Article by Marika Comotti
Behind the study and processing of burners for the Appliance world there is more than 50 years of experience. Which in Somipress represents a value for different categories of needs and types of customers, from cooking to automotive passing through new markets.
A distinctive feature is certainly the ability to do codesign. But where does this ability come from? Somipress Italia has been producing burners for the cooking sector since the 1970s. Founded as a die–casting plant, the company has grown to become Somigroup. It is an international group that gives voice to the flair of Somidesign, the technique of Somipress Romania and the attention of Somipress Ningbo for the East.
«Passion and the will to do led us to master a complex technique, making us ambitious», says Armando Elisei, owner of Somipress. «Attention to the evolution of production technologies led in the 2000s to the creation of an in–house R&D department. This in order to support the increasingly articulated designs that the market demanded. This is borne out by the other production wing that characterises us, namely the automotive industry, famous for almost non-existent tolerances and only approachable with years of proven attention. On the strength of our capabilities, while maintaining production standards that are anything but taken for granted, we have become the reference for renowned and ambitious customers, with qualitatively important solutions».
Made in Italy: more than just manufacturing
Experience in responding to very detailed needs, combined with the ability to suggest articulated solutions based on precise indications, «has equipped us with transversal skills useful in creating a channel for dialogue that is increasingly rare within the rigidity and practices that characterise the modern supply world. For a 100% Made in Italy proposition, that is, in a service that speaks Italian at all stages: burner development, expert production, machining and final finishing. So that a much overused term has the value that is expected of Somipress burners».
Codesign with the customer
For each project, Somipress dedicates an integrated working group. It ensures the utmost care and use of the most efficient and effective solutions. The use of simulation tools forms the basis of the company’s process for in-house production of the die-casting moulds. They are fundamental to this specific production technique. Somipress has an in–house mould workshop to develop and manufacture the die–casting tooling. It operates to guarantee prototypes and pre-series samples. Following a codesign logic, customers can constantly interact with designers and develop possible design optimisations. These are increasingly crucial for components to contribute significantly to competitive finished products.
Automation and the Lean approach: producing by innovating
Processing technologies are based on a Manufacturing 4.0 approach. Aluminium die-casting is carried out with highly automated plants, which use 5 types of aluminium alloys. All die-casting islands and machining machinery are integrated into the company’s information system. And they represent the beating heart of the company.
The machining processes of Somipress products are developed according to the Lean Management and Lean Manufacturing approach. The optimisation and rationalisation of all processes, the use of industrial automation 4.0 and highly qualified personnel guarantee maximum quality, minimum waste of resources and an approach that is always oriented towards efficiency and the provision of innovative solutions. In the post-die-casting stages, the die-cast components are mechanically processed. They are scrupulously analysed by quality, in the many variables that can affect the final product standard.
