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.

 

In April 2025, Gima S.p.A. completed the fabrication and delivery of a batch of 3 semi-automatic machines on behalf of a third party (to complement a fully automatic machine previously delivered), designed for the construction and assembly of rings for pendants, intended for use in fashion accessories and religious items.

Machine features

The machine, custom-built at the client’s request, produces rings directly from 1 mm thick galvanized wire, shaping it around the pendant through a mechanical cam system controlled by numerical control, making the ring secure and solid.

The designing process followed the client’s needs for a compact machine in terms of size; dedicated to flexible production of various items and quantities, but most importantly, semi-automatic to be used alongside an operator.

Design aspects, hardware, and software

Essential to the design was the in-depth focus on ergonomic aspects (physical-cognitive) in the human-machine interface, as they are crucial for the user’s comfort during operation, but most importantly, for meeting the safety standards required by applications of this type. The study of the working position, the access to loading/unloading points, the transparent protective system, the control panel, and a procedural layout for safety system interventions (integrated sensors, optical barriers, control PLC, motor locks, etc.) with redundant features, are just some of the aspects studied in this regard.

The tools are fully integrated into an automation system equipped with features aimed at minimizing cycle time, supported by high-precision vision systems and sensors, which help eliminate risks related to machine downtime while ensuring the best performance in terms of quality.

Most of the physical components (mechanical parts, supports, bases, just to name a few) were specifically designed and manufactured for this project. Using CNC machining centers, grinding machines, plasma cutting, and 3D printing, the designers were provided with the widest range of possible construction and performance solutions to choose from, ensuring the client the best solution for the specific function.

The selection of electrical and electronic components was carefully made from products of the leading brands in the automation sector, as well as partners of Gima S.p.A.

The software programming, developed in-house by Gima S.p.A.’s technical department, is custom-designed and specific to the machines in question. In addition to allowing some degree of variability within the processing performed, it integrates the aforementioned safety functions, which complement the mechanical and design solutions required by CE regulations.