Time is running out to replace curing lamps containing mercury. Starting in just a few months, the EU will gradually introduce a ban on the manufacture, import, export and use of UV lamps with mercury. You may even find it already hard to procure replacement lamps for your drying equipment and the situation certainly will not improve as we near the end-of-year deadline.

What are the options today?

Let’s start by saying that the news is good! Developed at our LAB, also supported by our LED technology experts from C-LED, we have developed different innovative solutions that will comfortably replace your mercury lamps. 

• Lifespan 10 to 20 times longer than traditional UV lamps
• Energy consumption reduced by 50% to 70% compared to conventional mercury lamps
• Instant on/off operation, resulting in lower running costs
• Precise power control and adjustment for achieving the ideal surface finish

These new LED lamps have been tested by independent paint manufacturers, all successfully. We have already set up a number of solutions in our laboratory, so that you can test your products and verify the results.

WHITE PAPER: FROM UV-R TO UV LED
A practical guide to replacing traditional mercury vapor UV-R ovens with high-efficiency, sustainable UV LED solutions.

How fast do you need to intervene?

In just a few months it may be too late to conveniently replace your mercury lamps. First because they will become difficult to obtain, second because it’s always a good idea to arrange things in advance. The replacement that our technicians take care of will be customised to suit your line.

We are here to help you avoid lost production and we are here to provide you with a highly efficient solution that will:

• Reduce operating costs
• Last up to 20 times longer
• Require minimal maintenance
• Bring you in line with EU directives

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
CONTACT US TO EXPLORE THIS SOLUTION NOW

Industrial ovens are essential components of the finishing process. These machines ensure the drying of paints and coating materials applied to substrates.

There are in fact several types of industrial ovens, each designed not only according to the desired finish, but also in relation to the lacquer required to achieve it: in order to generate high-quality, long-lasting results, the industrial oven must meet specific curing parameters.

It is therefore essential to understand in detail what the production requirements are and to choose solutions that meet them, ensuring the right balance between costs, efficiency and performance.

Here are Cefla Finishing’s suggestions for evaluating the technologies currently available on the market.

What is an industrial oven and how does it work?

What, first of all, is an industrial oven, and what features must it have to perform its role in the finishing process? We are talking about a specialised heating device, designed to process large quantities of materials or products in controlled thermal environments.

Unlike domestic ovens used for cooking or baking, the industrial oven, which operates in much more demanding environments, must guarantee long operating life and high heating capacity while ensuring precise temperature control and sustainable energy consumption.

The basic operation of industrial ovens involves heat generation via electric resistances or fuel-powered systems, though there are also hybrid approaches and more advanced technologies. Once produced, the heat is transferred to the workpieces mainly by convection or radiation, depending on the type of oven. For example, convection ovens circulate hot air to distribute temperature evenly, while radiant ovens use infrared or ultraviolet elements to alter the state of surfaces.

Regardless of the heating system, temperature control remains fundamental. This is why industrial ovens are equipped with sophisticated sensors and monitoring and control systems, allowing operators to maintain constant operating conditions, which in turn ensure uniform results.

In some cases, the machines incorporate programmable logic controllers, enabling optimal execution of processes based on specific stages (such as drying, baking, curing or heat treatment), where even small temperature variations can affect the final result.

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The main types of industrial ovens

Industrial ovens can be classified according to a multitude of parameters: from heating methods to energy sources, to design configurations. Let us take a closer look, highlighting the characteristics of the main categories.

➡️ Linear industrial ovens

Linear industrial ovens feature a horizontal configuration that enables continuous processing of workpieces along a production line. Thanks to the constant, controlled flow of hot air, they guarantee perfect drying and curing uniformity, reducing processing times and optimising energy consumption. This type of oven is ideal for applications on wood, glass and composite materials, where continuous production cycles and high-quality finishing are fundamental requirements for consistent, top-level results.

➡️ Vertical industrial ovens

Vertical industrial ovens are characterised, as the name suggests, by their design, with a chamber that extends vertically. This system increases operational efficiency thanks to better space management, ease of loading/unloading and uniform heat distribution. This is why vertical industrial ovens are widely used in sectors such as ceramics and glass, where vertical orientation makes product handling easier and increases overall process consistency.

➡️ UV curing ovens

When UV lacquers are used, an appropriate curing system is needed, namely a UV oven. This technology ensures extremely precise processing and an eco-friendly process, since it requires far less energy than traditional systems.

