While many competitors have long since moved away from combustion technology, Sonplas continues to drive innovation in the fuel sector alongside pioneering new technologies. The special-purpose machine manufacturer develops highly specialized assembly systems and test benches for components that come into contact with gasoline and diesel—and it will continue to consistently pursue solutions for conventional combustion technology in the future. This positions the company as the “last man standing” in a rapidly evolving market. With this clear commitment, Sonplas provides customized, turnkey solutions from a single source for customers in Europe, the United States, and China.
Lukas Sepaintner, Sales Engineer for the Fuel Technology division
Shifting from combustion engines to e-mobility? “Today, the market is focusing equally on both technologies,” says Lukas Sepaintner, Sales Engineer at Sonplas. The medium-sized special-purpose machine manufacturer based in Straubing, Bavaria, now has nearly 30 years of experience in assembly, but primarily in testing fuel-contact components in injection systems, such as valves, injectors, pressure regulators, fuel rails, injection pumps, and pre-feed pumps. For a long time, battery electric vehicles seemed to be the only way forward. Automakers increasingly aligned their model ranges and drive technology with electric vehicles. While this technology remains important, interest in solutions for combustion engines is now clearly on the rise again. “The US and, above all, the Chinese markets are particularly interesting. The Chinese government is actively promoting the further development of combustion technology,” emphasizes Sepaintner. In these regions, automation is becoming increasingly important in the testing and assembly of components. Several Sonplas systems are already in operation, and interest in automated assembly and testing solutions continues to grow.
“For example, we can not only assemble a gasoline pump, but also test it with the appropriate medium,” explains Sepaintner. “That is a clear unique selling point.” The special-purpose machine manufacturer operates its own in-house test laboratory to support the development of test benches and to assist customers with prototype testing. Feasibility studies and product testing further expand the range of services available to customers. Typical processes include testing flow rate, leak tightness, and spray pattern, measuring opening and closing times, as well as determining the injection rate. Both functional and endurance tests can be performed, either on individual components or on the entire system.
The experts design the test benches using a modular approach and tailor them precisely to the customer’s requirements. This enables Sonplas to expand or retrofit the systems at any time, for example, in the event of changed environmental conditions. Unnecessary units can be omitted, and all legal requirements for explosion protection are fully met. Sonplas can perform safe testing of components using both real fuels and specialized test media. “What matters is not only the technical expertise during implementation, but also the upfront consulting and support during final acceptance,” says the Sonplas engineer. “For instance, the customer needs to be able to integrate the test bench into their facility.” Development in combustion engine technology continues to move forward. To make engines more efficient while at the same time reducing emissions, fuels need to be atomized more precisely within the combustion chamber. “At present, injection pressure in gasoline injectors is around 500 bar,” explains Sepaintner. “But we can design systems for up to 1,000 bar if needed, and there is essentially no upper limit.”
Sonplas not only supports the development of complete test benches, but also the optimization of existing production lines. “Because we offer both assembly and testing from a single source, we provide a complete package,” notes Sales Engineer Sepaintner. “Having just one point of contact shortens communication paths, reduces organizational effort, and eliminates interface issues.”
Sonplas will therefore be the “last man standing.” Even in a changing market with growing e-mobility, the company continues to support its customers in the development and testing of conventional combustion technologies.