Congratulations on 20 years of KBK Antriebstechnik! Looking back: What was the most significant technological development of your company?

Sven Karpstein: That is very difficult to answer. The development of magnetic couplings and slotted couplings presented us with fundamental technical challenges. But these were also two very exciting projects that we absolutely wanted to realize.

With the magnetic clutches, or hysteresis clutches, we were able to realize a very good addition to our mechanical torque limiters.

The slot couplings, on the other hand, close a gap between the 'metal bellows couplings' and 'elastomer couplings' product ranges, enabling us to offer our customers solutions that are even better tailored to their application.

For both developments, we have also invested in new machines and, of course, set up new assembly stations.

Is there an absolute 'bestseller' and what makes it so?

The KBK Antriebstechnik product portfolio

© KBK Drive Technology

Karpstein: Yes, there is one: metal bellows couplings have been around since the company was founded. For highly automated and precise applications, you can hardly manage without them, as they meet the highest requirements for transmission accuracy and also very gently compensate for shaft misalignment, thus protecting the expensive servo drives. In this product category, we have been able to achieve a good position on the market thanks to our extremely wide range of designs and our very high quality standards.

In 20 years, it has not all been rosy - what do you think was the most difficult time for the company?

Karpstein : The major crises that caused the economy in general to falter were particularly difficult. After the banking crisis and the euro crisis, there was the coronavirus lockdown and now the conflict with Russia. Despite all the difficulties, however, we have always been able to hold up very well and record continuous growth.

What is the roadmap for the next ten to 15 years?

Karpstein: We will continue to work closely with our customers and develop products that solve their drive technology problems. There is rarely anything that we don't tackle. It is precisely these challenges that drive us and ensure our development.

What technological trends do you see that are or will be important for KBK Antriebstechnik?

Karpstein: 3D printing will certainly be one of them. A great deal is already possible today and I think this technology will continue to develop rapidly and will also open up many new opportunities for us.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge over the next few years, in terms of business and/or technology?

Karpstein: On the one hand, I see the main challenges in positioning ourselves well and competitively in the global market. On the other hand, we need to drive forward the issues of sustainability and environmental protection, become more energy efficient and pursue effective recycling concepts.

This will certainly involve a lot of effort, but in my view, taking a different direction will only lead to dead ends.