In addition, with the new UV iCure technology, presented by Cefla at Ligna 2025, the use of mercury in UV oven lamps has been completely eliminated, in full compliance with European environmental and safety regulations. A solution that combines top-quality finishing results with a strong focus on sustainability, enabling companies to upgrade their lines without changing the lacquers in use.

Learn more on our page dedicated to replacing mercury lamps and in the white paper "From UV-R to UVl LED."

WHITE PAPER: FROM UV-R TO UV LED
A practical guide to replacing traditional mercury vapor UV-R ovens with high-efficiency, sustainable UV LED solutions.

➡️ Excimer ovens

Excimer Ovens represent the new frontier for manufacturers aiming to obtain ultra-matt surfaces, thanks to excimer technology.

Application fields: sectors using industrial ovens

Thanks to these technologies, capable of meeting highly diverse needs, industrial ovens have become indispensable in numerous sectors, including those with highly specific processing requirements.

In metallurgy, for instance, ovens are used for heat treatments such as annealing, tempering and hardening of steel and alloys to improve their mechanical properties and durability. In ceramics and glass processing, by contrast, they are mainly used for firing clay products and for glass tempering and annealing.

Companies in the electronics sector rely on industrial ovens for curing coatings, soldering and assembling components made from extremely delicate materials, which therefore require total temperature control.

It should also be remembered that in the food industry, processes such as cooking, drying, roasting and sterilisation are managed by specialised ovens that guarantee safety and preserve the organoleptic properties of processed products.

Finally, for those working in paints and coatings, these machines facilitate the drying and curing of paints, enamels and powder coatings to improve finishing quality and increase product durability. But the curing of composite materials is also essential in aerospace, automotive, sporting goods and furniture production.

Cefla Finishing has extensive experience serving all these sectors, continuing to develop advanced, integrable solutions to meet specific process requirements and evolving industry standards.

Why invest in a modern industrial oven: efficiency and benefits

Investing in a modern industrial oven, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits. In summary:

✅ Better product quality

Precise temperature control, uniform heat distribution and programmable cycles ensure consistent, high-quality results, reducing defects and rework.
In addition, careful management of cleanliness and air quality in the processing environment helps protect treated materials, ensuring flawless and consistent finishes in every production run.

✅ Increased productivity

Advanced ovens with automation features enable faster cycle times, higher production capacity and reduced downtime.

✅ Energy efficiency and sustainability

By integrating thermal insulation mechanisms, heat recovery systems and efficient burners, these machines significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs, helping companies align with sustainability goals and market expectations.

✅ More accurate control and process automation

The implementation of intelligent controls, sensors and data recording allows meticulous process monitoring, which can be optimised in real time.

✅ Reliability and reduced maintenance

New-generation solutions are designed to last: they exploit components that require less frequent maintenance and leverage modularity to facilitate part replacement.

✅ Regulatory compliance

Updated safety features and compliance with industry standards safeguard worker safety and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

How to choose the right industrial oven for your production needs

Maximising these benefits means making a wise investment: choosing the most suitable industrial oven for your production requirements requires careful assessment. Several key factors determine a successful implementation. Cefla Finishing has identified eight, covering the full range of parameters to consider before investing in these solutions.

1) The process to support

First of all, it is necessary to establish what the oven will be mainly used for: evaporation, drying or curing? Substrates, coatings and processes all imply specific requirements in terms of temperature, atmosphere and cycle handling.

2) Temperature range and control accuracy

Next, it is necessary to determine the maximum temperature required for processing, as well as the tolerance needed to maintain process consistency. Some applications demand minimal tolerance, while others can allow for a wider temperature delta.

3) Dimensions and production capacity

It may sound obvious, but it is essential to assess the volume of products to be processed daily and the useful load capacity. Machine footprint, internal oven dimensions and the number of items it can handle per cycle must therefore be considered.

4) Materials to be processed

Different materials (wood, metals, ceramics, polymers) have specific thermal properties and sensitivities. It is therefore necessary to select an oven that takes into account the characteristics of the material and the required finish.

5) Energy source

Based on the above considerations, one must choose between different heating systems: hot water exchangers, electric, gas or hybrid, depending on energy costs and supply availability, but also taking into account environmental regulations and the plant’s sustainability objectives.

6) Energy efficiency and operating costs

This may seem like a reiteration of the previous point, but assessing the energy efficiency of an industrial oven is actually a subject in its own right. When choosing a solution that represents a long-term investment, it is strategic to consider all operating costs, including energy supply.

7) Automation and control

What, finally, is the desired level of automation throughout the process? Advanced oven models integrate PLC controls, sensors and data recording systems that help optimise operations and ensure repeatability.

