Pneumatics & Hydraulics


SMC drives the automotive industry

January 2018 Pneumatics & Hydraulics

Known for its support to the automotive industry, SMC offers a comprehensive line of pneumatic products which both meet and exceed the automotive industry's demanding manufacturing requirements. The result is robust pneumatic systems for continuous operation, efficient production ramp up and the ability to operate in extreme temperatures and welding environments.

While many companies offer components to the automotive industry, SMC has spent years understanding the industry’s needs and adapting and evolving with them, looking to maximise performance and minimise energy costs and downtime.

In 2017, the company started manufacturing and assembling pneumatic/electro-pneumatic panels in-house at its facilities in Midrand. From a simple assembly to a complex system, SMC’s sales engineers together with its designers, panel builders and technical teams work with customers to ensure that panels are designed to specification, within budget and on time.

Most recently, SMC’s team worked with a large automotive manufacturer to alleviate production time and speed up processes by using one of its custom-built panels to match the application. The previous application required that the staff on site had to manually manoeuvre two side panels of a vehicle and have these welded onto the chassis. This was proving labour intensive and safety was of concern.

The team at SMC found the perfect solution to the problem – an SMC panel which houses control valves and operates CP96 cylinders (ISO) and AS flow controls; this allows for an automated process that reduced both welding and labour time.

Featured products for body assembly

• CQ2 compact cylinders: the CQ2 series has a long service life and optional coil scraper for weld spatter removal making it an ideal

selection for resistance welding applications.

• Clamp cylinders: complementing the CQ2 is a full range of clamp cylinders, including the CKZ2N power clamp which conforms to the NAAMS standard.

• SY series: series SY 5-port valves in combination with the EX600 modular fieldbus system yield versatile configurations, satisfying diverse user requirements.

• EX600: series SY 5-port valves in combination with the EX600 modular fieldbus system yield versatile configurations, satisfying diverse user requirements.

• AC modular units (FRLs): the AC series modular FRL ensures the precise flow of clean air to maximise operation of system components. A host of available options such as the manual residual pressure release valve on the -X352 variant ASP speed controller includes an internal check valve that will pneumatically lock an actuator in place for drop prevention.

For more information contact SMC Pneumatics South Africa, +27 (0)11 100 5866, sales@smcpneumatics.co.za, www.smcpneumatics.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Versatile cylinder monitoring
ifm - South Africa Pneumatics & Hydraulics
This IO-Link cylinder sensor from ifm, with two configurable hardware outputs, will upgrade your machine in no time.

Read more...
Hydraulic connectors with residual pressure
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Hydraulic connections are vital in both outdoor and indoor industrial machinery. However, the hydraulics lines frequently require connecting and disconnecting for maintenance or changeover. The goal is to enable quick, easy swaps to enhance machine flexibility and productivity.

Read more...
Selection of two-port valves: an open and shut case
SMC Corporation South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Little consideration is generally given to two-port valves because they are often perceived as simple devices that only open and close to control downstream fluid supply. Although this is mechanically true, choosing the optimal two-port valve for your application can make a big difference, saving space, weight and energy consumption.

Read more...
Ten considerations for optimum use of vacuum technology
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Vacuum technology plays a huge role in the packaging of foodstuffs and other products. Here are ten considerations to help you use vacuum technology as effectively and efficiently as possible, so that you can optimise processes and cut operating costs.

Read more...
Oil-free beer and wine processing
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The food and beverage industry depends on superior quality, 100% oil-free compressed air to eliminate the presence of unwanted oil vapour throughout the production line.

Read more...
Choosing a pneumatic knocker
Neu Matics SA Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Pneumatic knockers are a valuable tool in minimising buildup of materials and preventing disruptions in material flow in silos, rotary dryers, coolers, granulators and coating drums. This helps plant managers improve production efficiency and product quality.

Read more...
Easy couplings for extreme conditions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Pneumatics & Hydraulics
BMG’s Timken Quick-Flex couplings, which require minimal maintenance, are able to withstand extreme applications, including hydraulics, pumps, gearboxes, compressors, vibrator screens, and fans.

Read more...
Innovative solutions to boost energy efficiency and cost savings
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As a leading manufacturer of high performance cartridge valves and integrated packages, Sun Hydraulics has gathered a collection of innovative solutions proven to significantly boost and improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and ultimately provide cost savings for the end-user.

Read more...
Create and recover energy all in one check valve
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Energen is a new, high-efficiency check valve from Sun Hydraulics that allows free flow from inlet to outlet, and blocks flow in the opposite direction. Composed of an integrated generator that converts ...

Read more...
Create and recover energy all in one check valve
Motion Tronic Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Industrial automation group Inovance Technology Europe, in partnership with its distributor Motion Tronic, has announced the release of the MD800 – an AC multidrive designed to meet the demands of South ...

Read more...