Motion Control & Drives


SMC Pneumatics steps up a gear with Renault

August 2015 Motion Control & Drives

When Renault began development on its new generation K9 engine to meet the now obligatory Euro6 regulations, it needed to develop new processes in various areas of its Valladolid plant in Spain. All of these were required to support its SPR and lean manufacturing principles. According to Johan Bester, head of sales at SMC Pneumatics South Africa, 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 challenges 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.

LEF actuators meet the requirements

With ambitious targets to reduce overall costs of the new engine whilst maintaining quality, Renault needed an experienced and trusted components supplier. SMC with its LEF actuators met the requirement to support the screw driven parts of the process. Their highly repeatable action was a key benefit in the drive to improve production efficiency.

Renault was one of the original adopters of SMC’s electric range of products and has not been disappointed with the results, expressing its satisfaction with the LEF actuators. According to Bester, the actuators have provided Renault with the high degree of flexibility required for the development of new products, and at a very competitive price.

Renault also believes that continuous collaboration with SMC has been key to the integration of the electric actuators, and has reinforced the image of the company as a components supplier for the automotive industry.

Continuous improvement is the vision

Being Japanese owned, SMC shares Renault’s SPR principle through the kaizen (continuous improvement) philosophy and collectively both teams are always striving to enhance the manufacturing process, so that it is as lean and efficient as possible. This allowed the key objectives of reducing production time by 50% and minimising maintenance time and cost, to be comfortably achieved.

A key part of Renault’s production process involves the use of robotic technology. However, these utilise valuable space and are costly, and complicated to program and maintain. So, it was Renault’s ambition to replace these, where possible, with more efficient alternative solutions.

As a result, SMC’s LEF actuators have been installed in place of a robot, with the ability to cover eight different positions whilst withstanding heavy loads. The actuators are also easy to program and maintain, and deliver production efficiencies across all key areas.

Since installing the electric actuators, Renault has significantly reduced the cycle and overall operation times, as well as saving significant space in production area.

“It’s a great example of lean manufacturing and has provided Renault with the perfect solution to its production challenges, and ultimately helped it to bring a highly competitive product to market,” concludes Bester.

For more information contact SMC Pneumatics South Africa, +27 (0)11 568 2407, [email protected], www.smcpneumatics.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Driving heavy equipment industry
Motion Control & Drives
Cimolai Technology, a leader in the design, production and installation of lifting and handling equipment, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. This move aims to deliver innovative, reliable and custom-made solutions to meet the most demanding technical specifications across sectors such as shipyards, infrastructure and heavy industry.

Read more...
Actuators for automated fully
Motion Control & Drives
Rotork supplies actuators for an automated next generation fully electrified offshore gas platform

Read more...
AG Lubricants partners with
Motion Control & Drives
AG Lubricants has partnered with a major player in the South African steel industry to supply high-performance Mobil lubricants, Quaker Houghton industrial fluids and value-added technical services.

Read more...
Smart features increase crane safety
Motion Control & Drives
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.

Read more...
Compact, powerful hexapod for high-precision applications
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...
Hexagon Electrical services electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.

Read more...
NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.

Read more...
Cutting-edge robotics and smart manufacturing solutions
Yaskawa Southern Africa Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa made a compelling impact at this year’s Africa Automation and Technology Fair

Read more...
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.

Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved