Automation and Robotics
The Future of the Ceramic Industry
About Us
In a highly competitive sector like ceramics, automation is key to optimizing production processes, increasing quality, and reducing costs. To address this need in a concrete and innovative way, in 2024 Italforni founded EPICmec – Engineering Project for Industrial Ceramics, a division entirely dedicated to the development of customized automation and robotics solutions for the ceramic industry.
EPICmec is the result of Italforni’s decades of experience in the ceramics sector and the desire to offer advanced technological support to companies in the sector. We combine engineering expertise, knowledge of ceramic processes, and a strong drive for innovation to support our customers on their journey to the smart factory.
What We Do
Robotic solutions
We design anthropomorphic robots that can be applied to various phases of the ceramic process: product handling and palletizing, glazing and decoration, cutting and precision mechanical processing, loading and unloading of thermal machines, quality control using artificial vision, finishing operations and internal logistics management. These solutions reduce cycle times, optimize resource use, and improve the competitiveness of companies.
Handling and Conveying Lines
We provide advanced solutions for the automated handling of various types of ceramic products, integrating motorized roller conveyors, conveyor belts with rotary tables, ejectors, and centering devices. Each system is designed to ensure a continuous and safe flow between the various stations, significantly reducing downtime and waste.
Loading and Unloading Machines
We develop automatic systems for loading and unloading ceramic products on various types of thermal machines, including roller kilns, tunnel kilns, multilayer roller dryers, box dryers, shuttle kilns with removable bogies, and shuttle kilns with fixed hearth. Our units guarantee efficiency, precision, and operational continuity.
Packaging
We offer packaging lines for ceramic products: from large formats to customized packages. Solutions include robotic hands for closing, labeling, taping, and packing in boxes and crates, with vision systems to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Palletising
We implement automated systems, both robotic and mechanical, to stack finished products on pallets. Ideal for any type of ceramic product, the lines ensure high flexibility in packaging patterns, precision, and optimized outbound logistics.
Integration with management systems and Industry 4.0 environments
We connect systems, machines (robots, conveyors, ovens), and business software (ERP/MES/WCS/SCADA) in smart architectures, enabling real-time monitoring of KPIs, traceability, automated warehouse management, and just-in-time strategies for different batches and formats.
Each system is custom-designed and perfectly adaptable to different production environments.
The advantages of automation:
- Increased productivity and operational continuity
- Reduction of errors and production waste
- Intelligent, real-time process control
- Increased workplace safety
- Energy efficiency and resource optimization
Thanks to Italforni’s experience and EPICmec’s know-how, we offer much more than just automation machines: we provide complete solutions, supporting our customers throughout all phases of the project, from initial consultation to design, from installation to staff training, up to after-sales assistance.