One of the most difficult processes in a factory is the painting system. To ensure a high quality output that is productive, safe and has a low environmental impact is always a delicate balance, within the Lafert plant in San Donà, Italy, the Operations Manager Tiziano Tedesco, explains the new system worth an investment of one million euro.
“We attained a real record a successfully completed project thanks to a cohesive and coordinated team that worked tirelessly. In total, it took one month to install the one kilometre long new structure. This required a considerable effort over the Christmas closure so as not to compromise the ordinary production process, this ensured that our customers received an uninterrupted service.”
Mr. Tedesco continues further on the results "The cycle time of the old system was 20 motor seconds; this has now been reduced to 13 motor seconds, thus increasing production capacity by more than 30%. In addition, we have enhanced the drying process, the chain is one kilometre long and to travel the distance, complying with all the phases, the motor takes from six to seven hours, but in this way all mechanical performance specified in the new paint technical specifications are ensured". He adds “Before starting the new production process we tested the whole system from painting to packaging. This included checking packaged motors that had been in stock for a month we opened the boxes containing the motors painted with the new products and they were perfect. The new paints are more resistant to scratches and bumps, thus contributing to the high quality of our product”. The Operations Manager praised his team “I would like to thank the Lafert team, the four teams of mechanics and two teams of electricians who did an excellent job".
New water-based paints that are more environmentally friendly have been introduced. They reduce VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compounds) by 95% in comparison to using solvent based paints. Looking to the future Mr. Tedesco concludes “We will move from two systems to three, the core chain which has just been installed, the chain for larger motors and one dedicated exclusively for painting special finishes that ensure excellent hold even in extreme environments”.
