Cefla Finishing: new technologies for edge processing

Demand in the furniture sector is changing rapidly, pushing manufacturers to deal with an increasing variety of models, finishes and configurations, often managed in small batches or according to just-in-time logic. This market evolution is matched by greater complexity in finishing processes, particularly in edge processing, where flexibility, production continuity and sustainability are becoming essential requirements. In this context come the latest solutions developed by Cefla Finishing, the division of the Cefla Group dedicated to industrial wood finishing technologies, which in the past year has introduced new platforms designed to meet the needs of a transforming market. Among these, “Smartedge Agile”, presented at Ligna 2025, addresses the challenge of automatically handling panels with different thicknesses and geometries without interrupting production flow.

A concrete example of this evolution is represented by the experience of Mobilificio Pontoni – a company from the Marche region active for over fifty years in the production of high-end furniture and operating exclusively as an OEM supplier – which has chosen “Smartedge Agile” for its production. The adoption of this system has enabled the company to automatically adapt to panels of different thicknesses without downtime, while using 100 percent sustainable UV acrylic coatings.
“The inherent flexibility, combined with cutting-edge technologies for vacuum application and sanding, are the key features of “Smartedge Agile”, one of the most interesting solutions for edge processing developed in 2025 by Cefla Finishing”, commented the Bologna-based group.

Pontoni – the group confirms – has achieved a further objective with the integration of Smartedge Agile, which has introduced benefits linked to production line automation. Productivity has increased steadily, regardless of the type or variety of panels processed, while manual intervention has been reduced, allowing staff to focus on higher value-added activities. Previously, reliance on semi-manual operations represented a bottleneck in production. The current line configuration, on the other hand, makes it possible to combine the required quality standards with higher levels of speed and repeatability, typical of an automated industrial process.

HOW “SMARTEDGE AGILE” WORKS
To manage a continuous flow of different edges without interrupting production for manual adjustments, “Smartedge Agile” integrates a series of patented systems developed by Cefla Finishing. Automatic thickness adjustment is handled by CNC-controlled pressure beams, independent between columns. The edge thickness is detected as the panel enters the machine and applied in real time, eliminating the need for stops during passage through the system and ensuring operational continuity even with panels of varying thicknesses.
A further contribution to efficiency is provided by the patented “Edge&Go” unit, which enables rapid adjustment of the application head. Configuration changes, for example from a straight edge with a three-millimeter radius to a “J-Pull”, take place within a matter of seconds.
The introduction of “Smartedge Agile” has allowed Pontoni to adopt a production flow compatible with just-in-time logic and single-batch management. The use of vacuum technology also ensures high transfer efficiency, reducing paint consumption thanks to the absence of overspray. The use of 100 percent UV acrylics meets process sustainability goals while maintaining uniform quality and finishing continuity, regardless of edge geometry.
“With Smartedge Agile, a solution tailored to the customer’s business goals, Pontoni is perfectly equipped to respond to today’s rapidly evolving market, where trends and growing demand for customization are constantly reshaping the rules of furniture finishing”.

VACUUM TECHNOLOGY
In addition to the flexibility introduced by the concept behind Smartedge Agile, the range of vacuum solutions developed by Cefla Finishing – “Smartvacuum” and “Smartedge” – offers significant advantages in terms of sustainability and process efficiency. The use of 100 percent UV acrylics allows operation without solvents and eliminates paint waste, with direct benefits in both consumption and plant cleaning operations.
The integration of the two solutions within the same production line also provides an aesthetic advantage. Manufacturers of flat panels for furniture are increasingly faced with the need to achieve visual and tactile continuity between surface and edge, especially with rounded edges, now widely demanded by the market. Using the same coating and application technology on both areas minimizes finishing differences, making the transition between edge and surface virtually imperceptible.
“The combination of “Smartvacuum” and “Smartedge Agile” makes it possible to combine sustainability, efficiency and productivity with optimal aesthetic results, ensuring application volumes between 100 and 150 g/m²”.

Not only that. Already present in the range of solutions for finishing wood and derived materials, vacuum technology “… has now reached an advanced level of maturity. Cefla has installed vacuum coating lines for customers in the furniture and construction sectors, as well as for plastic, metal and wood substrates, across Europe, the United States and internationally.
Solutions are available at the “Finishing LAB in Imola”, a 3,000-square-meter space that hosts most of the company’s main machines. A visit also allows direct interaction with vacuum technology specialists to assess specific needs in terms of production volumes, available space, quality, coatings, monitoring and maintenance, all key aspects in today’s international market.

ceflafinishing.com