8) Budget

Last but not least, the matter of financial resources. It is necessary to balance initial investment with operating costs, maintenance and expected service life: in this sense, high-performance ovens may involve a higher initial outlay, but a lower total cost of ownership.

Starting from the analysis of these factors to make an informed decision is essential when choosing an oven in line with production goals, budget and company growth plans.

That said, flexibility remains a fundamental characteristic in a market that requires the ability to manage small production batches without sacrificing the ability to scale when necessary. At Cefla Finishing we know this well, which is why we design and manufacture a wide range of finishing systems where modularity is a critical success factor: this is the only possible way to create solutions that can be extensively customised in relation to all the parameters just highlighted.

Maintenance and safety: ensuring long life and efficiency of your oven

Choosing the most suitable solution for your needs is important, but so is a correct approach to maintenance. Compliance with safety protocols is also crucial to maintaining high efficiency and extending the service life of industrial ovens.

Regular preventive maintenance includes routine checks of electrical connections, heating elements, fans and insulation. Cleaning filters, replacing worn components and verifying control systems help maintain optimal performance and prevent failures, which inevitably lead to costly downtime.

Ovens, moreover, must be equipped with advanced safety devices, starting with emergency shutdown systems, thermal switches and over-temperature alarms. Adequate ventilation of the production areas is also essential.

At Cefla Finishing, we are committed to supporting customers even after the initial installation: we offer comprehensive after-sales services, including scheduled maintenance sessions, remote diagnostics and rapid technical assistance. It is therefore a genuine long-term partnership, ensuring that the purchased solutions remain reliable, efficient and safe throughout their operational life, minimising downtime and safeguarding workforce safety.

LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR YOUR COATING LINE?

Plastic processing plays a crucial role in several industrial sectors: polymers make it possible to manufacture parts that are versatile, cost-effective, ergonomic and easy to assemble.

The main techniques used in plastic processing include injection moulding, extrusion, compression and thermoforming, each designed to produce specific shapes and functionalities. Increasingly common is the manufacture of carbon parts obtained by layering sheets inside a mould, followed by an autoclave forming process to achieve the desired component.

Increasingly so, coating is being added to these processes, through which paints or surface treatments are applied to enhance the appearance and performance of plastic items, making them more attractive or resistant to use.

Surface layers and protective coatings increase resistance to environmental factors and the overall longevity of the workpiece, making plastic suitable for an infinite range of uses.

Industrial applications of plastics

The industrial applications of plastics are countless. Often chosen for their unique properties, plastics are used in strategic sectors such as automotive, aerospace and electronics.

Safety and cost reduction: plastics in the automotive industry

In automotive applications, for interior and exterior coatings, injection-moulded plastics allow complex shapes to be created, integrating aesthetics with functionality while keeping operating costs relatively low. Plastics such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS, polyurethanes and their combinations are used to produce components such as bumpers, dashboards and other vehicle parts.

The reasons are twofold: plastic materials not only enable aesthetically appealing parts to be produced, but they also reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability and compliance with regulatory standards.

Fuel tanks are often made of high-density polyethylene, which ensures corrosion resistance while being lighter than traditional metal tanks. This choice improves vehicle safety, since plastic tanks are less prone to puncture and can be moulded into more complex shapes to fit specific designs.

Plastics and aerospace: a partnership driven by innovation

The aerospace sector uses advanced composites, such as carbon fibre reinforced polymers, in structural components such as wings, fuselage sections and tail assemblies. These materials offer lightness and strength, improving fuel efficiency and aircraft performance.

Inside cabins, plastics and composite materials are used to manufacture seat parts, overhead bins and side panels: this choice also contributes to reducing overall aircraft weight.

The electronics industry, in pursuit of durability and resistance

In electronics, ABS and polycarbonate are commonly used to produce casings for smartphones, laptops and other small consumer devices. These materials offer durability, impact resistance and ease of production, also enabling elegant and distinctive designs.

Even circuit boards benefit from plastic processing: in particular, laminated plastics are used as substrates for printed circuit boards thanks to their excellent dielectric properties, which favour the miniaturisation of electronic devices.

Main techniques of plastic processing

In each of the sectors mentioned above, plastic processing is carried out using different techniques. Among the most widespread methods, as mentioned, are injection moulding, extrusion and thermoforming, each offering specific advantages depending on the desired output.

Injection moulding

Injection moulding is a widely used technique involving the pressurised injection of molten plastic into a mould cavity. This process allows for high precision and large-scale production of complex shapes; it is ideal for manufacturing intricate design items such as car parts and household objects.

