SMEPI, a company specializing in the manufacture of RCC-M certified studs
The studs and other mechanical equipment of nuclear islands are subject to very strict manufacturing and design rules (RCC-M). Studs, wear and safety parts, as well as all parts subject to high stress, must therefore have precise mechanical and physical characteristics. A specialist in precision industrial mechanics, SMEPI performs precision machining of R RCC-M certified studs .
​
The importance of using precision mechanical parts
​
Industrial equipment must operate in particularly harsh environments. In particular, the nuclear or petrochemical sectors subject the various devices in action to extreme conditions: high pressure, high heat, highly toxic products, etc. From larger parts to small items such as an RCC-M stud , all components must withstand these stresses.
​
The performance and service life of the equipment, but also and above all the safety of installations and operators therefore depend on the quality of the mechanical parts used. Indeed, the slightest manufacturing defect can lead to accidents with tragic consequences in the context of such dangerous technical activities. In addition to the qualitative criteria, the conditions of supply as well as the sizing of the materials must be carefully checked.
​
For these reasons, it is important to ensure that the elements in action meet well-defined standards and benchmarks, especially for the nuclear industry.
​
The RCC-M code, strict rules for manufacturers
​
To ensure that nuclear equipment meets the required safety standards, AFCEN has published the RCC-M code (Rules for the Design and Construction of Mechanical Equipment for PWR Nuclear Islands). Regularly updated by the organization, this document details the references and recommendations with which any manufacturer of mechanical parts intended for a nuclear installation must comply with the aim of ensuring the maximum safety of the infrastructures in place. The 2017 edition is the most recent edition of the code incorporates 35 modification sheets.
​
The RCC-M code covers several technical topics. It defines in particular:
​
sizing and justification by calculation of studs;
the choice of materials and the conditions of supply;
manufacturing and control (control methods to be implemented, acceptability criteria for detected defects);
the documentation associated with the various activities covered;
quality assurance.
​
The studs are available in a wide range of diameters (6 to 24 mm) with lengths that differ according to the thickness of the part to be fixed. When they are intended for very demanding applications such as nuclear, compliance with dimensional standards and specific quality requirements is essential.
​
Another essential characteristic: the quality of the thread. This must guarantee flawless fixing and sealing once the studs have been installed. Quality, strong and durable threads easily accept a clamping piece and withstand many component disassembly and reinstallation.
​
Used as a reference in contractual relations between customers and suppliers, it must be accompanied by an exhaustive and detailed list of the materials and accessories to which it applies. An RCC-M stud is thus a precision part machined to withstand the specific constraints of the nuclear industry: temperature, pressure, radioactivity, etc.
​
An authorized manufacturer must therefore fully master all of the rules set out in this document. With this in mind, all personnel involved in the design, machining, inspection and marketing of parts are required to follow a training course or internship with AFCEN. Qualification requirements (operating procedures, welders and operators, etc.) are also required to be able to benefit from RCC-M certification.
Premium quality RCC-M studs from SMEPI
​
The design and production of mechanical parts specific to high-tech industries require a great deal of technical expertise. Precision and reliability are the key words throughout the production chain. Beyond the specifications from the customer, compliance with regulatory standards is an essential criterion to define the quality of all or part of a mechanical installation subject to strong constraints.
Reference supplier to big names such as AREVA, EDF or ALSTOM for 10 years, SMEPI is recognized for its know-how in the field of RCC-M stud machining. Equipped with extended skills and taking charge of the entire process, we are able to guarantee our customers a manufacturing quality that meets the standards as well as fast deadlines. Precision dowel, screws on drawing, rolled threading, electroerosion, machining of safety or wear parts: we put our expertise in precision industrial mechanics to the service of your performance.
​
Rely on SMEPI's experience for your precision part machining needs
In the extremely specialized branch of precision machining, we are capitalizing on more than ten years of successful experience, and we benefit from a solid reputation throughout France. For the machining of large, medium and small mechanical parts and shapes, SMEPI is an essential service provider if you have specific needs. SMEPI provides you with a complete offer including machining, heat and surface treatment, prototyping, the choice of materials to be used, assembly ... not to mention strict control of finished parts. Our achievements are suitable for professionals belonging to various trades among others: petrochemicals, special machines, nuclear, chemicals, transport, energy, etc. Our machining company trusts a highly qualified team and has a substantial stock of raw materials in order to offer you product quality, speed and respect for deadlines.