Article

Automotive component production: finishing processes

Finishing has always been an essential part of the automotive component production cycle. The application of lacquers and protective layers ensure that sheet metal, plastic inserts and gaskets perform to their full potential, giving the vehicle outstanding visual appeal and ensuring parts are durable and high-performance regardless of the material used to make them.

Needless to say, a wide range of applications and technologies are used to manufacture automotive components. They vary according to the purpose for which the various parts are designed, but they all share the same need: they must be made and coated quickly and efficiently, without ever compromising quality, especially as regards surface finishes. This article explores the tools and processes that can be used to maximise results and also takes a look at the most ground-breaking methods.

Which finishing processes are used to produce automotive components?

Whatever the type of treated part - bodywork sheeting, gaskets, plastic inserts or mechanical components - an automotive component production line involves finishing processes of varying complexity. For example, finishing vehicle interior parts is usually a 3-stage process that might need to be repeated to achieve the desired final result.

Pre-treatment

The first step is pre-treatment. This involves cleaning and preparing the surface of the component. Popular techniques include deionization and micro-cleaning with plasma flaming.

Deionization involves blowing in ionized air and extraction to eliminate the static electricity: this is essential as it stops dust settling on the piece before coating. In addition to these technologies, Cefla Finishing has designed and developed the Mito CO2 cleaning station - which has a carbon dioxide snow cleaning surface preparation function - to help automotive component manufacturers perform this task to perfection. This solution is especially recommended for vehicle interior parts: approximately 90% of such products have, in fact, a shiny ‘piano black’ finish of the highest quality.

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Plasma applications are particularly useful for reducing surface tension. This facilitates lacquer adhesion and flow.

Moreover, flaming also improves adhesion on certain tricky materials and allows better wetting of liquids on smooth parts, minimising surface tension (which reduces piece wettability, making it difficult to coat).

Coating

The second step is coating. This involves applying primer, lacquers and any other coats of specific materials needed to perfect the finish. In this specific area, Cefla Finishing offers a vast range of solutions.

These span from the Prima oscillating spray coater, a machine for the continuous spraying of raised panels of any type, to Mito, the P and B versions of which also provide dry filtration, paper/belt conveying and overspray elimination.

The iBotic machines are advanced robots with a sophisticated set of axes that ensure unrivalled productivity and absolute precision.

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Another jewel in the Cefla crown is the six-axis articulated iGiotto robot: this innovative integrated system for the automatic spraying of small-to-medium lots features the best vision and spraying technologies, applying them to large Cartesian dimensions.

Drying or flash-off

The final phase is drying. This aims to harden the applied coatings by evaporating the thinners and subsequently curing the resin contained in the lacquer. Drying usually takes place in ovens (often arranged sequentially along the finishing line in different configurations), cooling tunnels and hot air storage modules. The term ‘flash-off’ refers to a drying process that does not result in complete hardening of the lacquer so that the next layer can adhere better.

With the Ecogel line, Cefla Finishing provides laminar-air ovens with a slat or belt conveyor. In their combined (air/UV lamp) configuration, these machines are perfect for evaporating solvents from lacquers quickly, before they’re dried with UV rays.

Moving on to drum ovens, the Aquadry line is designed for companies that want fast flash-off and drying processes. What’s more, the technology associated with this type of solution constitutes the most efficient drying system for water-based dyes and lacquers. The Aquadry RLA range, instead, consists of drum cooling tunnels with high-speed air blades, with a belt or slat conveyor. The architecture is highly effective thanks to the high levels of heat exchange that stem from the high air speed.

Then there’s PIEFFE, the flexible multi-level hot air storage module designed for flash-off and/or drying cycles with laminar-flow hot air. Hold times vary according to the speed of the finishing line and the number of trays.

Completing the range are the Omnidry Rack and Belt vertical ovens - configured to minimise the required floor space and ensure excellent capacity - and tunnel ovens with UV irradiation for raised panels.

