Conceive fastening differently Simplification, standardisation, integration of functions, environmental considerations, comfort, design….Innovation creates original, intelligent and functional fastening solutions. The A Raymond Research and Development teams have as their principal objectives: - Anticipating new trends - Adapting fastenings to new technologies and environmental standards - Understanding market requirements and evolutions - Optimising the fastening function [standardisation, reduction of the number of references per vehicle, multi-function pieces] - Facilitating assembly operations [ergonomic of the parts]. - Reducing assembly costs through fitting assistance [80% of the overall cost of the fastening function] during the industrial process. The technological expertise of the A Raymond network has thus created new materials, functions, products and services. EXAMPLES OF INNOVATION Performance Techbond® adhesives by Raybond Development and Production Techbond® adhesives have been developed, patented and produced by Raybond, and offer a unique combination of mechanical (fastening) and chemical (bonding) ability and process including "turnkey bonding units". The system respects the environment as it is the result of a solvent-free manufacturing process. Techbond thermosetting adhesives are “tack free” and are directly pre-applied to the fastenings. There are 13 live patents on Techbond® products, process and applications. Applications Bonding to a variety of materials: glass, aluminium, painted steel, plastic. Examples of applications in the automotive industry: combination of 3 A Raymond expertise: metal, plastic and adhesive for applications: rain camera, light sensors, glass location and fixings, exterior trim,... Advantages - Structural adhesive pre-applied onto fasteners. The quantity of adhesive is accurately measured within milligrams - Easy to transport and to use / easy to handle - tack free - Very rapid bonding (a few seconds) by heat activation - Simple and rapid mass production process which enables just-in-time or sequential delivery. - Added value and reduction of costs. - Ecological (no product wastage, solvent-free manufacture) Today more than 18 000 000 vehicles are fitted with Techbond® “Endless” savings…. The automated RayNICE® process The reduction in assembly costs is one of our client priorities. How can we reduce the non-productive time which exists in standard industrial processes? Through a combined product / process approach. RayNICE® [nonstop injected clip equipment] An automated and patented system which moulds fasteners onto a coil "inline" with transport straps. RayTOOL® has been developed to directly assemble RayNICE®, enabling the continuous automated assembly of fastenings. Advantages These two systems combined represent an 80% reduction in non-productive time compared to a conventional system of bluk/loose individually assembled parts. - Increase in productivity - Reduction in process and logistics costs - Quality improvement A variety of connectors New generation quick connectors It is well known that the new generation of quick connectors provides major advantages in all areas of automotive fluid connections. The connectors have evolved and integrate new functions as they have to respond to technological and ecological requirements (check valves, service port, pressure regulators, temperature sensors, depolution applications, ...) Applications Low pressure fuel system, cooling, air-conditioning, power steering, brake booster, depolution systems, … Advantages Quick, easy, ergonomically convenient, reliable assembly Increase productivity Meets environmental requirements A Raymond network connector activity - More than 200 people - Rayconnect International is a specialised independent company formed to provide expertise in design, engineering, marketing and sales - 6 production sites: Germany, Brazil, China, France, Japan, USA - 12% of the global market (fuel applications) Cutting-edge technology Filtration and acoustics Research into acoustic performances has led to the reduction of noise and vibrations mainly caused by pumps, motors and road surfaces. 2 types of technology have developed fasteners with an acoustic filter, which play a part in overcoming noise and noise pollution: - Double injection technology combines 2 thermoplastics (one rigid and one flexible) in order to combine the properties of the 2 materials - AR-Bag® is a mono-material, smooth on the surface and full of air bubbles which absorb vibrations Advantages - Dynamic properties - Improved comfort (Reduction of vehicle noise levels) - Environmental protection (fuel economy) - Possible to create large parts (AR-Bag®) Applications: Fluid pipe clips, acoustic screens, protective screens, aero dynamic underbody air deflectors, …