Extrusion

Extrusion, on the other hand, involves forcing molten plastic through a shaped die capable of creating continuous profiles such as tubes, sheets and profiles.

Thermoforming

Thermoforming is a technique that uses heat to soften plastic sheets, allowing them to be moulded into specific shapes using dies. Thermoforming is a more economical process than the previous ones, given the lower cost of the dies, and is therefore suitable for producing small batches or large parts.

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Coating: the most important phase in plastic processing

Once the parts are produced, the coating phase follows. This is a crucial process in plastic processing, as it significantly enhances the aesthetic and functional qualities of the final product, adding value even to low-cost items and increasing their perceived worth.

Coating and surface treatment techniques not only make processed surfaces more uniform and visually pleasing, but also help to differentiate them aesthetically through wide ranges of colours and matt, textured or glossy effects.

In addition, coating can improve the performance of plastic products by increasing resistance to wear, UV degradation and chemical agents, thereby extending their service life.

Technological innovations and sustainability in processing

Optimising plastic coating processes reduces waste and environmental impact, while achieving the desired aesthetic and functional quality. This means leveraging solutions that combine precision with high production efficiency. The keyword is therefore automation.

Drawing on decades of experience alongside plastic processing specialists, Cefla Finishing has designed and built automatic lines that address production scenarios in an innovative way.

Examples?

• Coating of car interior parts in glossy black (piano black) and silver, on an automatic line supplied by Cefla Finishing for a major German OEM. Here, coating improves the aesthetic appearance of parts and their resistance to scratches and abrasions, through the use of dual-cure lacquers (UV and thermal curing). The line includes all systems required for part cleaning, a Cartesian robot (iBotic) for coating, a multi-deck flash-off oven, a UV oven and a vertical oven for final curing. Designed to achieve both high quality and high productivity.
• In eyewear finishing: in the Cefla-designed line, different frame components are fixed to a rotating support beneath a series of spray guns, then coated at high speed while overspray is removed via a water-filtration system.
• For a completely different type of object: polypropylene flower pots. Cefla’s spray coating solution employs a high-performance anthropomorphic robot, iGiotto. The system works in two stages: pots, fixed to rotating spindles on a floor-mounted conveyor line, are first subjected to flaming – a crucial step to ensure correct paint film adhesion. Next, the pots move along the line for the second stage, spraying, performed by a second iGiotto. Drying is then completed in a hot-air tunnel. A fully automated procedure that saves time, reduces paint consumption and guarantees every pot a durable, high-quality finish.

Cefla Finishing, the ideal partner for improving plastic processing

Thanks to continuously evolving machines and a 3,000 sqm laboratory, Cefla Finishing can adapt every technology to most market use cases, offering customised solutions.

When it comes to coating plastics, Cefla’s modular approach to developing integrated lines and its expertise built alongside leading companies make it the ideal partner for this delicate process.

LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR YOUR FINISHING LINE?

Profile wrapping machines are becoming essential tools for manufacturers aiming to achieve a dual result: improving the aesthetics and increasing the durability of their products. The technologies and applications revolving around this technique, after all, continue to increase, generating tangible benefits especially for the furniture sector and, more generally, for woodworking.

What is a wrapping machine?

A profile wrapping machine is specialised equipment designed to apply decorative and protective materials to profiles usually made of wood, MDF and composite materials.

More specifically, we are talking about automatic machines that use various types of adhesives and a wide range of thin materials (such as vinyl, paper and laminate) to wrap edges and corners. This produces a surface finish that enhances the visual appearance and also extends the product's life cycle by protecting it from potential chemical and physical damage. The profile wrapping technique can be applied to a multitude of components and semi-finished products including mouldings, cabinet doors, furniture frames and other everyday items.

How profile wrapping technology works

The technology behind profile wrapping is based on principles of precision mechanical engineering. It could not be otherwise, given that a uniform application of all materials involved in the process is needed to ensure an optimal result.

Each profile wrapping machine usually works by feeding a profile through a series of rollers and adhesive application units. The process begins with surface preparation and cleaning, followed by the application of the adhesive that best meets the needs of the specific use case.

The wrapping material is then fed over the profile, where it is carefully wrapped and pressed into place, ensuring perfect adhesion. This mechanism, once automated, allows for high-speed processing and consistent quality, which makes it ideal for high-volume production environments.

Wood profile wrapping process

Naturally, the operation is part of a more complex supply chain. The wood profile wrapping process begins with the selection of the appropriate material and adhesive, which can vary based on the desired finish and the end use of the product.