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How to select the right type of finish

Choosing the right finish for the various types of automotive component means taking into consideration a wide range of factors: the material used to make the part, the setting it’s likely to be used in, plus the technical and aesthetic requirements of the vehicle on which it’s fitted.

Hence the need for a partner who does not have an excessively vertical approach to the functional-technological aspects of finishing processes but, rather, one who also knows how to assess the aims of the process and come up with properly tailored solutions.

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Finishing technologies for automotive components

Of course, the technologies themselves are fundamental. However, to obtain an excellent result it’s equally essential to know how best to combine them according to the type of material to be treated and, above all, the component to be produced. That’s why Cefla Finishing goes beyond the design and development of efficient, precision machines to focus on consultancy.

For example, we provided a German customer - who needed to set up a new coating line as part of their car dashboard/console production process - with a solution tailored to their stated needs: the components produced by the new line would have to be completely defect-free as, once ready, they would be shipped directly to the vehicle assembly lines.

To deliver the required performance, then, the line was configured as follows:

  1. Line loading with manual cleaning and air-jet/deionization
  2. Cleaning with CO2 and air-jet/deionization
  3. Spray coating with Cartesian robot
  4. Lacquer flow, flash-off
  5. IR and UV oven for first drying
  6. Vertical oven for final drying
  7. Line unloading and quality control

Automotive component production: the materials used in finishing

High-precision machines need to be matched with top-quality materials. Hence Cefla Finishing’s entry into strategic partnerships with the major lacquer and coating suppliers.

Thanks to an in-depth understanding of consumables and their characteristics, solutions provided to customers can be configured to optimise both the consumption and yield of the materials. In automotive component production, that means:

  • Lacquers (water-based and solvent-based): resin and pigment-based, available in different finishes and colours
  • Primers: used to improve adhesion of the lacquer to the surface of the component
  • Anti-rust coatings: to protect components from corrosion
  • Lubricant coatings: to reduce friction and wear

Future trends in automotive component finishing

This is the present. But what about the future of automotive component finishing? Well, one of the key trends in the sector is the use of low-bake lacquers, which can be dried at lower temperatures than their traditional counterparts. To be specific, about 80/90 °C as opposed to 140/160 °C.

Specialised producers of automotive components are also increasingly focused on systems that automate the coating process, such as systems with robotic stations that use dry-type lacquer filtration mechanisms.

Market developments aside, one thing is certain: companies operating in this extremely competitive sector must always ensure their customers - car makers - can count on productivity, quality and efficiency.

And that’s where flatbed systems - a Cefla-developed solution for the ultra-efficient finishing of automotive components - come into play.

Advantages of flatbed systems

But how do flatbed systems differ from traditional lines? The latter tend to be the right choice when you need to coat large 3D parts: bumpers are a good example of an item best treated using these lines.

However, when items are smaller (up to 30 cm high), flat lines, or flatbeds, are decidedly more flexible and efficient. The technology is therefore particularly suitable for vehicle interiors, which have numerous components that require a high-quality process.

The flatbed lines implemented by Cefla Finishing include a robotic system with a scanner to detect pieces that involve minimal programming. Each booth can host up to two different robots. This boosts the processing speed or the coating circuit, with users able to select between intelligent or continuous spraying, depending on the shape of the objects.

Flatbed lines can handle different, even mixed, parts on simplified masks: such masks only need to be rectangular with a flat frame and, of course, they need to hold the parts in position. This approach also makes manual cleaning faster and simpler during loading and quality control.

Note also that this is a modular system (also available with cTracker and cLink line supervision software): it can easily be expanded by adding other standard machines without having to make any substantial modifications. Yet another reason, then, why flatbed lines maximise conveyance flexibility: there's no need for step movements as on traditional lines because each machine can act independently.

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Adopting a flatbed solution provides tangible, measurable advantages:

  • Compact operation, resulting in less consumption and reduced exhaust air flow
  • An easier-to-manage process, with consequent labour and energy savings
  • Lower cost per coated part

Why choose Cefla Finishing to optimise automotive component production?

