Earthquake-proof and ATEX disc finishing booths: the Movingfluid case

In this article:

• • • • The ingredients of the perfect challenge: obsolescence and new regulations to be met in confined spaces
      • Movingfluid’s added value: flexibility, customisation and coordination
      • A tailored approach and comprehensive support for intermediaries and end customers

Custom, earthquake-proof and ATEX bodywork disc finishing booths: a job for Movingfluid   

We can because they can’t: so goes our motto, which affirms Movingfluid’s ability to succeed even (and especially) where others do not even try. Proof of this is the fact that, in some cases, it is companies like us who involve us to handle seemingly impossible orders that they would otherwise have had to give up.

This is what happened last year when a company specialising in the construction of industrial automation lines for the automotive industry contracted us to build five disc finishing booths with some special features. The booths had to be: 

1. earthquake-proof; 
2. ATEX certified; 
3. integrated within an existing site (thus respecting specific spaces and requirements). 

 The end customer is someone you just can’t say no to (we’re talking about one of the world’s leading companies in the industry!), but it was only the peace of mind of having Movingfluid as a partner that made it possible. 

The ingredients of the perfect challenge: obsolescence and new regulations to be met in confined spaces

The general contractor’s request was anything but ordinary: the company’s old disc finishing booths had to be replaced in order to increase production and comply with the earthquake regulations in force in the area.

The new booths – which were more numerous than the previous ones – therefore had to be closed and self-supporting and fit into the already prepared work area. In addition, the high flammability of aluminium dust raised during the manual sanding operations of the car bodies required the compliance of all electrical and mechanical equipment with ATEX certification. Along with the safety criteria, it was also necessary to meet precise configuration requirements of the end company’s plant. Needs that concerned, for example, the type of floor grates for the metal dust deposit, the opening times of the doors while the booth is in operation and other sophisticated requirements. Impossible? Not for us. 

Movingfluid Project: Earthquake-proof and ATEX disc finishing booths

Movingfluid’s added value: flexibility, customisation and coordination

Thanks to a flexible approach, and a team of highly qualified technicians who supported our Mishap-solvers, we were able to ensure the success of the project. A special project, completed respecting those specific spaces and customised to the needs of that specific customer. 

Design and operational flexibility

If all companies only did what they were founded to do, there would be no evolution. Flexibility is one of our most outstanding qualities and allows us to adapt to any industrial context to handle even non-fluid handling tasks, as in this case.

So, if we have to create earthquake-proof disc finishing booths, we do it, either by taking care of all aspects directly or by preparing all the necessary activities. For this company, for example, it was necessary to also work on the foundation in order to be able to install the booths according to earthquake parameters. So we arranged for construction work and, when everything was ready for installation, we activated our teams.    

Dimensional and logistics customisation

As mentioned above, the challenges of the project included the need to integrate the new booths into an existing space, with dimensional limitations. An obstacle that we overcame by developing the booths in height and housing part of the equipment on their roofs: in this way, we saved space around the structures and utilised the overhead surface area.

Another key aspect concerned air management. When the booths are in operation, a flow of air from the plant is drawn from above via an external turbine system and fed into the work environment. The dust generated by the disc finishing process is then channelled towards the floor to be extracted and directed towards filters and drains. The customer needed this whole process to take place at a predetermined speed, which we managed to meet without fail.  

Extensive coordination and tight assembly times

Another of the advantages of relying on Movingfluid – for customers or contractors – is that we in turn take over the coordination of all the appointed specialised workers. We are the ones who scout out the most suitable suppliers and qualified professionals and we manage the whole job, from start to finish.

A few numbers may help to give an idea of the amount of people and activities governed by Movingfluid for this project:   

• 8 partner suppliers involved on site;
• more than 40 people involved, including one resource specialising in earthquake engineering;
• 2 electric forklifts;
• 2 electric pallet trucks;
• 2 compass platforms;
• 2 hand pallet trucks;
• 1 electric spider crane with specially trained operator. 

The design and production of the structures lasted about nine months, during which we were in constant contact with the general contractor and the recipient company to define exactly all technical and organisational details. In fact, it was important to open and start the construction site during the closing period of the factory: a practice we are not new to and which, precisely in the automotive sector, has important precedents.

So, between 22 December and 10 January 2025, we carried out all the transport and unloading of materials (with 6 weigh bridges and 8 tractor units). Assembly lasted until March, for 480 man-days of work, over  21 night shifts (10:00pm – 5:30am).  

A tailored approach and comprehensive support for intermediaries and end customers

What does this case teach us about Movingfluid’s way of doing things? Well, in addition to the ability to invent solutions even when it seems there are none, the distinguishing element is their care and constant presence, also in a preventive sense. We do not like to create forced dependency, but we want the customer to be fully satisfied and as autonomous as possible in the use of the solution provided. Thus, to facilitate plant management and avoid subsequent problems, we trained the maintenance staff and plant operators on turbine maintenance. The course was held in 8 half-day sessions: This made it possible to involve all operators, regardless of the time of their shift at headquarters.

Ours is a customised approach throughout, not only for the practical aspects but also for consultancy. We constantly support contractors in dealing with the end customer in all areas they may not have experience in: environmental declarations, technological elements, management of operational parameters… we are the ideal partner for this too. On the other hand, solving challenges as smoothly as possible is what we do best. This is also demonstrated by the fact that today the booths are regularly in operation and receive praise not only for their efficiency but also for their visual appeal, which blend in perfectly with the rest of the plant.

Great satisfaction, for us, for the contractor and for the end customer! 

If you too are looking for a capable, reliable and highly technically and operationally efficient company, you are in the right place.

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