STANDARD & LEGISLATION - UCIF Informs
The Importance of Design Marcello Zinno
A
t first glance, surface treatments and design do not seem to have much in common. Actually,
however, finishing processes are
info@ucif.net
Andrei Merkulov © Fotolia
UCIF – Italian Surface Treatment Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, Milan
precisely aimed at treating the surfaces of products that more and more often, for design or mere aesthetic reasons, feature very peculiar shapes, thus calling for sophisticated industrial solutions to achieve a high level treatment. The aesthetic design of a structure cannot overlook the future treatment needs of its surface, but it is equally true that it is often the treatment process (e.g. coating) to have to adapt to the requirements imposed by the designer. Yet, on the “philosophical” level, we who develop solutions for processing
1
aesthetics-focussed objects see a very strong connection with the design field. Indeed, in our daily life, we are all aware
Figure 1: UCIF has decided to involve some experts in the field to organise a workshop on design with a focus on plant aspects, in the second half of 2018.
that the value of the consumer products we use is not only linked to their function but also to their aesthetics.
activities geared towards the ultimate
2018. Does it make sense to build a
This is characterised by two main
purpose for which they have been
plant or a machine with a different
elements: shape (design) and material
designed. And, last but not least, they
and fascinating design? What are the
and colour (finish).
must be sold. Therefore, like any other
trends of the future that a plant should
product, they cannot be built only based
follow to be immediately recognised as
At UCIF, we are so convinced of this
on rational engineering constraints,
an innovative technological solution?
that, in agreement with our members,
but they must also have some charm
Can design itself be a factor to gain
we have started focussing on design
in terms of shapes and aesthetics.
a competitive advantage over other
as a crucial issue not only in terms of
However, the subject is so vast that it
products on the market? Could it lead
manufactured products, but also of
involves the most diverse skills, up to
to replace some old plants with new
finishing plants. Indeed, if the value of
the analysis of colour evolutions and of
ones that are more efficient and also
an object is the function (also) of its
industrial trends in terms of ergonomic
more aesthetically pleasing? These
design and finish, the same applies to
science.
are the questions that we have asked
plants, too. We all know that machines
ourselves and then shared with the
are often locked in factories and cannot
That is why UCIF has decided to involve
experts who will explain to us what is
be admired by a wide audience, but
some experts in the field to organise
the point of view of the sector and how
they actually occupy a space, have
a workshop on design with a focus on
manufacturers can take these factors
some functions, and perform a series of
plant aspects, in the second half of
into consideration.
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N. 52 - JULY/AUGUST 2018 - international PAINT&COATING magazine