The automotive component manufacturing sector is constantly evolving: technology is progressing at a blistering pace, with digitalization paving the way for new, innovative finishing solutions.

Nevertheless, we’re still talking about a complex, delicate process that is crucial to vehicle quality and performance: so nothing can be left to chance. This is why it’s vital to team up with a technological partner with skills that go beyond the technology itself: a partner able to deliver high-performance products, continuous innovation, expert assistance and a commitment to joint research and development. That partner is Cefla Finishing.

If you’d like to see what we can do for your business, and experience the effectiveness of our solutions for yourself, contact us: we’ll put you in touch with one of our experts.

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Article

Turning concrete into attractive flooring slabs with cutting-edge finishing technologies

Resistant, versatile and a cost-effective solution, concrete can be used as a long-lasting alternative to any other flooring, whether indoor or outdoor. But if you are thinking of dull grey slabs that look suited to a factory floor or polished concrete flooring that may be ideal for large interior environments, then take a close look at the photograph in this article.

Personalised decorative designs can be achieved for small or large volumes, resulting in impactful flooring for spaces that deserve greater aesthetic value without losing the resistant qualities of concrete.

Diverse techniques for decorating concrete

Concrete has many qualities: durability, versatility, its cost is limited and it offers satisfactory thermal isolation. There are several ways to finish concrete, implementing a polished non-slip surface, making it watertight with epoxy resins, using acid or water-based stains, and industrial digital printing. While monochrome finishes can be achieved on standard finishing machines, a custom design or pattern is easy to obtain using a digital printer. This finishing process is perfect if you need to decorate small surfaces: a patio, a hotel foyer, a school.

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Benefits of industrial digital printing

Beyond its ability to generate personalised patterns, imitating marble or natural stones as well as wood is possible. You can also reproduce a digital image such as a photograph or be fully creative and design your own decoration. The coating applied to protect the pattern generated by an inkjet printer will also provide an abrasion-resistant surface and will withstand UV ageing to keep your colours vivid for many years.

Not just flooring

Of course, there is no reason why a concrete panel cannot be used to cover a vertical surface. This means that even interior walls or exterior facades can be decorated and customised using an industrial digital printer.

For more ideas and information on our solutions, contact us and speak to a finishing expert.

Resistant, versatile and a cost-effective solution, concrete can be used as a long-lasting alternative to any other flooring, whether indoor or ...

Article

Coating of thin PMMA sheets: innovative and long-lasting solutions

Coating PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) is an extremely delicate operation: manufacturers of items made of this material must ensure that the finished product is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also – regardless of its intended use – resistant over time. This is especially true for thin sheets of PMMA - among the most versatile, most in demand items in the marketplace.

What are, then, the best techniques to manage the finishing process of this material, and what technological solutions are available today to help the most demanding manufacturers?

What are the possible finishing options for thin PMMA sheets?

Before going through the range of possible solutions, it is helpful to analyse the main finishes that can be obtained by coating PMMA. Since PMMA sheets are generally used to cover panels, a glossy (or mirror) finish is often required. For specific applications, however, these sheets can also be used with different finishes: from satin to deep matt going through embossed and metallic.

High-gloss and mirror effects are more aesthetically appealing, but over time they are more prone to scratches and chipping. Conversely, satin and matt finishes in particular are better at “hiding” any signs of ageing.

Regardless of the type of finishing chosen, however, the surface of PMMA sheets leaving the factory must be of high quality, resistant and totally free from defects.

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What are the available coating techniques for PMMA?

Although PMMA is generally associated with paint coating, finishing techniques for this material also include printing and lamination. 
Mainly used in the furniture industry, lamination turns sheets of polymethylmethacrylate into thin plates that create a surface effect reminding of bright glazed surfaces.

