Linea ECO-AIR and Ponte Giulio: powder coating system for accessible bathroom environments
We at Linea ECO-AIR are pleased to share a case study highlighting the value of our solutions. The study features Ponte Giulio, a leading Italian company specializing in accessible and age-friendly bathroom environments, which was also featured in the technical magazine ipcm®_International Paint&Coating Magazine.
Through this example, we aim to show how our technology can streamline the production process, enhance finish quality, and deliver superior aesthetic and functional results.
The situation: Ponte Giulio's initial challenge
With over fifty years of experience, Ponte Giulio designs bathroom environments that combine aesthetics, safety, and accessibility for users of all ages and abilities. The company stands out for its approach based on Inclusive and Age-Friendly Design, principles that enable the creation of functional, safe, and comfortable spaces without compromising style.
Over the years, Ponte Giulio has evolved its production, from traditional bathroom components to prefabricated bathroom pods for hotels and hospitality facilities, and ultimately specializing in accessible bathrooms for people with reduced mobility. To ensure flawless and consistent finishes, the company decided to bring the powder coating process in-house, previously handled by job coaters, to enhancie quality, productivity, and cost control.
The main challenge was twofold:
- Streamline the production process without depending on external suppliers.
- Integrate a powder coating system into a limited and fragmented production space without compromising efficiency or safety.
The ECO-AIR solution
Linea ECO-AIR designed and installed a custom powder coating system for Ponte Giulio, delivering:
- Compactness and flexibility: the system was tailored to fit existing spaces, featuring an integrated drying oven and manual workstations optimized for operator ergonomics.
- High productivity: thanks to a monorail overhead conveyor and precisely calibrated coating cycles, the system can process thousands of components per shift.
- Superior finish quality: antibacterial coatings applied manually, with potential for future automation using an anthropomorphic robot.
- Energy efficiency: curing oven with automated doors and a design compatible with a 400 kW photovoltaic system, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
ECO-AIR's work was completed through tailored and ongoing consulting, with continuous collaboration between Ponte Giulio's R&D and production teams and ECO-AIR engineers, ensuring a system perfectly aligned with production requirements.
Benefits
The installation of the system has delivered immediate and tangible results:
- Enhanced aesthetic and functional quality of bathroom components, with uniform, antibacterial finishes.
- Streamlined warehouse management and reduced production lead times.
- Full control of the production cycle, eliminating reliance on subcontractors.
- Energy and operational cost savings thanks to efficient technologies and the upcoming photovoltaic system.
- Increased production flexibility, allowing components of various sizes and types to be processed on the same racks.
A solid partnership
This case study also highlights the importance of a strong partnership between customer and supplier. We worked closely with Ponte Giulio to adapt standard technologies to specific requirements, sharing expertise and solutions to deliver a fully customized system.
As Enrico Carloni, CEO of Ponte Giulio, emphasizes: “Made in Italy isn't just about manufacturing on Italian soil, but also about sharing expertise, ideas, and solutions. The Linea ECO-AIR engineers have always been a key reference in this regard.”
A successful project
This project demonstrates how technological innovation and a focus on inclusive design can go hand in hand, enhancing not only product quality but also the overall customer experience. Through collaboration with Linea ECO-AIR, Ponte Giulio has achieved new standards of efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetic excellence, underscoring the value of investing in custom powder coating systems.
For more information or to request a quote for a new powder coating system, our team is ready to assist you. Contact us!