Once prepared, the profile is fed into the machine, where the adhesive is applied uniformly. Finally, the wrapped profile undergoes a quality control check to ensure it meets industry standards before being packaged for shipment.

What has just been described can be considered a standard process. If carried out with the right parameters, it is extremely efficient and minimises waste, maximising productivity.

Advanced profile wrapping technologies

With a view to meeting increasingly specific needs, recent years have seen a continuous refinement of profile wrapping technologies. Profile wrapping machines have significantly increased their capabilities, incorporating advanced functions.

These start with automatic material feeding, which are increasingly being supplemented by real-time process monitoring systems and integrated cutting solutions. These innovations, acting in synergy, not only simplify complex wrapping operations but also improve the precision of the output. Furthermore, there is a drastic reduction in downtime with a lower number of products failing quality control.

The new generation of machines is capable of wrapping complex shapes and profiles, which allows manufacturers to diversify their offerings and satisfy even the most demanding customers.

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Decorative wrapping solutions for profiles

But, when it comes to innovation in profile wrapping machines, another element is of greater interest. The latest solutions are able to integrate highly versatile decorative techniques, which expand the range of results achievable with this technology.

Indeed, operators today have the real possibility of choosing from a wide range of materials, colours and textures (including wood grains and other natural patterns, bright colours and even metallic finishes) and applying them to various types of profiles without substantially altering the production process.

The aesthetic improvement guaranteed by the wrappings is not limited to giving profiles greater appeal. It increases their perceived value, transforming the tactile and visual properties of the wrapping material into marketing tools. Therefore, manufacturers today have an extra ace up their sleeve to entice their customers.

Profile wrapping for furniture components

It is therefore no coincidence that profile wrapping machines are finding so much space in the woodworking and furniture industry. A quality wrapping makes it possible to seamlessly integrate components made of different materials, while a uniform finish helps to achieve a cohesive look among the various pieces that make up an item of furniture. Nor should one underestimate the fact that more sophisticated and elegant designs are accompanied by new qualities of durability and resistance.

These are fundamental factors that determine the quality of particularly exposed components, such as cabinet doors, drawer fronts and table edges. Thanks to the application—via new wrapping techniques—of highly effective protective layers, finished products can now be protected from scratches, moisture, UV damage and other environmental factors like never before.

Industrial profile wrapping: advanced functions

A wrapping machine is designed to meet the needs of large-scale production facilities. Speed, efficiency and reliability are, after all, the watchwords for companies that are always trying to respect the delicate balance between high volumes and high quality. But as those in the industry know well, ensuring speed, efficiency and reliability means, first and foremost, reducing machine downtime to a minimum.

Advanced features and software with advanced controls are a response to this challenge. But that's still not enough. Many wrapping or covering processes require the use of specific glues, which entails an increase in costs and energy consumption. The goal is therefore to decrease this need through technologies that allow the right amount of adhesive to be weighted for each application.

The integration of Industry 4.0 principles moves in this very direction, making it possible to constantly optimise even this type of process as new operations are implemented. This results in a significant reduction in energy and material consumption.

Wrapping solutions and machines designed by Cefla Finishing

Among the most advanced wrapping machines on the market, capable of catalysing all the prerogatives just described into a single line, are the solutions from Cefla Finishing and Düspohl (Cefla's brand specialising in wrapping solutions). Through these two offerings, we provide our customers with the best of technologies and know-how for wrapping wood, plastic and aluminium profiles.

First and foremost, our wrapping machines are equipped with the patented Click-Fix system, which enables wrapping rollers to be changed without the use of other equipment. The transport rollers are also adapted to the process, fixing themselves automatically, thanks to a grid system.

The melters on Düspohl and Cefla machines enable a continuous refilling process without needing to stop production, also minimising glue waste, which is applied to each wrapping in the exact quantities needed to ensure the optimal result. Not a drop more, not a drop less.

Moving up the range, the RoboWrap solution is equipped with a computerised system for the automatic measurement of the geometry and diameter of each individual pressure roller after the wrapping process. RoboWrap is thus able to consider the wear of the pressure rollers and manage the process dynamically, to ensure reliable results even during long production cycles. All components of each of the machines designed and manufactured by Cefla Finishing or Düspohl are also continuously updated and optimised.

The goal is to reduce profile changeover times without ever compromising on quality, which must remain a constant. This is an approach that in Düspohl solutions is also expressed through customised configurations, capable of meeting the needs of specific customer projects. In other words, the basic equipment is integrated on a case-by-case basis with components that can increase the productivity and safety of the process in the use cases for which the machine was developed. 

