Electricity + Control September 2015

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

ROUND UP

Actuators improve productivity and efficiency in automotive industry Johan Bester, head of sales at SMC Pneumatics SouthAfrica, shares information on one of the successful SMC installations recently completed. When Renault was developing its new generation K9 engine tomeet the now obligatory Euro6 regulations, it also needed to develop new processes in different areas of its Valladolid plant in Spain that supported its SPR and lean manufacturing principles. The K9 produces fewer than 80 mg/km of nitrogen oxides, which is a requirement of Euro6. It features steel pistons that generate less friction and delivers 3% lower fuel consumption. robotic technology, where possible, withmore efficient and effective alternative solutions. As a result, SMC’s LEF actuators have been installed as preferred alternative to a bulky robot. Since installing the electric actuators, Renault has significantly reduced the screw cycle from 16 seconds to nine seconds. The overall time of the operation was reduced by six seconds to just 24 seconds.The company has also halved its production area to just 4 m². It is a great example of lean manufacturing and has provided Renault with the perfect solution to their production challenges and ultimately helped them to bring a highly competitive product to market” adds Bester. Enquiries: Email sales@smcpneumatics.co.za or visit www.smcworld.com

The particular challenge facing Renault’s Production System (SPR) was how to maximise efficiency and output while optimising the available space and keeping maintenance as simple as possible. With ambitious targets to reduce overall costs of the new engine and increase production, whilst maintaining quality, Renault needed an experienced and trusted components supplier. SMC with its LEF actuators met the requirement to support the screw part of the pro- cess. With the highest repeat action, the screwing of components was a key focus for Renault in its efforts to improve productivity in an efficient way. Renault was one of the original adopters of SMC’s electric range of products and has expressed their satisfaction with the LEF actuators. According to Bester, SMC´s electric actuators have provided Renault with the high flexibility required for the development of new products, and at a very competitive price. Renault also believes the continuous collaboration with SMC has been key to the integration of the electric actuators and has rein- forced the image of the company as a components supplier for the automotive industry. It was Renault’s ambition to replace its costly

Johan Bester, head of sales, SMC Pneumatics.

SMC’s LEF actuators installed as preferred alternative to a bulky robot.

low voltage

September ‘15 Electricity+Control

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