Devising the right system

Depending on the customer’s needs, which have been ascertained and defined during the preliminary analysis, and the overall system strategy discussed and agreed upon with the end user, it has to be decided whether to:

• set up a full cycle system
• set up a double passage system
• organise the production on a batch or shift basis, trying to achieve whenever possible maximum flexibility with regards to:
  • size and configuration of manufactured product
  • combination of coats and painting cycles as well as the organisation of the latter, introducing also solutions which may seem slightly unorthodox or not completely sanctioned by use always in compliance with adequate safety margins.

In doing so, due consideration should be given to the needs which may arise in terms of rationalisation, industrial logistics, intermediate processing as well as the rationalisation of upstream and downstream flows.

The basic Layout of the system is thus defined through the identification of all acquisitions, convenience-related considerations, possible variables and reasonable safety as well as tolerance margins.

System flexibility

The purchase of a painting equipment represents a considerable investment, intended to last several years. Bearing that in mind, when we speak of system flexibility we do not mean the adoption of reasonable tolerance margins or safety measures designed to prevent size-related problems or other inconveniences which may limit the number of options available for the choice of painting product and cycle. By that term we rather mean a modularity concept thanks to which it is possible to expand the system in the medium term.

The introduction of such a concept allows the user to adapt his initial investment to effective production needs, to subsequently complete and expand it in order to meet new demands, with an eye also to automation. Thus, it is possible to dilute the investment over time and adapt it, should the need arise, to new emerging technologies which could not be foreseen beforehand.

System scaling

In theory, the process of scaling a system is a mere question of arithmetic calculation.

Nevertheless our experience tells us that there are several ways to do it.

The right one is how we do it!

It would be too easy to simply take into account:

• required productivity
• so many minutes of flash period
• so many minutes of stoving at X° C
• expected speed of XY conveyor

and then expect to come up with the solution! The number of variables we take into account is far greater and more complex, i.e.:

• supportable rhythms
• harmonisation with application tools
• efficiency and productivity of the tools
• Coating thickness, etc.

But let us not dwell on topics which are too technical.

Suffice it to say that we also take into account such aspects when scaling a system, but that most of all we take care of the overall balance and stability of the system, including its equipment.

We now proceed to finally draw the executive project and/or formulate the supply specifications.

Observance of the law

It goes without saying that a project developed by us is fully compliant with all the laws in force. If a project has been developed by a third party, we proceed to:

• check all certification and instruction manuals
• verify that the supply is compliant with the laws in force
• make sure there are no elements preventing the enforcement of the law 626 as concerns fixed installations or turning such enforcement into a dangerous practice

We cannot be held responsible for dynamic situations eluding our control.