As for the digital printing process, it allows the back of PMMA sheets to be printed with any desired image which, thanks to the transparency of the material, appears perfectly visible with a charming reflective effect. This technique is often used to give the same visual impression as shiny marble or inlaid wooden floors.

What factors should be considered when choosing a finish?

In order to choose one approach or the other, therefore, a number of factors should be taken into account: aesthetics, durability and budget are primary considerations. Choosing the finishing technique for thin PMMA sheets that best suits your needs means finding each time the right mix of these factors and aiming for solutions that guarantee the right degree of flexibility to always obtain the best possible result in different use conditions.

PMMA coating: How does the application process work?

Created to provide a lasting finish and an appealing surface effect, thin extruded PMMA sheets are, as we mentioned above, semi-processed items particularly delicate when it comes to coating them. This prompted Cefla Finishing to develop a specifically tailored process, which is based on a roller coating machine operating in a controlled and dust-free environment.

Prior to PMMA coating, thorough surface cleaning operations are performed to ensure spotless finishes.

Once this phase has been completed, the sheets are fed into the machine. More specifically, the application unit consists of two rollers (a top roller for coating application, and another roller below the sheets to provide physical support) which firmly act on the PMMA sheets leaving no space for sheet warping. A scraper blade which removes excess lacquer from the lower application roller also contributes to optimising the coating process of such thin sheets.

When a deep matt finish is required, excimer matting technologies not only ensure the best possible result, but are also a “green” option, as they use less nitrogen than standard solutions.

Line integration for a complete solution

In addition to the specially developed roller coating equipment, the line can be completed with pressurised booths including air filtration and conditioning systems to avoid dust pollution and guarantee a controlled processing environment.

After the coating stages, the PMMA sheets can be dried in different ovens. Our UV-I inert curing solution maximises physical resistance and also dramatically reduces the need for photoinitiators, making the process more sustainable and reducing the related costs.

Exydry is a good example: it is an oven designed to process flat surfaces and will ensure a fingerprint -proof, soft-touch, deep matt finish, even on slightly raised panels.

H2 – Tailor-made solutions: which machines are used for PMMA coating?

Cefla Finishing - which has the widest available range of finishing technologies and machines designed to carry out specific processes such as PMMA coating - is now able to offer its customers the first roller coating solution specifically designed to process thin sheets. This is a dedicated line integrating a combined upper application roller and a lower support roller that work in synergy, as well as a cleaning system and a working environment designed to prevent dust pollution.

More specifically, the machinery that can be integrated into an advanced line for PMMA coating includes:

Each machine has specific features for completing the PMMA coating process and can be configured to meet actual requests from customers. However, in the event of even more challenging specific requirements, with tailor-made details to be expected or processing steps that imply customer-specific variables in terms of types of lacquer, production volumes or available space, feel free to visit our Cefla Finishing LAB in Imola or one of our satellite laboratories in China and the United States to identify possible solutions with our Cefla experts.

Contact us to arrange an appointment with Cefla Finishing specialists or run a live test.

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Coating PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) is an extremely delicate operation: manufacturers of items made of this material must ensure that the finished ...

Article

Glass processing machinery: a guide to coating

When it comes to finishing processes, glass coating machinery meets a wide range of needs. These needs may be purely aesthetic or functional. And it's on the basis of this distinction that the right choices need to be made, allowing you to build a line that’s consistent with your market goals and the field of use. Glass finishing processes are used in numerous sectors, such as furniture, construction and solar panels.

Glass processing and finishing machinery

At Cefla Finishing, we understand that each case requires solutions with specific characteristics: that’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive glass coating machinery range. By drawing on extensive experience with leading players in several key industries, we’ve created a series of solutions that can easily be integrated with other machines on existing chains. These include all the tools and functions needed to customise the machines and fine-tune procedures that respond to the needs of the specific industry.

Let's look at some of the machines in today’s Cefla range:

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Prima Glass: flexible and easy to use

Let’s start with Prima Glass, an automatic spraying machine. An outstanding glass processing solution on account of its extreme flexibility, this machine can apply low or high quantities of materials. Providing the advantages of fast colour changeovers and low coating consumption, it’s also extremely user-friendly, even for inexperienced operators.

