Digital coil coating in HD: Barni Spa’s Cromatica sets new industry standards

At the main surface treatment trade fairs, such as Mexico’s SFM 2024, there was a lot of talk about Cromatica, the digital coil coating line developed entirely by Barni Spa for Marcegaglia.

Cromatica, a turning point in metal surface decoration

Cromatica marks a milestone in the world of industrial decoration. Launched in 2021 at the request of Marcegaglia, a historic Italian tube manufacturer and long-standing Barni customer, the line is the result of a well-established partnership and a continuous push for higher quality standards.

The line allows for the customization of metal surfaces intended for both indoor and outdoor use, with applications ranging from construction to design, including the production of high-impact architectural facades. Thanks to digital printing, the images reproduced on steel coils achieve outstanding resolution and aesthetic value, opening new creative possibilities for architects and designers.

From a technical standpoint, Cromatica can process thicknesses between 0.25 and 1.6 mm and widths from 600 to 1550 mm on steel, with speeds up to 60 mpm. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of projects.

Not just technology: sustainability matters too

Cromatica is strongly sustainability-oriented:

* it uses UV-cured inks that require no solvents;
* it replaces traditional ovens with an UV oven, eliminating the need for air and water;
* it does not use solvents and therefore needs no afterburners;
* its compact structure reduces space requirements and energy consumption.

Among the line’s strengths is the "Stelvio System", a technology developed by Barni that ensures perfect centering of the coil, preventing gaps and aesthetic defects. Cromatica also applies the protective layer, 3D effect, and matte finish to the sheet metal in a single step, drastically reducing production time.

For those seeking an even more faithful three-dimensional visual rendering of natural materials, the line can be equipped with advanced scanning tools such as the Metis system, which features patented DC Synchrolight illumination and “superscan” technology. These tools enable high-definition texture capture with excellent chromatic and morphological fidelity.

Cromatica is not just a production line, it is a true concept that blends aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. A concrete example of how Barni Spa turns the most ambitious demands into advanced industrial solutions.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to enhance your coil coating projects, Barni’s expert team is available through the contact details provided.