Cefla Finishing's commitment to sustainable wrapping machines.

The focus on maximum efficiency and the correct use of materials is just one of the aspects of the commitment that Cefla Finishing puts into implementing a sustainable business strategy. Also on the profile wrapping machines front, Cefla continues to invest in solutions capable of combining high performance and low consumption with ever-increasing effectiveness.

By integrating frontier technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Cefla Finishing's designers are already creating a new generation of machines, which through extensive customisation of functionalities will be able to further reduce the impact of wrapping operations.

LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL SOLUTION
FOR YOUR FINISHING LINE?

 The construction industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by digital advancements and the growing presence of innovative construction machinery on the market. 
In recent years, the sector has shifted from traditional, mostly manual methods to more efficient, automated processes. This transformation, now accelerating rapidly, is not a passing trend but a permanent evolution in how construction projects are planned, executed and managed.

At the heart of this revolution is the integration of digital technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools enable real-time data collection and analysis, streamline project management, improve collaboration, and reduce both time and costs.
For instance, drones are now routinely used for site surveys, delivering instant topographic data to support smarter, faster decision-making.

Among the new technologies in construction, we must also mention innovations in material and component finishing, which are critical to turning designs into solid, durable realities.

Advanced construction technologies and next-generation machinery

Improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and a strong focus on sustainability: these are the keywords that define the present and future of the building industry.
Construction is evolving, driven by automated equipment and advanced technologies that are reshaping every phase of the building process. From 3D modelling and printing to self-driving vehicles and the already-mentioned drones, modern builders are radically rethinking how projects are designed and executed.

Automated machinery significantly improves operational efficiency, speeding up tasks like excavation and material handling that once took a long time.
Beyond labour cost savings, these systems reduce human error and increase worksite safety.
What’s more, many of these next-generation technologies are designed using eco-friendly materials and processes, and operate with reduced waste and energy consumption, thereby supporting the industry’s growing commitment to environmental protection.

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Construction 4.0 and innovation on site

Welcome to Construction 4.0: a new era of project execution and management.
By combining BIM, IoT ecosystems, and AI platforms, companies can create a digital twin—a virtual replica of a construction project, allowing all stakeholders to visualise each phase before physical work begins. This improves planning and optimises resource allocation from the start.

But innovation doesn’t stop at design. These technologies enhance the entire value chain, fostering real-time collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors.
Worksites are becoming smarter and more connected, enabling faster decisions, higher productivity, and projects that consistently meet expectations, in both detail and deadlines.

Cefla Finishing: innovative solutions for construction finishing

A vital part of this transformation lies in finishing technologies, essential to ensure architectural elements meet both aesthetic and functional project requirements.
Different substrates used in construction must meet strict performance standards while maintaining visual appeal.

At Cefla Finishing, we understand this deeply. That’s why we offer a comprehensive portfolio of state-of-the-art solutions that help forward-thinking construction professionals bring innovation to their projects.

We are leaders in concrete finishing technologies, as well as experts in fibre cement finishing—a material increasingly embraced by architects for both interiors and exteriors.
Fibre cement finishing includes curtain, spray and roller coating, plus industrial digital printing for high-definition, customised patterns.

WANT TO UNLOCK FIBRE CEMENT'S DECORATIVE POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION?

From roller systems that apply products to both sides of a panel simultaneously, to automated spray coating systems that minimise manual effort, Cefla Finishing ensures maximum efficiency in every step of the process.
Remote production tracking and software allow real-time control of parameters at a single point on the line, delivering high-performance finishing lines with outstanding productivity and quality.

In metal surface finishing, a cornerstone of the construction industry, Cefla offers technologies for external cladding, windows, doors and decorative panels. Each substrate requires different techniques depending on its nature, shape and final application.

Our solutions include:

• Spray coating: ideal for most metal products, with roller and vacuum technologies used in specific cases
• Wrapping: especially for aluminium profiles, enhancing tactile and visual appeal
• Industrial digital printing: enabling full customisation for large or single-batch production
• Drying systems: optimised for energy-efficient and consistent curing across all finishing stages

Cefla Finishing: success stories and continuous innovation

Cefla Finishing helps modernise the construction sector with innovative finishing strategies and constant adaptation to market demands.
Over decades of collaboration with top manufacturers, we’ve improved traditional lines and even helped create new product categories.

