Connection Technology Connection Solutions for Demanding Environmental Simulations

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When it comes to connection technology for its climate chambers and research laboratories, regineering has long relied on Lapp's broad portfolio—reliable, high-quality and all from a single source.

When international research institutions carry out environmental simulations, technology from Preith in Bavaria is often used. regineering GmbH develops highly specialized climate chambers in which temperature, humidity, pressure and gases are precisely simulated according to the research interest. The portfolio also includes complete research laboratories. When it comes to connection technology, regineering has always relied on the Lapp portfolio.

Anyone driving through the tranquil village of Preith in the Bavarian district of Eichstätt would hardly expect to find a high-tech company here that supports international research institutions with its innovative strength. Yet it is precisely here that regineering develops highly specialized environmental simulation systems and individually planned laboratories for universities, research centers and scientific institutes around the world. Almost every system is a one-off, tailored precisely to the scientific problem in question.

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The technological requirements are correspondingly high: for the simulations, the materials and components have to withstand extreme cold, heat, strong radiation and chemical stress for many years. regineering has therefore relied on connection solutions from Lapp since the company's beginnings. "The very first cable I used was from Lapp," recalls Stefan Innerhofer, founder and Managing Director of regineering. "Since then, the collaboration has grown continuously."

From Campus Filling Station to High-Tech Laboratory

The story of regineering begins at the Technical University of Munich. While studying mechanical engineering, Stefan Innerhofer was working on a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuel and converted his car to run on vegetable oil. As there was no suitable filling station, he quickly built a fuel pump himself directly on the campus in Garching. This idea became the starting point of an entrepreneurial journey that rapidly gained momentum. "I never actually wanted to become an entrepreneur, I just wanted to solve a problem," says Stefan Innerhofer. "But suddenly people were queuing up to fill up with us. That's when I realized that a technical idea could also become a business model."

Innerhofer built his first test benches to test the engines converted to vegetable oil. He initially used them himself, followed later by orders for vegetable oil tractors, among others. As demand increased, the range of services grew and environmental simulation systems and complex research laboratories were added. In 2012, Stefan Innerhofer founded regineering GmbH, which now also works as a general contractor with over 100 employees, realizing sophisticated and tailor-made high-tech research buildings.

Environmental Simulation Under Extreme Conditions

For regineering, environmental simulations involve more than just controlling temperature or humidity. The climate chambers developed and built in Preith must guarantee maximum precision and reliability under extreme conditions. Inside, temperatures can range from −95°F to +250°F, humidity from 10 to 95 percent and gassing with ozone, methane or CO₂. High-voltage tests are also possible in some cases.

A current project for a leading German research center shows just how complex such requirements can be in practice: regineering designed 17 tailor-made climate chambers, most of which have special lighting systems for plant trials. "Each chamber is unique. We develop them precisely tailored to the respective research question," explains Lukas Braun, authorized signatory and head of the electronics department. "For example, we can simulate how plants might react to changing climate conditions in 100 years' time. Our technology provides the answers."

Another project took the team across the Atlantic: regineering developed special climate chambers for the University of Idaho in which entire plant ecosystems can be researched under controlled conditions. Forest fires are also simulated in order to investigate their long-term effects on the earth. The systems had to be designed in such a way that they could reliably supply thousands of sensors with power and data even under heat, smoke and ash development.

Such requirements pose enormous challenges for the connection technology used, which go far beyond the standard. "In some projects, cables have to withstand temperature fluctuations of over 375°F—from freezing cold to steaming heat," says Lukas Braun. "At the same time, they have to be flexible, shielded and durable. That's why we deliberately use high-quality components from Lapp."

Reliably Connected in Special Plant Construction

For regineering, Lapp is much more than just a supplier: the Stuttgart-based family business is a reliable partner when it comes to precise and fast solutions for complex requirements. Especially in special plant engineering, where every application has special technical requirements, one thing counts above all: a comprehensive product portfolio that covers different areas of application and a partner with whom everything comes from a single source.

"We always find exactly the cable we need at Lapp," says Lukas Braun. "Whether shielded, flexible, high-temperature resistant or with a high number of cores—we don't have to search long, we know we'll find it." The broad portfolio gives regineering the necessary flexibility to implement individually developed solutions quickly and without technical compromises. Connection solutions from brands such as Ölflex, Etherline, Unitronic and Sylvin are therefore used.

Lapp also meets the high expectations of the special plant manufacturer in terms of quality and availability: the cables are durable, robust and reliable. Properties that are important to regineering. "What we expect from our partners is technical diligence and absolute reliability," says Stefan Innerhofer. "And that's exactly what we've been getting from Lapp since day one."

Partnership-Based, Sustainable, Forward-Looking

Last but not least, regineering appreciates the partnership-based cooperation at eye level. From technical advice to the rapid provision of required components, everything is uncomplicated, pragmatic and solution-oriented. This is an important success factor for a growing company with complex projects. "We don't need long coordination processes, we need people who understand our requirements. And that simply works at Lapp," says Stefan Innerhofer.

This view is mutual, as Markus Schreiber, Account Manager at Lapp, confirms: "We have a close, trusting working relationship with regineering. We know that they place the highest demands on technology and reliability. This is precisely what motivates us to work together as equal partners." The partnership shows: When the highest technical quality, trust and shared values come together, the result is a sustainable connection that has an impact beyond the collaboration.

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