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Multicoater & Glasscoater: high productivity and high precision

The Multicoater & Glasscoater combination provides an integrated roller coating solution that can also give glass a frosted or acid-etched effect; it can also be used to apply coloured coatings to produce spandrel glass. The machine delivers clean post-coating edges and combines uniformity of application with high productivity.

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Framecoater: ideal for processing frameless panes

Framecoater, instead, is a roller coating machine for processing edges by applying perimeter bands on the pane; again, the machine lets manufacturers obtain perfectly clean post-treatment edges. Used on frameless panes to mask silicone and sealants, it provides the best uniformity of application in its category.

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Solarcoater: for those who want an uncompromising finish on anti-reflective glass

For operators in the anti-reflective glass finishing sector who are unwilling to compromise on quality, Cefla Finishing has now created Solarcoater, a specialized nanometric roller coating machine. In addition to providing an anti-reflective effect, the machine can also give the glass an anti-fingerprint and anti-drip effect.

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Benefits of using glass finishing machinery

One of the most interesting benefits of Cefla glass processing machinery is the significant improvement in product quality. More specifically, automated systems provide excellent precision and consistency, minimising the human errors that are often responsible for imperfections in the final product and minimising production of industrial waste.

Processes such as polishing, coating and finishing are performed under ideal conditions and according to optimal parameters, ensuring each product meets the strictest quality standards. This not only boosts customer satisfaction: it also reduces the likelihood of product recalls due to defects.

Improved aesthetics

Thanks to even application of the finish, the glass takes on a more elegant, refined appearance, making it easier to match with other materials: a crucial aspect in a multitude of sectors that range from construction to automotive and design.

Greater durability

Applying a specific finishing layer to glass makes it more resistant to scratching, impact and weather while ensuring it maintains (and, in many cases, emphasising) the aesthetic appeal of the original material.

Greater versatility

Glass panes that have undergone meticulous processing can subsequently be used in a broad range of fields, with applications capable of satisfying even the most demanding clients, such as those in the aerospace or photovoltaic sectors.

Lower costs

Automating the glass finishing process ultimately leads to significantly lower costs, especially in the long term. Note also that automated systems minimise manual labour requirements and allow workers to be reallocated to high-added-value tasks.

What’s more, automated machinery works fast and efficiently, raising output rates without sacrificing quality. The outcome is lower energy costs per unit produced and, in many cases, lower raw material requirements. This is because the machinery is able to optimise resource use at each stage of the process.

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Innovations in glass processing machinery

Lastly, it should be remembered that choosing the right glass processing machinery can make innovation the focus of company strategy. Cefla Finishing, for example, continues to develop solutions that meet the needs of companies looking to unleash the full potential of digital printing and 4.0 technology which, thanks to data analysis, allow real-time monitoring and adjustment of the finishing process.

By leveraging advanced solutions such as predictive analytics and material control systems, manufacturers can better predict demand and fine-tune production to reduce excess inventory and waste. This is just one of many advantages on offer.

Choosing Cefla Finishing as a technological partner doesn’t just mean activating a supply contract with an international finishing machine leader: above all, it means implementing an upgrowth strategy that puts innovation, efficiency and sustainability at the forefront of process development.

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Article

Wooden profile finishing: all the types, all the advantages

Wooden profile finishing is an essential stage of the production process as it confers quality and durability on a range of products that are becoming indispensable in the construction, furnishing and interior design sectors. Hence the increasing number of technologies and methods that can be used to complete this delicate process.

This, of course, means more choice: on the other hand, though, you need the right knowledge and skills to be able to select the tools that best meet your production needs.

The importance of profile finishing

Before looking at the most popular techniques, let's define the aspects that make profile finishing so vital to improving the visual appearance of a product and making it more durable and reliable.