One example is our partnership with Marcegaglia Group on the CROMATICA project within the COATEEL pre-painted steel range.
CROMATICA allows for personalised textures and images on metal surfaces—ideal for architecture and design—with an endless colour palette, varied opacities and ultra-resistant tactile finishes.
It meets the technical and creative needs of both commercial and residential architecture.

Cefla Finishing LAB: a hub for innovation

Our commitment to developing innovative construction machines is also evident in the events and collaborations we promote with market leaders and academia.

One example: in March, Cefla hosted an Open House event at our Imola HQ, focused on finishing technologies for fibre cement and concrete.
Participants explored both the tactile and technical performance of surface coatings—resistance to UV, mould, pollutants and temperature fluctuations—while witnessing live demonstrations at the world’s largest finishing laboratory: the Cefla Finishing LAB.

The future of construction equipment: trends and directions

Staying tuned to the market and working in line with research trends is crucial for tracking the future of construction.
The latest generation of construction equipment is already pointing toward three clear directions: sustainability, advanced automation, and digital integration.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

Sustainability is a top priority across strategic sectors, and construction leads the way.
Contractors are adopting machines that cut emissions and improve energy use. Recyclable materials, electric-powered equipment, and low-impact finishing systems—such as energy-efficient ovens and material recycling—are reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Advanced automation and robotics

Robotic arms and anthropomorphic systems now handle repetitive tasks like bricklaying, concrete pouring, and surface coating with unmatched precision.
This reduces workload, boosts output, and most importantly, improves safety on the worksite.

Digital integration and IoT in construction machinery

IoT-enabled machines allow real-time monitoring and performance optimisation.
Project managers receive instant updates on machine health and usage, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
This approach extends machinery lifespan, prevents breakdowns, and streamlines workflows both on-site and in production.

The outlook: embracing the revolution

The future is already here, but innovation in construction has only just begun.
To benefit from this revolution, companies must understand, anticipate, and lead it.

Cefla Finishing plays a key role—developing the technologies that power Construction 4.0 and helping customers explore new applications and unlock their full innovation potential.

LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR YOUR FINISHING LINE?

In recent years, the industrial cutting sector has undergone a profound technological evolution. Modern automated solutions enhance efficiency, quality, and safety, transforming every stage of decorative material processing. This guide explores the main developments, techniques, and results of the most advanced cutting technologies.

Overview of cutting technologies

Cutting technologies and industrial machines have evolved significantly over the years, replacing traditional manual methods with solutions increasingly geared towards automation.

In this context, it is no exaggeration to say that today, especially in the transformation processes of decorative materials in reels, we are already in the era of 4.0 cutting machines: sophisticated integrated systems that use robotics to create advanced, modular lines. These are capable of greatly simplifying what is a delicate process.

These machines not only enable efficient and safe cutting, reducing human error and increasing productivity, but also help operators enhance operational effectiveness through continuous improvement.

We’re talking about the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0: integrating machines with dedicated software and sensors allows operators to monitor and control the cutting process in real time, ensuring a uniform, high-quality finish for various decorative applications.

Cutting techniques and operating modes

When it comes to optimising the cutting processes of decorative material reels, it is crucial to understand the specific techniques and operating modes involved.

Typically, the process starts with reel cutting, where the roll of material is divided into smaller sections using a saw. The term “saw” is actually reductive: a reel cutting machine uses highly precise mechanisms designed for the type of cut to be made and the materials to be separated, such as paper, PVC, and CPL (Continuous Pressure Laminate).

Just consider the types of blades needed for a paper cutting machine to understand the level of technology involved. There are two main cutting methods: direct cutting and reel-to-sheet cutting. Direct cutting separates the material directly from the roll, whereas reel-to-sheet cutting improves process efficiency by unrolling the reel, cutting it into sheets, and rewinding it.

This latter approach, though counter-intuitive, has a precise motivation: the winding mechanisms play a key role in maintaining consistent tension throughout the process, ensuring smooth and uniform cuts.

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An important factor: the quality of manual cutting 

More specifically, with direct cutting, the saw cuts through the entire reel, including the cardboard core.

The second operation is handled by a machine that divides the reel through a process of unwinding and rewinding. In practice, the saw cuts the specific material, while the unwinding and rewinding machine is equipped with blades that separate various types of decorative materials in common use, including thermoplastic sheets.

Special components for excellent results

Good cutting quality is clearly the basis for successful material division. Needless to say, blade choice plays a critical role in achieving this.

Sharp rotary blades ensure effective cutting, but pose a high risk for the operator when positioned manually. Therefore, a solution that prevents this risk through automation should be considered.

