Newly launched GEA 2.0 raises productivity by 40%

A pioneer in the field of large sizes with an ongoing commitment to research into the pressing process, System has now unveiled GEA 2.0, the latest version of the technology capable of switching instantly from the production of large-format panels to more conventional sizes.

GEA 2.0 achieves an astonishing 40% increase in productivity compared to the previous model, turning out between 50 and 70 panels an hour and delivering up to 13,000 square metres/day to the kilns. This increase in productivity is a result of the enhanced hydraulic system and the rationalised pressing cycle, without affecting the quality and efficiency of the overall ceramic process or the flatness of the product, even with difficult surfaces such as honed finishes.  

"Investors who choose GEA are looking to the future and focusing on products capable of anticipating market demands," explains Andrea Gozzi, director of the System Lamina business unit. "This means large sizes, variable thicknesses, the possibility of optimising costs and care for the environment, while maintaining a focus on everyday needs - we mustn't forget that the products most in demand in today's market are conventional sizes such as 60x60 cm and 80x80 cm."

A growing number of companies are investing in this technology. Along with the Indian Qutone Tiles, the latest company chronologically to have installed it, GEA is also in operation in the factories of TOTO (Japan), SCG Group (Thailand), Platinum (Indonesia), Panaria Group and Graniti Fiandre (Italy), The Size (Spain) and Kütahya (Turkey), while the new plant is being installed at Laminam in Fiorano as an example of an advanced process.

One of the new features of GEA is the industrial PC designed by System Electronics, which allows the Copilot 21.5" monitor to be operated remotely up to a distance of 60 metres without affecting the quality of the image and maintaining the reactivity of the touch screen. This facilitates remote control of all the pressing stages and helps to optimise the overall productivity of the press.