Kelsterbach, 16. August 2023 – Automotive supplier YAZAKI has expanded capacity at its production site in Arad, Romania. For a new production line, YAZAKI Component Technology S.R.L. (YCT) relies on 13 FUJI automatic placement machines, handled by FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH (www.fuji-euro.de). The line includes 3 sFAB-D and 10 NXTR-S to manufacture a bidirectional DCDC converter system for electric vehicles. As a result, the line includes all the equipment required for automotive products and can ensure a high level of throughput and product quality.

YAZAKI Component Technology S.R.L. (YCT) with its production site in Arad is part of YAZAKI Europe Ltd. which is a major member of the YAZAKI Group. Founded in 1941, the globally active company is one of the leading manufacturers of wire harnesses or cable sets. The product range is focused on the automotive and power systems sectors.

Bogdan Baicu, SMT, Soldering & Coating PE Coordinator at YAZAKI Arad explains : “One of our main focuses is on the automotive business. Our latest product is a highly intelligent bidirectional 11-kW OBC-DCDC converter system for electric vehicles, which has the highest protection rating of 6K9K. A new line was required to produce this innovation, which meets the complex technological requirements.”

New line for the production of new converter system

The plant in Arad (Romania) operates 8 SMD lines and is one of three production sites of YAZAKI. The latest line is now equipped with 3 sFAB-D and 10 NXTR-S from FUJI for the production of the new converter system. This converter system for e-vehicles features high integration capability, small size and light weight. It also offers complete protection against dust and splash water entering the system at close range, as well as against high pressure and high temperatures. This demanding product quality must be ideally reproduced in production. The new line therefore has all the equipment required for such automotive products, including MES (Manufacturing Execution System).

“In particular, the NXTR-S smart factory platform offers us unique options that are essential for manufacturing our new product. For example, the pick-and-place machine gives us better board handling, more CPH – components per hour – and greater flexibility in terms of part size, with fewer head types. In addition, we now have a touch-down sensor, line control unit, part inspection and more feeder slots than usual. There is compatibility with existing feeders,” says Bogdan Baicu.

The sFAB-D also supports the high requirements. FUJI’s automated multi-purpose manufacturing machine enables flexible placement of various part sizes, shapes and delivery types of leaded components. It automates THT placement processes that were previously performed manually and ensures stable quality.

Overall, with the new line, YAZAKI achieves the product quality and speed in manufacturing that the e-vehicle market requires today.