New powder-coating system in Gonzaga

Argos ST Group’s Industrial Coatings business unit has consolidated its position in the surface treatments industry with a series of targeted investments. These include the installation of a powder-coating system for large components at its Gonzaga plant in northern Italy. The project is more than just a technological upgrade, representing a tangible response to the requirements of an ever more diversified market, demanding flexible production capacity, high quality and consistent performance.

At the core of the investment: a system designed to handle non-standard components

The new installation at the Gonzaga plant enables powder coating of components up to five metres long, with complex shapes and multiple materials. It has been designed to optimise every phase of the coating cycle, using smart integration of manual processes and advanced automation.

The cycle begins at an initial manual coating station on a moving platform, giving the operator access to critical areas of the component that an automatic spray jet could not reach.
Next, there is an automated phase in which a robotic system reads the technical details of the component and automatically sets coating parameters, guaranteeing correct thickness and distribution of the coating film. The spray guns move horizontally and vertically, adapting to any shape and surface type.
A second manual station is used for finishing and visual quality control.
The cycle is completed in a heating chamber for polymerisation of the coating, guaranteeing adhesion, resistance and durability.

This complete system harnesses technology and operational expertise to satisfy even the most complex industrial requirements.

An upgrade that is part of a wider development plan

Installation of the new system in Gonzaga is not an isolated project, but falls within the scope of a broader development strategy involving Argos ST Group’s entire Industrial Coatings business unit. In recent years, multiple investments have been made targeting enhanced production capacity, operational efficiency and process quality across the Group’s plants.

At the Gonzaga plant, in addition to the new coating system for large components, two existing power-coating systems have been replaced for solutions with improved performance. A degreasing and chemical pre-treatment system has also been installed for metals that do not undergo cataphoresis, and a new grit-blasting machine has been introduced, enhancing operational performance. Finally, the site has been equipped with a ground and roof-installed photovoltaic system for energy support, in line with the Group’s sustainability strategy.

Investments have also been made at the Borgaro plant. The cataphoresis cycle has been improved with addition of a final washing phase, and the power-coating system has been updated with new HDLV technology, provided by Nordson, which enables greater coating-thickness precision and highly efficient product transfer.

Finally, acquisition of the company GM Cataforesi of Camposanto has enabled the Group to increase its production capacity and broaden the range of components it can process, including large structural elements such as motor-vehicle shells, frames and loading beds for industrial use.

Together, these investments demonstrate Argos ST’s vision: to build an advanced, integrated production system with an industrial foundation, capable of tackling the challenges of an evolving market with confidence and expertise.

Powder coating: performance, aesthetics and sustainability

The goal of the entire Industrial Coatings business unit is to provide high-performance surface treatments that combine anticorrosion properties, mechanical strength and optimum finishes. Compared to other solutions, powder coating offers a series of advantages that make it ideal for industrial applications:

Excellent adhesion to ferrous and non-ferrous metals
Outstanding resistance to weathering, UV rays, impacts and abrasion
Ability to achieve highly durable, uniform chrome finishes
Low environmental impact due to the absence of solvents, reduced waste and compatibility with recovery systems
Adaptability to medium and large batches and complex components.

Operational flexibility for customers with different requirements

One of Argos ST’s distinguishing qualities is its ability to adapt to the varying needs of customers in terms of component dimensions and quantities. The BU is equipped to handle small, medium-sized and large components, covering a wide range of industries, including mechanical components, handling and transport, agricultural machinery, off-highway and automotive.

Every investment is guided by a precise objective: to increase production flexibility, reduce processing times, improve quality control and guarantee consistent results, even with large volumes.

The Industrial Coatings BU currently represents one of the most highly developed areas of the Argos ST Group. The series of investments, from process automation to systems handling large components and integration of sustainable practices, demonstrates the company’s commitment to consolidating its role as a technological partner in the industrial sphere, offering advanced, consistent and future-oriented surface treatments.