Renault has taken delivery of a further four DV Automation electro-mechanical machines for hemming bodyside wheelhouses at its manufacturing facilities in France and Spain.

Renault chose the DVA systems to replace traditional spot welding of the wheel arch because they not only provide a higher quality finish but also help eliminate problems with corrosion.

One set of DVA machines (1 left hand, 1 right hand) is being used to hem rear wheelhouses for the Laguna model at Renault’s plant in Sandouville, France, while the second set has been integrated into the Clio production line at Valladolid, Spain. DVA has previously supplied six machines to Renault in recent years.

The compact units were specially designed for Renault at DVA’s factory in Halesowen, West Midlands, and each system rapidly hems the vehicle wheel arch in a single, combined two-stage process. Thanks to DVA’s patented combination of mechanical links used to advance the pre-hem and final hem beams, the procedure is completed within a fast cycle time of just 12 seconds.

Renault was also impressed by the minimal maintenance requirements and the efficient, low noise operation of the machines, explained Mark Schlanker, DVA’s business manager.

“DVA hemming machines require very little maintenance because they boast an uncomplicated mechanical operation with only limited electrical control. Upkeep is easy and can be carried out by a customer’s own maintenance engineers.

“What’s more, these units are not only well-tried and tested but extremely reliable with very few breakdowns ever recorded. They provide a fast, efficient solution for a wide variety of hemming requirements,” he added.

DVA, based in Halesowen, West Midlands, produces a range of machines for hemming closures on vehicle bodies. It recently became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thompson Friction Welding Ltd, the renowned manufacturer of friction welding equipment.

Further information on DVA hemming systems and solutions can be obtained from Mark Schlanker on + 44 (0)121 585 3333 or email sales@dvautomation.co.uk. The DVA website can be found at www.dvautomation.co.uk.