted measurements. The app then finds

the right solution and suggests options for a suitable bearing system. This not

only prolongs service life but also improves comfort.

ContiTech will also be presenting its latest development for intelligent surface

materials. Aesthetic surfaces with integrated digital functions are featuring

more and more heavily on the wish-lists of consumers and manufacturers.

Integrated lighting is just one key example of a major step forward in devel-

opment. Acella Hylite is a translucent cover material that produces special

lighting effects, such as backlighting for vehicle doors. Its varying light sources

can create customized color effects and even issue warning signals. Acella

Hylite could also be used in furnishings. The specialist team for surfaces has

also extended its skills in the industry sector.

“RFID (radio-frequency identification) chips have allowed ContiTech to optimize the detection of longitudinal tears in belts,” says ContiTech’s Patrick Raffler

>>

42_ Responsibil i t y

Lightweight Technologies by ContiTech Scoop Four Awards

In November 2016, an innovative component

for the Cadillac CT6 won the votes of the expert

jury of the 46th SPE Automotive Division Awards:

ContiTech was honored for its achievements in

the category Chassis/Hardware. The component

in question was the first spring strut mount in the

world made from BASF's Ultramide. Designed for

use on the front and rear suspensions of passenger

cars, it is 30 percent lighter and has a longer ser-

vice life than conventionally designed equivalents

made of aluminum or steel. Its innovative design

makes it highly resistant to even the most extreme

shock, as caused by driving over severe potholes,

for example. Comfort is further enhanced by the

highly effective rubber insulation.

“For us, this SPE Award is like an Oscar in the film

industry. We’re proud of our development work

with our customer General Motors LCC and of

the appreciation demonstrated by this prestigious

award,” said Kai Frühauf, head of ContiTech

Vibration Control, as he accepted the award on

behalf of his team along with representatives from

General Motors LCC and BASF.

ContiTech’s expertise in lightweight engineering

is making it a leader in areas that have previously

been dominated by metals, and was also recogni-

zed by the jury of the 14th Materialica Design +

Technology Awards in October 2016. They presented

ContiTech with a Gold Award in the category for

CO2 efficiency for an ultra-lightweight transmis-

sion adapter made of fiber glass-reinforced pol-

yamide. The innovative component is 55 percent

lighter than its aluminum equivalent. “This huge

reduction in weight represents a major step in the

field of lightweight design,” said Kai Frühauf. The

transmission adapter is specially designed for pre-

mium-class cars and meets the highest standards

for comfort and safety. As manufacturers seek to

keep pace with ever tighter emissions restrictions,

increasing use is being made of lightweight com-

ponents, such as those developed by ContiTech.

Technical plastics are gaining importance in the

development of new components as they help

to cut CO2 emissions by reducing the weight of

passenger cars. At the same time, however, the

use of lightweight materials must not compromise

the functionality of parts in any way – a challenge

that ContiTech has been able to meet with its

ultra-light transmission adapter, to name just one

example.

The Materialica Design + Technology Award was

presented during the eMove360° Europe 2016

trade fair in Munich and stands at the interface of

design, technology and materials.

ContiTech has also won an award in China: In

September 2016, its expertise in technology and

materials earned it the Lightweight Technology

Innovation Award. The accolade was presented

for the first time in 2016 and is conferred by

Winner of the Gold Award for CO2 Efficiency: Diethard Schneider (center) of ContiTech Vibration Control accepts the MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award

42_ Et ce tera

ImprintPublished by:

ContiTech AG

Vahrenwalder Str. 9

30165 Hannover

service@contitech.de

www.contitech.de

www.contitech-online.com

Responsible on Behalf of the Publisher:

Jens Fechner,

Head of Market Communications

ContiTech AG

Editorial Team:

Peter Abbes

Sandra Behnsen

Sibylle Engel

Elvira Kluth

Dirk Kroll

Antje Lewe

Andreas Mänz

Meral Michels

Dr. Elke Neujahr

Kerstin Porsiel-Voges

Julia Schmitz

Concept and Coordination:

ContiTech AG und

comm:up Kommunikation und Management GmbH,

Düsseldorf

Layout and Production:

ENGELMANN & KRYSCHAK Werbeagentur GmbH,

Düsseldorf

Photos:

Continental AG (p. 5, 36-38), ContiTech AG (p. 3, 5-8,

11-13, 29-30, 40), Herrenknecht AG (p. 20-21), istock

(p. 4, 14-19, 34-35), Hubert Jelinek (p. 5, 24-25, 28),

Kroha Fotografie/MunichExpo (p. 42-43), Tom Peschel

(p. 1-2, 5), Uli Steinmetz (p. 22-23), Marc Theis (p. 5, 30-33)

Printed by:

Bruns Druckwelt GmbH & Co. KG, Minden

Printed with ContiTech offset printing blankets.

Et ce tera_ 43

Andrew Little (center) receives the Altair Enlighten Award presented to ContiTech in Michigan

the international automotive trade journal

Automobile & Parts, with the technical assistance

of TÜV Rheinland. It, too, was awarded in recog-

nition of ContiTech’s lightweight transmission

crossbeams for rear axles.

A further award came in the summer of 2016.

During the CAR Management Briefing Seminar

(MBS) in Traverse City, Michigan, USA, the soft-

ware company Altair Engineering presented

ContiTech with the Enlighten Award 2016. It was

given in recognition of ContiTech’s innovative

lightweight construction bearings. As a pioneer

in the field of lightweight sound and vibration-

damping for passenger cars, ContiTech has been

manufacturing lightweight, glass-fiber-reinforced

polyamide components for the automotive indus-

try since 2006.

ANZEIGE