A well-finished product is more attractive to consumers and provides a more satisfying tactile experience: consequently, it can have a significant impact on purchasing decisions. Consistent aesthetics among products, even those belonging to different lines, is essential for building brand identity and the consumers' perception of quality. Moreover, the fact that profile finishing provides scope for customised design should not be disregarded: different coatings and effects can create unique looks that meet individual customers’ preferences.

Meticulous profile finishing protects raw materials from the humidity, UV rays and temperature variations that can, over time, lead to deterioration and damage. This prevents problems such as warping, cracking and fading, increasing product longevity.

Last but not least is the issue of compliance with standards, especially for companies that operate internationally: many markets have clear standards on the finishes used in furniture, especially with regard to volatile organic compound emissions. Suitable finishing processes ensure compliance with such regulations, making products safer for consumers and environment-friendly.

Profile finishing technique types

From sanding to sealing, through coating and drying, there’s a range of technologies for obtaining an optimal finish. Let's examine, one by one, the techniques available on the market, and highlight their specific characteristics, advantages and fields of use.

Profile sanding: the first step towards a perfect finish

To begin with, the main benefit of sanding is its flexibility. To ensure freedom and simplicity of cross-section/size configuration, modern sanding machines feature sanding belt, wheel or brush units.

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For example, the BPS range, specifically developed by Cefla Finishing for profile sanding, has two versions - with CNC or manual adjustment - to maximise adaptability to all profiles or panels, even those of limited width.

Vacuum technology for perfect profile sealing

Sealing solutions with vacuum technology are perfect for manufacturers who prioritise process efficiency. The most advanced machines, such as our Talent, deliver almost 100% transfer efficiency by applying a uniform coating with exceptional precision and speed.

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Incorporating UV lamps allows the machine to perform the necessary curing process and is perfect for treating different substrates and processing wood.

Compatible coatings include water-based products, UV-curable water-based products, 100% UV products and various sealants. Zero overspray minimises coating and sealant waste and allows the machine to coat six sides in a single pass.

Spray coating: flexibility and precision

For those looking for flexibility and precision, in-line spray coating offers an increasingly compelling response. Featuring a system that guarantees continuous processing, our Performa is available in three different configurations to match the customer’s profile conveying system. Numerous spray guns allow the machine to process widths of up to 300 mm and apply pigmented products and water- and solvent-based coatings. This sprayer is also highly suitable for high-speed lines.

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Alternatively, Flexispray offers a more economical, more compact solution that’s ideal for facilities with limited floor space. Designed to provide manufacturers who still use manual application with entry-level automation, it can finish items up to 240 mm wide (in certain conditions up to 300 mm) with up to six spray guns.

Profile drying: energy efficiency with the transverse kiln

Lastly, companies eager to achieve high energy efficiency can focus on optimising their drying technique. In this case, profile finishing is performed by machines able to dry coatings applied on low-width profiles or panels. For its most demanding customers, Cefla Finishing offers the Cross Oven, a modular solution that treats water- or solvent-based coatings by way of an insulated structure that makes the oven extremely effective and efficient.

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Profile finishing: why choose Cefla Finishing?

60 years’ experience in the design and construction of automatic systems makes Cefla Finishing the perfect profile finishing partner, able to build innovative solutions around the customer’s individual needs.

Indeed, we provide customers not only with an expert team of specialists capable of identifying the right technology for the task at hand: we also work to ensure seamless integration of new machines into existing processes. After assessing product, needs and business goals, we work closely with customers to define a plant development roadmap that can also include preliminarily plant testing at one of the Cefla Finishing labs.

So all that remains is to put us to the test. Contact us and find out which profile finishing solutions will help you boost your line performance! 

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Article

Eyeglass coating: plastic finishing solutions and much more

Everyone involved in eyeglass coating knows perfectly well that it is, perhaps, the most decisive process when it comes to giving the final product aesthetic appeal. Design and materials are certainly crucial when it comes to building a good frame. However, vibrant colours, high-quality finishes and the right ‘feel’ are equally decisive factors, leading consumers to choose products that will match their own look and, possibly, improve it.

