A New Standard for Agricultural Wheel Finishing
In the agricultural machinery industry, appearance and finishing quality play a crucial role. Wheels are not only structural components but also key elements of a machine’s overall design and brand identity. For this reason, they must deliver excellent aesthetics as well as long-term resistance to wear, abrasion, and demanding operating conditions. To meet these requirements, the Titan Group has completed the installation of a new paint facility at its Italian manufacturing wheel painting plant in Finale Emilia. The goal is to enhance finishing quality, improve product durability, and reduce the environmental impact of production processes.
A Strategic Investment Worth More Than €7 Million
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural and industrial wheels, Titan launched an ambitious modernization project aimed at completely redesigning its finishing operations. The investment exceeded €7 million and was intended to create one of the most advanced wheel painting plant in Europe.
Following its initial start-up phase in April and several months of testing and optimization, the new production line is now fully operational.
Innovative Technologies for Superior Quality
The new facility includes eleven pre-treatment and cleaning stations. These processes use zinc oxides and innovative chemical solutions developed in collaboration with Ppg Industries, a global leader in paints, coatings, and automotive finishing products.
A grey e-coat primer is applied before the final painting process. The finishing stage is performed in two separate steps. An initial coat is applied by robotic systems, while the final layer is completed using reciprocating spray guns. This combination ensures excellent consistency and a high-quality finish.
Greater Sustainability and Lower Energy Consumption
One of the most innovative aspects of the new facility is its focus on sustainability. The paints used are formulated to cure at lower temperatures, reducing both energy consumption and environmental impact. The curing ovens operate at 160°C instead of 180°C. In addition, the production line has been designed to ensure uniform paint adhesion across the entire wheel surface. The wheels are positioned vertically on dedicated carriers engineered to minimize contact points in visible areas once the tires are mounted.
Improved Ergonomics and Automation
The new paint line has also been designed to improve working conditions. Tasks requiring human intervention are organized so that components remain at an ergonomic working height throughout loading, unloading, and final inspection operations.
The high level of automation reduces physical strain on operators while improving production efficiency. As a result, the facility contributes to both increased productivity and enhanced workplace safety.
More Flexibility for Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers
Among the key advantages of the new facility is its ability to paint wheels up to 54 inches in diameter. The system also eliminates the need for drainage holes in wheel discs, resulting in a cleaner and more attractive final appearance. Another important benefit is the flexibility to paint small production batches in customized colors. This capability allows agricultural machinery manufacturers to create special editions and custom configurations while maintaining high quality and production standards
Title: Titan Raises the Bar with Its New Paint Facility in Finale Emilia
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