Indexator AB is always at the forefront of technical developments, and is among the first to come up with new ideas and concepts.
For this reason, it is important for Indexator to ensure that its employees have strong skills and high levels of expertise in the development and manufacturing of rotators. “We at Indexator are well aware of the often tough reality in which products have to work and function, but we’re also responsive to changing needs”, says vice president Gunnar Ba°lfors.
 
DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY
“The reality facing the industry today shows what’s needed and brings about new ideas. We make them happen,” says Ba°lfors.
Designers at Indexator have two jobs — one is to develop the next level of technology, and the second is to refine and expand existing product ranges. “Our development work is carried out
working closely with machine manufacturers, suppliers and end users. That way, we create close and trusting contacts,” adds head of design Joakim Harr.
 
UNIQUE IN THE WORLD
Indexator has a unique research and testing facility which is used to systematically verify product designs and production techniques, as well as to test new technical concepts. Indexator’s research is carried out in such a way which ensures that the end result can be put into practice immediately. The company’s material experts, designers and production technicians work side by side.
“By working so closely with each other, we keep control of the entire flow of production and can start production for a new concept very simply and quickly. It is then easy to make adjustments to the process if necessary,” Harr explains.
Expertise is also important, helping Indexator to maintain and improve the quality of its products. Research and testing improve Expertise, which leads to products that last longer.
“Our products are carefully evaluated — we don’t just test the new ones, but also those that have already been field- tested,” says head of research Richard Larker.
 
MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT
Indexator’s head of research, academic Richard Larker, won the Swedish casting industry’s innovation award for advances in the development of a high-strength steel composite. This patented material makes it possible to develop products which weigh less, but that also have less environmental impact with both Indexator products and the products of future licensed partners, for example in the automotive and energy industries.
“With help from our research colleagues at Volvo, I have managed to get solution-hardened ductile iron to the next European standard, which will in turn increase the supply of these castings which can be heat-treated according to the patent. It is important to help each other and cooperate when working in the field of research and development,” says Larker.
 
PARTNERSHIP
The business is constantly growing and international machine manufacturers are turning to Indexator to develop new models of rotators or to provide a particular requirement and cost specification.
“The size of our tasks vary, but so do the types of collaboration. This type of order assignment requires fixed contractual agreements and is subject to strict confidentiality clauses,” Ba°lfors concludes.