Case study: Rollon supplies gantry system and RTU for Sangsin ENG’s brake pad production machines

South Korea’s automotive industry is one of the most advanced globally, recognized for its innovation, production efficiency, and robust export capabilities. This strong industrial foundation has supported the development of cutting-edge suppliers across the entire value chain. Among these is Sangsin ENG, a company that has emerged as a key automation partner for automotive manufacturing facilities in the region.

Founded in 1991, Sangsin ENG entered into an M&A (Merger and Acquisition) with Sangsin Brake Group in 2006. Sangsin ENG has since experienced significant growth, specializing in the design and manufacture of equipment for brake pad production lines. Its focus on automation and precision engineering has positioned it at the forefront of this sector.

The challenge

As part of a new project for one of its customers, Sangsin ENG needed to complete an automated production line for brake pads. The requirement was for a linear motion system capable of performing reliable pick-and-place operations and transporting components across multiple workstations within the line.

The operating environment posed particular challenges: it demanded a high standard of cleanliness while simultaneously exposing components to contaminants generated during the production process. Additionally, the system needed to deliver smooth, quiet, and fast motion to align with the customer’s production speed and requirements.

To meet these demands, Sangsin ENG turned to S.R. Tec, Rollon’s official distributor in South Korea, for a solution that could combine performance, reliability, and compatibility with the production environment.

The solution

Rollon, in collaboration with S.R. Tec, engineered a tailored solution comprising a YZ gantry system based on Speedy Rail actuators and a Robot Transfer Unit (RTU) constructed with two ELM actuators. This integrated system was installed across the entire brake pad production line, managing the full range of component handling and transfer operations with precision and consistency.

The YZ gantry was specifically designed to handle vertical and horizontal manipulation with strokes of 6,500 mm on the Y-axis and 800 mm on the Z-axis. Both axes utilize Speedy Rail SAB self-supporting actuators driven by belt system. These actuators are characterized by their deep hard-anodized surface treatment and polyamide-coated rollers, which provide high load capacity while requiring no lubrication or maintenance. Their construction also ensures robust resistance to dirt and contaminants – an essential feature for the operating conditions required by Sangsin ENG.

Complementing the gantry, the RTU enables horizontal movement along a stroke of 3,600 mm. Built with two ELM actuators, the unit features extruded and anodized aluminium profiles and a polyurethane sealing strip. This design offers complete protection of the belt drive and guide system, shielding the internal mechanisms from dust and other production debris while supporting long-term operational reliability.

The YZ gantry system based on Speedy Rail actuators and a Robot Transfer Unit (RTU) with two ELM actuators supplied by Rollon. © Sangsin ENG

Performance and results

“The design approach was guided by a clear technical constraint: avoid the use of lubricants to maintain production cleanliness, while still withstanding the abrasive effects of contaminants. The selected combination of Speedy Rail and ELM actuators proved to be ideally suited for this type of demanding environment”, explains Yuji Hayashi, APAC Sales Manager Actuators Business Unit at Rollon.

For Sangsin ENG, the switch to Rollon represented a clear improvement over previous solutions: “Before using Rollon, we had developed an in-house system, but it didn’t meet our performance expectations,” explains Jaekook Bae, Managing Director at Sangsin ENG. “Two years ago, we started to use Rollon’s products. Cleanliness is critical for us. With Rollon, we don’t need grease, which is a huge benefit for the production environment. Maintenance has become easier, and the motion is fast and silent – important factors for our operations.”

Rollon’s commitment to customer support was also instrumental in the project’s success. “We initially encountered some vibration issues,” says Walter Gobbi, Sales Director APAC at Rollon. “But we responded quickly with a corrective solution and supported Sangsin throughout the process.”

”A particularly notable system resilience occurred during machine testing, when a collision damaged several components on the production line. Remarkably, Rollon’s system remained completely unaffected.” said Jaekook Bae.

“This incident demonstrated that our sizing includes a sufficient safety factor, and confirmed the reliability of our design,” adds Hayashi.

The Sangsin ENG and S.R. Tec teams with Yuji Hayashi from Rollon (third from the right). © Rollon

Looking ahead

With an eye toward expanding its footprint in the European market, Sangsin ENG is now seeking reliable partners who can help support this growth. Rollon is positioned to play a key role in this journey.

“Our customers appreciate the technical quality and cleanliness that Rollon systems guarantee. This gives us the confidence to continue our cooperation and to rely on Rollon as we grow in new markets”, concludes Jaekook Bae.

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