Pratic S.p.A. has chosen to rely on Imel spa’s expertise to install a new state-of-the-art coating system that ensures high-quality performance for the powder coatings on aluminium pergolas and awnings.
RATIC S.p.A., part of the STELLAGROUP, a global leader in the production of pergolas and awnings with refined design and architecture, has implemented an advanced powder coating system at its manufacturing facility in Fagagna (Udine), realized by IMEL S.p.A. The coating system has been designed to ensure high performance in terms of durability, offering remarkable versatility in pre-treatment and coating cycles, with a high degree of automation. The system is optimized for energy efficiency and integrates a sophisticated depuration plant that allows for the recovery of wastewater.
The line is distinguished by the use of high-quality equipment, a compact design that optimizes space, and attention to detail—hallmarks of PRATIC’s projects. The system includes a pre-treatment tunnel with separate chambers, made entirely of AISI 316 stainless steel, which allows localized treatment and minimizes contamination of the baths, making it suitable for the use of any chemical agent.
The drying and curing ovens, positioned next to each other, are properly insulated and equipped with doors that ensure optimal thermal maintenance, helping to reduce fuel consumption. The coating plant is also equipped with two Gema Magic Cylinder booths, each equipped with 14 guns powered by a spray system that uses dense phase pumps and a fast colour change system.
A key element of the system is its eco-friendliness: 97% of the wastewater is recovered thanks to a complex depuration system based on mechanical vapor recompression. This innovative process allows for the reuse of water in the pre-treatment stages, maintaining the baths in optimal condition and reducing water consumption, with nearly zero discharge into the sewer network.
Thanks to its high level of automation and the integration of certain modules from the i4paintshop® platform, the system is able to automatically managing various coating cycles based on the parts’ codes and assigned priorities. The system ensures automatic data flow management, complete process traceability, constant monitoring of energy consumption, and efficient maintenance scheduling. Additionally, with the digital reading of data from each component of the system, it is possible to optimally manage quality and reduce waste, in compliance with Qualicoat standards.
The high coating performance and rigorous process control have enabled PRATIC to obtain the prestigious QUALICOAT SEASIDE certification, which attests the compliance with the most stringent international standards for aluminium treatment and coating quality. This certification ensures maximum paint adhesion and excellent resistance to corrosion caused by atmospheric agents.
Through this collaboration, IMEL has met a new challenge in high-end industrial coating treatments, demonstrating its competence and innovative capabilities.
