Over the past 10 years, it has become apparent in the electroplating industry that customer-specific adaptations of electroplating drums and processes are necessary. Progalvano has recognized this and has taken the opportunity to investigate new technical solutions to improve the performance of the barrels and to develop new electroplating machines as initially unused prototypes for the electroplating market. Probably the future trend, from a technical point of view, will require more and more specialized solutions and the challenge will be to follow this market demand while keeping, if possible, the offer as standardized as possible in order to guarantee quick spare parts. As a natural consequence, choosing good suppliers became a crucial step, and some of them are now real partners who are fully involved in Progalvano's business success.
Plastic components are also usedAclear example of the company's main suppliers is SEW-Eurodrive, a well-known German company that operates worldwide and has extensive experience in the automation of machines, logistics and processes. SEW-Eurodrive is highly regarded in the electroplating sector and it is easy to find this brand in many electroplating plants around the world. Many electroplating plant manufacturers choose SEW as a reliable partner to realize projects and deliveries. Progalvano started a collaboration with SEW-Eurodrive over 50 years ago, and recently the relationship has been strengthened by relying on each other for all future projects. In the field of electroplating drums, good customization flexibility, reliability, high quality and, above all, a wide range of configurations are required. All these characteristics are reflected in SEW-Eurodrive's products and have made it possible to offer machines for a wide range of chemical processes and temperatures. Progalvano designs and manufactures electroplating machines that can be loaded with up to 700-800 kg of material, and SEW-Eurodrive has the best specific series of low-voltage geared motors that work reliably even at high loads. At the same time, Progalvano is now also equipping its range of small machines, known as mini rotors, with the most suitable geared motors from SEW-Eurodrive for small batches of material. The result is high added value for machines, from the smallest to the largest.
Drum lids open automatically
In addition to galvanizing drums, Progalvano has used SEW-Eurodrive products for a variety of different projects. Robot 3000, for the automatic opening and closing of drum lids, has been equipped for many years with an SEW geared motor, which perfectly combines all the handling operations of the automation systems. Another interesting application in which SEW products are involved is the PM system. Thanks to this device, electroplating drums can be equipped with a programmable drive for 24/42V AC motors. The PM system is an automation box designed, created and developed by Progalvano in collaboration with an Italian company that is a leader in the field of electronics and automation. For the first time, an electroplating drum is equipped with a programmable drive with compact dimensions. The result is an intelligent machine that can also be controlled and programmed in real time from the line's PLC. As already mentioned, Progalvano has been involved in a number of special projects in recent years: unique prototypes to be used in electroplating areas, but also in various industrial applications. SEW-Eurodrive also proved to be a good supplier for these devices. Many exciting, challenging electroplating projects are thus on the way: around 50% of annual production is non-standard, which is becoming quite normal for Progalvano, and it fills the plant manufacturer with pride. Even in the difficult times we are currently living in.