Winding shafts with friction rings also contribute significantly to the process. They compensate for differences in the widths of rewound reels, ensuring proper sheet tensioning.

They also balance the negative effects that may arise from material inconsistencies on the parent reel. Then there are the safety systems. The most dangerous task for operators is blade placement, which must be as sharp as possible for the reasons mentioned above.

The ideal solution is to adopt systems that automate this step.

Advantages of automated solutions

Automated cutting solutions offer numerous advantages. One of the most significant is the substantial increase in productivity. Automated cutting technologies for PVC, paper, and CPL allow all material types to be managed with extreme precision, optimising operations based on the specific properties of semi-finished goods.

Striving for even better results means introducing an automatic tension adjustment system. This not only speeds up production times but also ensures consistent quality across all batches. Advanced line control features also improve operational safety: the risk of accidents from manual reel handling is drastically reduced.

Touchscreen controls also play a part, making machine operation more intuitive, allowing quick adjustments even for inexperienced users, and enabling real-time process monitoring.

Add to this the intelligence derived from integration—via network connectivity—with company management systems, and you take the final step into the Industrial Internet of Things: facilitating data exchange and boosting process automation unlocks the full potential of Industry 4.0, greatly improving overall operational flexibility.

This holistic approach means automated solutions not only reduce profile changeover time and enhance process safety, but also streamline job management, regardless of skilled labour availability.

Integration of lamination and coating processes

Naturally, cutting machines for decorative materials don’t operate in isolation—they’re an integral part of the overall production cycle.

These machines are designed to optimally support the transition from cutting to lamination, not only ensuring precision and safety in separation operations but also strengthening the production efficiency of the systems in which they’re used.

Plastic laminate reel production is an excellent example of how such systems work in synergy, generating high-quality output while reducing operational costs and material waste.

A key aspect of this approach is managing the coating and coating application procedures on the reel. By using advanced solutions to ensure uniform application over the entire reel surface, manufacturers can improve final product quality, ensuring durability and attractive aesthetics.

From theory to practice: Cefla Finishing’s solutions

Based on this awareness, Cefla Finishing has designed and developed fully integrated platforms, starting with its AutoCut, RSW, and EasyCut cutting machines—all capable of positioning their extremely sharp blades automatically.

Ensuring maximum precision, repeatability, and reliability, our solutions eliminate any risk to the operator. The machine control panel, available as a touchscreen, also allows connection to the company network, enabling transfer and storage of relevant production data.

This data forms a solid foundation for effective production management. Additionally, thanks to integration with company systems, process recipes can be prepared in the office using a standard PC. The operator at the machine simply selects the correct recipe to initiate a fully automated process.

AutoCut: when automation means precision

AutoCut is the ideal solution for companies needing to cut reels up to 1600 mm wide for coating processes. It ensures precise, finished work, thanks to the Automatic Slitter Positioning (ASP) system: an automatic positioning mechanism for the upper/lower blades and two in-line lasers to better align winding sleeves.

AutoCut features: - Applicable in numerous industrial sectors - Automatic positioning of the cutting disk - High flexibility thanks to multiple cutting systems - Remote and diameter-based automatic braking force control - Constant web speed and tension during winding - Easy blade replacement - Excellent accessibility with cantilevered winding shafts - Deionisation available

RSW: high-quality blades for excellent cutting

RSW is a robust machine capable of separating reels up to 1600 or 2200 mm wide. To ensure constant pulling force during unwinding and rewinding, the solution automatically controls and adjusts braking force. This guarantees ideal pulling tension regardless of reel width.

RSW features: - Remote and diameter-based automatic braking force control - Constant web speed - Reduced setup times thanks to quick-change tool kit, allowing tool changes while the machine is running - Two winding shafts - Stable steel structure with no oscillation - Residual strip suction system - High power for optimal winding results - Deionisation available

EasyCut: the versatile and user-friendly solution

Last but not least,  EasyCut can be equipped with friction winding shafts ensuring reels of varying widths are rewound with consistent pulling tension.

The EasyCut cutting machine is the ideal choice for cross-cutting paper and sheets of PVC, PP, PE, PU, sandwich panels, laminates, certain fabrics, or metal foils, as well as veneered edges, ABS, melamine resin-coated edges, and other materials of various thicknesses.

Equipped with a practical control unit, it facilitates programming and is highly user-friendly.

EasyCut features: - High flexibility with different knife types - Supplied with 1 or 2 winding shafts - High drive power - High-quality blades for excellent cutting.

LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR YOUR LAMINATION AND/OR COATING LINE?