VDL ETG: Accelerating Innovation Through In‑House Prototyping

DRIVING INNOVATION THROUGH IN‑HOUSE PROTOTYPING

PDM’s in‑house engineering capabilities took center stage during the development of a unique, self‑operating test tool. Built entirely in our own lab, this project marks a major milestone in our New Product Introduction (NPI) journey, demonstrating how full ownership from design to delivery can fast‑track technical innovation and strengthen client confidence.

Our multidisciplinary team managed the entire lifecycle — from translating customer needs into detailed specifications to system qualification and acceptance testing. The result? A complex, multifunctional tool that empowers the client to test subsystems more reliably and identify issues early, well before final system integration.

OUR CLIENT

VDL ETG (Enabling Technologies Group) is a high‑tech systems supplier that develops and manufactures advanced mechatronic modules for global OEMs in the semiconductor, analytical, medical, and industrial markets. With deep expertise in precision engineering, vacuum technology, ultra‑clean production and complex system integration, VDL ETG supports customers in bringing next‑generation equipment from concept to volume manufacturing.

THE CHALLENGE

SIMULATING REAL PRODUCTION CONDITIONS IN A ONE‑OFF TOOL

Standard equipment couldn’t deliver the accuracy or test coverage required. The system needed to operate autonomously and reproduce real‑world conditions reliably.

MANAGING A FULLY INTEGRATED, MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN

The tool combined mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, and software, including unique motor control behavior, requiring tight coordination across all engineering domains.

ENSURING SAFETY, COMPLIANCE & SMOOTH COMMISSIONING

The test system had to meet CE requirements and move from in‑house qualification to Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) at VDL ETG without major redesigns.

Building excellence together

Close collaboration was central to the project’s success, working in alignment with VDL ETG’s engineers, reviewing requirements, resolving design questions quickly, and coordinating supply chain decisions to keep the build phase smooth and predictable. This partnership ensured the tool met all functional expectations without major scope changes.

The impact we made

Our experts delivered a high‑end, fully integrated test system, engineered and assembled 100% in‑house:

Facing Similar challenges?

PDM supports high‑tech OEMs in engineering modular, scalable, and service‑friendly system designs.

OUR APPROACH in action

We applied our full-scale product development capabilities to deliver this advanced, one-off system. Every discipline, mechanical, electrical, and software, played a critical role.

System design & requirements mapping:

PDM started by converting customer requirements into detailed system specifications. Through structured System Requirements Analysis (SRA), the team ensured all functional needs were captured.

Design & engineering:

Using MCAD and ECAD tools, the team designed a fully integrated system combining mechanics, electronics, and software. Custom PLC software was developed to automate test procedures and ensure system flexibility.

Certification & compliance:

To meet European safety standards, a full CE certification process was followed. This guaranteed compliance while future-proofing the tool for broader deployment.

Supply chain & assembly:

A smart supply chain strategy ensured quality and speed. All components were sourced and assembled in-house at PDM, maintaining tight control over timelines and quality.

Testing & commissioning:

The tool was first qualified in our lab and then delivered for final Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) at the client’s facility. With SAT successfully completed, the tool transitioned into service support mode.

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Design & Engineering

We help manufacturers accelerate complex product development through modular design, scalable architectures, and engineering excellence from concept to integration.