Research and development has played a major role in the success of XL Systems product lines in recent years. XL Systems invests significantly in research and development across its businesses at state-of-the-art R&D facilities worldwide. For example, in the fall of 2005, XL Systems completed the installation of a new $700,000 test cell, complete with a large diameter bending frame, harmonic fatigue test machine, make-up machine and an overhead gantry crane system.

Premium large-bore connections demand extensive verification. The Viper large-bore weld-on connector, the latest development from XL Systems, is the most thoroughly tested connector of its kind. Viper features superior strength and excellent fatigue performance. XL Systems' product development plan included full-scale bending, fatigue and combined loading sealability testing of 20-inch, 30-inch and 36-inch Viper connectors.