GIARDINA GROUP: FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS

Investing in finishing technology means, first of all, choosing solutions that match actual production requirements, finding the right balance between quality, flexibility and ease of operation, especially when working with different products, small batches and frequent production changes. Alongside productivity, which certainly remains important, other parameters also need to be considered, such as the possibility of introducing technologies capable of improving process quality and continuity without making operations unnecessarily complex. Properly sized, flexible and easy-to-use solutions can therefore represent a significant step forward, while keeping the investment proportionate to actual production needs.
“Today, flexibility is one of the key factors for those working in the finishing sector, especially for craftsmen and small manufacturers, where the variety of processes is often particularly high”, explains Stefano Mauri, co-owner of Giardina Group together with his brother Riccardo Mauri.
This is one of the principles guiding the development of the solutions offered by Giardina Group, the Italian company specialising in finishing technologies. Two examples are the automatic spraying machine “Singletech 300” and the Destefani “MVT 2000” automatic edge sanding machine: two technologies designed for different stages of the process, but sharing the same objective of combining quality, versatility and an investment consistent with production requirements.

SPRAYING MACHINE “SINGLETECH 300” “Singletech 300” has been designed for the application of stains, primers and topcoats on flat or shaped surfaces, including edges. It represents the Italian company’s “entry-level” solution in the field of automatic spraying and has been developed for manufacturers looking to introduce an automated application process while maintaining the quality and operating principles that characterise Giardina Group spraying systems. The machine uses a central reciprocating unit equipped with four spray guns, moved by a brushless system. The process has been designed to ensure uniform application across the entire surface of the workpiece, while the air distribution system and overspray extraction help maintain controlled working conditions inside the spraying area. One of the most interesting features of “Singletech 300” is the possibility of choosing between three different conveyor configurations, adapting the machine to the type of product, coating material and production organisation. The “Single Belt” (SB) version uses a 2,000-millimetre synthetic conveyor belt combined with the automatic product recovery and belt-cleaning system developed by Giardina Group. The “Single Belt Paper” (SBC) configuration, on the other hand, uses a disposable paper system. For companies requiring greater versatility, the “Dual Belt” (DB) version integrates both solutions, allowing the operator to choose between the self-cleaning synthetic belt and disposable paper according to the process being carried out. The same principle applies to overspray management. Depending on the configuration and production requirements, “Singletech 300” can be equipped with a dry filtration system or a water-based wet filtration system. The useful working width is 1,300 millimetres, making the machine suitable for many of the panels and components typically used in furniture production. Two independent coating circuits can also be installed on request, further increasing flexibility when different products or coating materials need to be managed.
The result is a spraying machine with a relatively simple architecture, while still offering the possibility of configuring the system according to the user’s actual requirements.

SANDING MACHINE “MVT 2000”
Surface preparation remains a fundamental stage, particularly when working on edges and shaped profiles. This is precisely where the Destefani “MVT 2000” comes into play, an automatic single-sided machine designed for sanding the edges of MDF and chipboard panels, as well as components already coated with polyurethane or water-based primers. Typical applications include kitchen cabinet doors, doors and many other components for the furniture industry. The machine combines two sanding units with complementary functions. The “AT110” abrasive belt unit is designed for sanding straight or shaped edges and profiles. Its working position can be adjusted from -10 to +90 degrees, while the interchangeable sanding pad allows the unit to be adapted to different geometries and processing requirements. The second unit, the “SB100” Scotch Brite brush, is designed for finer finishing operations such as superfine finishing, satin finishing and brushing. Here too, the adjustable working position makes it possible to follow different edge geometries and complete surface preparation before the subsequent finishing stages. The configuration therefore does not focus on increasing the number of working units, but on a relatively compact combination capable of covering the main edge-sanding requirements typically found in furniture production. Particular attention has also been paid to the conveyor system. The components are guided into the machine and transported through the working area by means of a robust chain conveyor with high-resistance rubber-coated pads. Feed speed can be electronically adjusted between 5 and 25 metres per minute, allowing the operator to adapt the process to the material and the type of sanding required. With an overall length of 3,400 millimetres and a total installed power of 5 kilowatts, “MVT 2000” remains relatively compact. Workpieces are loaded and unloaded manually, a solution consistent with the requirements of craft workshops and smaller production environments, where automation needs to provide a tangible advantage without necessarily transforming the entire production flow.

“The market demands consistent quality, fast response times and the ability to move from one production run to another without making the process unnecessarily complex. This is why we believe it is important to develop solutions that enable companies to meet these requirements through reliable, configurable technologies with an investment proportionate to their actual needs”, concluded Stefano Mauri.

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