In January 2026, Gima S.p.A. delivered a new automation dedicated to the world of fashion accessories and religious items.

The machine in question, fully automated, creates and assembles chain links directly onto the pendant, which can differ in shape and size.

This is precisely its peculiarity: the machine is a direct evolution of the four already produced in 2025, but differs in its degree of “versionability”, given that it can be used to assemble various types of accessories and pendants of different shapes and sizes.

This feature was achieved thanks to special attention to detail, such as a set of different guides and components for each type of pendant, an advanced AI-supported camera, and intelligent and flexible PLC/HMI software.

 

 

Changing versions is extremely simple: for each model to be produced, the toolmaker has a plug-and-play kit of components available that can be quickly swapped out without the need for further adjustments. Once the model has been changed, the software will take care of the rest.

Special mention should be made of the use of telescopic guides for opening and closing the main door, which greatly facilitate maintenance and version change operations, and at the same time raise the standards of safety and comfort of use.

The machine supports Industry 4.0 integration and uses EtherCAT and Ethernet/IP fieldbuses for communication between the various drives and devices, further simplifying maintenance and wiring.

This project, therefore, raises the bar even higher for Gima S.p.A.’s automation goals and becomes a new starting point and a new standard for future projects.

 

Long recognized for the design and construction of sheet metal blanking dies, in recent years, Gima S.p.A. has expanded its network of collaborations in new and diverse sectors, all with a high level of innovation, performance, and know-how.

One of these is undoubtedly the field of high-end automotive electronics which, through one of its leading companies, commissioned Gima S.p.A. to design and manufacture four molds for the production of shaped ribbon-type flexible cables.

The need to achieve precise cuts with complex geometries, without damaging the thin and delicate cable material, required the design of highly accurate molds with top-quality components, capable of ensuring optimal results in full compliance with the applicable standards.

Particular attention was also devoted to the ergonomic aspects related to the use of these molds. This type of production, in fact, involves close interaction between the operator and the mold, which—combined with the small size of the cut parts and their manual collection—could have led to certain (albeit non-critical) issues concerning comfort and safety of use.

To address these aspects, specific technical solutions were implemented. Targeted component positioning, the use of tailored working heights, and, not least, the incorporation of curved geometries (implemented in one of the upper plates) create a recess designed to extend the operator’s field of view inside the mold.

A project with exceptionally high technical and quality standards, broadening the horizons of our design and manufacturing capabilities and highlighting the company’s flexibility in innovating through new technologies and expertise to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.

The success of this project is concrete proof that Gima S.p.A. is not only able to meet traditional needs in the field of blanking, but is also ready to seize the opportunities offered by technological innovation and to adapt to new industrial contexts with a flexible, dedicated, and forward-looking approach.

In a constant effort to test its skills and know-how in sectors characterized by innovation and high technical and technological standards, Gima S.p.A. has, in recent years, established close collaborations with some of the most renowned national manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive and general transport industry.

Thanks to its ability to meet customer production needs on multiple fronts and within tight timeframes, while adhering to stringent requirements, the company is establishing itself as a key reference in the design and manufacturing of molds for automotive component production.

Fastening and support elements; springs and assemblies; electrical terminals for automotive circuits — these are just some of the items produced using Gima’s equipment and molds.

A testament to this new wave of collaborations is the mold delivered by the company to one of its clients in June, for the production of support brackets for wiring harnesses and gear lever components, intended for high-end vehicles from some of the leading Italian automotive manufacturers.

 

The progressive die, with generous dimensions (1000x700x500 mm), produces a bracket measuring 230x200x85 mm. It is stamped and triple-bent, featuring reinforcement embossings and embossed markings. The part is made directly from 260 mm wide, 2 mm thick coil sheet metal.

Technical solutions, materials, and mold accessories has been carefully made to ensure perfect execution of the operations performed by the mold, as well as long-lasting durability of its parts and components over millions of strokes at consistent production cycles—while also optimizing and reducing downtime required for scheduled routine maintenance.

The complex geometry of the part and the strict dimensional specifications put our designers’ technical knowledge and creativity to the test. They successfully developed a well-executed project, expertly brought to life by our team of skilled technicians and CAM operators in the tool shop, who handled its manufacturing, assembly, and fine-tuning

Important was the support provided by the Quality Department, which, through inspections carried out on the produced samples, guided the mold fine-tuning operations and subsequently issued the product conformity documentation to the client.

Despite the well-known challenges in the automotive sector, Gima SpA continues to forge new synergies while strengthening existing ones, thereby expanding its reach in advanced markets to offer its clients an increasingly comprehensive and high-quality range of services.

 

Following the collaborative relationship established over the years and the recent training sessions conducted by our technical staff, on Friday, May 23, 2025, Gima SpA was invited to take part in the career orientation day organized by the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore “Enrico Mattei” in Recanati, dedicated to senior-year students.

We responded to the invitation by participating with some of our technical and commercial staff, who presented the company, shared their professional experiences within it, and discussed the company’s mission and future goals, which are currently guiding our planning and focus.

There was ample opportunity for students to ask questions, primarily regarding the job market and the fields of mechanics and industrial automation.

The day was filled with meaningful interactions with the students and fruitful exchanges with the teaching staff, allowing us to better understand and delve deeper into the expectations the students have as they approach the end of their educational journey and begin to consider their professional and personal futures.

It was particularly insightful to explore these topics with other local companies in attendance, which enabled us to broaden our perspective on training and the integration of young people under 25 into the workforce, providing a more comprehensive view of the state of employment in our province and beyond.

This event served as a valuable opportunity to establish unfiltered, direct contact between the local educational and industrial worlds—a mutually enriching experience.

We would like to once again thank the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore “Enrico Mattei” for the opportunity they gave us to contribute to the local community and to young people, to whom we extend our best wishes for a bright and successful future.