Electricity + Control September 2015

13 / 52

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.
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
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
or visit
ROUND UP CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION
Johan Bester, head of
sales, SMC Pneumatics.
SMC’s LEF actuators
installed as preferred
alternative to a bulky robot.
11 September ‘15 Electricity+Control