Developing Eco-Design
The objectives
- Reducing the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of the machines
- Decreasing the energy consumption of the machines
- Using highly recyclable components
Durability of the REP machines
The rubber injection molding machines are well known for their longevity, able to exceed 40 years of use without requiring major replacements on condition that a preventive maintenance is carried out frequently. This feature is highly appreciated by customers, as it enables them to benefit from a long-term return on investment.
The expert's opinion
It is important to mention that we propose a rebuild offer with retrofitting of the switch cabinet for the oldest machines in order to maintain their performance and safety.
This contributes to reducing environmental impact by minimizing the production of waste materials, as well as reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Jocelyn Dupuy, Group After-Sales Service Manager
Decreasing the Energy Consumption of the Machines
The pre-delivery inspection process includes temperatures control.
This control requires a significant water consumption which is then not recycled. We intend to collect water through the creation of a closed-loop circulation system with cooling through a heat pump.
In winter, the heat generated by the cooling group could be reused for heating.
(Re)Design to Cost
The "(Re)Design to Cost" (RTC) concept is an approach aiming at diminishing the production costs by redefining the design of a product or process. REP is adopting this Design to Cost approach for the next generation of machines.
The idea is to reassess the materials and processes related to materials manufacturers, material suppliers and subcontractors.
- Search for less expensive alternative materials offering similar performances or requiring less processing time (e.g. choosing 40CA6-12 steel as alternative for cylinders and pistons),
- Optimization of processes: analysis of the various stages of a process to identify bottlenecks, waiting times or redundant operations in order to reduce costs and lead times while maintaining the required quality(e.g. optimizing the lapping, machining and inspection stages required in the nitriding process for pistons and cylinders)