In other words, aesthetics are as important as the practical, protective characteristics provided by the coating process.

The major brands are well aware of this: that’s why they’re always looking for partners who can guarantee an optimal approach to eyeglass coating, minimising costs but without ever compromising on quality.

This article explores the main coating techniques used on plastic eyeglasses (and those made of other materials). It also illustrates how Cefla Finishing - by drawing on decades of experience and constantly striving to improve the efficiency and performance of finishing lines - has succeeded in designing an advanced system with customisable configurations.

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The main eyeglass coating techniques

First of all, note that different techniques can be used to treat these semi-finished products, whether they be complete frames or individual components. However, if the goal is to achieve premium-level quality, it’s essential that plastic eyeglass coating be performed inside a pressurized area that is sealed off from the external environment.

In many cases it’s preferable to use a liquid coating as it allows fast drying, even at relatively low temperatures. Not only that, it ensures impeccable output on any type of material, guaranteeing a broad range of aesthetic results, from RAL colours and metallic/iridescent effects to soft-touch finishes.

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Liquid coating is usually applied by spraying. This can be done using machines or by way of manual techniques, depending on the type of product being made.

Regardless of the type of process, the coating will have to be dried. For this reason, semi-finished products need to be placed, in series, in one or more ovens before proceeding to the next stage, which usually consists of polishing.

How to maximise eyeglass coating process flexibility (on plastic or other materials)

These are the most popular methods when it comes to plastic eyeglass coating: traditional approaches that have pros and cons, to be carefully assessed before starting up a finishing line. And then there's the Cefla Finishing approach, which has resulted in the development of an integrated solution that combines productivity, efficiency and precision.

On the Cefla-designed line, in fact, the various eyeglass components are attached to a rotating support. This is positioned underneath a series of spray guns, which coat them at high speed while any overspray is controlled and minimised using water filtration. The ability to configure the machines according to specific finishing requirements ensures coating is performed efficiently without having to program special trajectories.

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All this takes place inside a pressurized, air-conditioned zone, ensuring the correct ambient conditions for the process in use. The system can also rapidly be adapted to different types of coatings. Moreover, simplified format changeover procedures guarantee greater flexibility.

By leveraging an integrated, fully automatic system, this approach improves energy/raw material management and delivers high-quality coating.

Which machines are used to coat eyeglasses? Building a high-performance line

The line designed by Cefla Finishing includes highly specialised machines. These are designed to simplify control of every step in the coating process, for eyeglasses or other objects of complex shape.

Let’s begin with iBotic, the one- or two-arm Cartesian spraying robot with interpolated axes that’s perfect for high output capacities and maximum quality. This machine stands out for its capacity to simultaneously process pieces of different shape and thickness, with the conveyor either at standstill or on the move, in tracking mode. Lastly, the passage in the oven features Aquadry technology, a combined in-line system that merges the effectiveness of high-speed hot air with the high radiant capacity of infra-red lamps. This is the most efficient acrylic coating drying method as it requires less time to evaporate the water contained in the coatings.

Cefla Finishing and tailor-made solutions to coat plastic eyeglasses and other items

The above is just one example of the potential of a dedicated metal and plastic eyeglass coating line. Thanks also to a vast selection of finishing solutions and a 3000 m2 lab facility where customers can engage in hands-on experimentation and development of customised equipment, Cefla Finishing is able to adapt each process technology to most of the market’s specific needs.

By leveraging a constantly-evolving machine range, it’s possible to use in-depth technological integration to optimise not just the coating of eyeglasses but also the finishing of wooden furnishing accessories, helmets, musical instruments, solar panels, car dashboards and ceramic slabs. In other words, the opportunities are practically limitless: all you need to do is contact one of our experts and come and see how the Cefla range can help you take your business to the next level!

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