In order to be prepared for tightening emission control standards and to develop the automobile Flex Tube with excellent noise control and durability, SJM R & D (Research and Development) performs prototype design using computer, prototype manufacturing, property evaluation and single-Axis durability tests. It also observes Flex Tube Motion in test cars. Based on the results, R & D also performs a fast three-Axis durability test developed by SJM to support development of a new car.

R & D calculates maximum stress and strain by structural analysis, and optimizes the number and the shape of corrugation. This minimizes the errors accompanying developmental procedures so that a high quality product can be developed in a short time. In addition, various Product Design Data Bases, which have accumulated over 26 years, and Characteristics Predicting Software, which were developed by SJM, complement structural analysis results.

SJM's prototype model can be made either by starting from a single model and following stepwise molding or by starting from a number of models equivalent to the number of corrugation of Bellows and molding them altogether at the same time. This provides models with property that mass production would provide from the developmental stages, and makes precise testing and evaluation possible. By using prototype models, static / dynamic property evaluation and Single-Axis durability tests, SJM predicts properties of the products before installation into a complete car, which helps automobile manufacturers shorten the development time.

While a test car is running, measuring a displacement of the Flex Tube using measuring system and analysis software that were developed by SJM verifies limiting conditions of the design and the use. Furthermore, SJM forecasts the degree of damage over a vehicle's life span to aid in the development of more durable products.

The 3D-MTS-durability test, which exactly simulates real displacement measurement results and conditions for the use of a real car, simulates not only axial and lateral displacement but also torsion directional displacement. Using devices developed by SJM: a Gas Heating Device simulating conditions that Flex Tube is exposed to the exhaust gas, and a Salt Water Sprayer simulating salt corrosion during winter, SJM simulates all types of real operational loads that Flex Tube is exposed to in the research lab.