Rolfo SpA

Sector: Transportation
Vehicle Category: Truck & Trailer

Small components play a critical role in the transportation of valuable loads

Car transporters are specialised vehicles used to convey passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from manufacturers’ production plants to distributors. Rolfo is an all-Italian market leader in this field.

Since the early 50s, the company - which is based in Bra (Cuneo, Piedmont) - has been a reference point for the design and production of this type of commercial vehicle.

From its advanced manufacturing facility, Rolfo produces and assembles the key components for the metal structure of the transporter body, combining this with the necessary pneumatic, hydraulic, electric and electronic sub-systems, to complete road-ready transporters, which are delivered to customers around the world.

Needs

“The company specialises in the production of customer specific truck bodies and trailers used for the transportation of various types and classes of vehicles, from passenger cars up to heavy duty trucks and off highway machinery”, states Irene Rolfo from the Rolfo SpA purchasing department.
“Modern transporters are the result of a technical design which aims to increase load capacities across the range of vehicles to be transported, while simplifying daily work for the drivers and reducing loading and unloading operation times. Enhanced safety is always paramount.”

Solutions

“The partnership between Rolfo and Camozzi Automation began almost four years ago. Initially, we were convinced and won over by the high quality of the fittings, along with the possibility to reduce the number of pieces necessary to connect our applications. We, therefore, decided to commission them to supply the fittings for our airbrake and air suspension circuits. Afterwards, we expanded our partnership to include applications with mini cylinders in the field of mobile automation, achieving significant improvements in quality and reliability.
Therefore, the decision to add Camozzi Automation to our list of trusted suppliers was a real win, from both a technological and economical point of view.”

Results

“Today, Camozzi Automation products can be found on in excess of 90% of the Rolfo car transporter range. Even though the pneumatic and hydraulic systems are small, compared to the overall size of the vehicle, they carry out essential technical tasks.
For example, the airbrake fittings guarantee an efficient and reliable connection of the trailer’s brake system. The possibility of disconnecting the tube from the fitting with a very small and simple tool, requiring less than 50% of the space that comparable systems need, provides an extremely user-friendly solution. The fitting technology previously used resulted in the fitting being scrapped in the event of an error being made when connecting the tube to the fitting.
Thus, we have been able to reduce time on the production line and avoid unnecessary waste of materials, without compromising on functionality, reliability or performance.” Irene Rolfo further added.

Another important application involves a pneumatic support function for the hydraulic system, used to move the decks during loading and unloading, which incorporates a customized Series 24 mini cylinder.
“Thanks to their extremely compact design, Camozzi components are well suited to applications where there are critical space constraints.

“We also use Camozzi Automation components for the door closing mechanism of our confidential transport products, in order to prevent forced entry by thieves when the transporter is stationary in a parking area”, added Irene Rolfo.

Componenti Camozzi Automation

Fittings Series 9000: Robust, compact, efficient and reliable, they have become a key component of the air brake and air suspension systems on Rolfo transporters. The fittings Series 9000 are TÜV certified and manufactured according to the IATF 16949: 2016 standard. They are primarily designed for connecting the pneumatic brake and air suspension system of commercial vehicles with tubes compliant with the DIN 74324 and ISO 7628 standards. Thanks to a special release mechanism and space-saving tool, the fittings and tube can be easily disconnected even when space is limited. The rubber protection cap prevents the ingress of water and dirt and makes Series 9000 the perfect fitting for harsh environments

Mini Cylinders Series 24: Are built according to the ISO 6432 size standard, ensuring reliable & smooth movement, without jolting, vibrations or noise. Camozzi Automation has developed a wide range of accessories that enable the mini cylinder to adapt to various types of mounting situations.
With the options of stainless-steel rods and barrels & anodized aluminium end caps, the mini cylinder Series 24 is a versatile and reliable range for applications in the transportation sector.

The partnership between Rolfo and Camozzi Automation began almost four years ago. Initially, we were convinced and won over by the high quality of the fittings, along with the possibility to reduce the number of pieces necessary to connect our applications.