A part of the diverse and complex laundry market produces washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, professional ironing machines, automation systems and linen handling systems. Ergonomics is a common element that unites both commercial and industrial laundry machines, as it deals with human-machine interaction, while the environmental context also plays a significant role. Ergonomics is fundamental not only for the operator health but also for improving production efficiency, making it a key component of workplace safety. Article 15 of the Consolidated Law on Workplace Safety requires “compliance with ergonomic principles in the organization of work, in the design of workplaces, in the selection of equipment, and in the definition of work and production methods…”. Biomechanical overload, particularly in repetitive tasks, is the main concern: how can we avoid, in particular, overload on the hands and wrists, shoulders, and lumbar spine? Which is the ergonomics concept standing behind the design of your machines?
ALGITECH
The role of ergonomics in laundries and, more generally, in the development of industrial products is undergoing a significant transformation phase, concerning both the work environment and the design team of Algitech. Ensuring that products meet “usability” requirements is one of the company’s main goals, with its research and development policy 
focused on consolidating brand identity through the actual quality of its products, by always putting the user first. The result of the “human-centred design” analysis, which places the “operator” at the centre of the design process, allows individuals to use their skills and expertise in their work at best, achieving notable results in terms of performance, satisfaction, safety, and health protection, while preserving their personal psychophysical well-being. In practice, Algitech machines are designed to easily perform the operations required to run, supervise, and maintain them. Ergonomics provides methodological and operational tools capable to guide the entire design and production process for meeting the needs and expectations of the users. The simplicity of the software, with operator commands on a coloured touchscreen panel, on-board machine diagnosis, and the use of commercial components, are all assets that contribute in making a successful product. In fact, an ergonomically designed machine undoubtedly guarantees a higher performance. •
BATTISTELLA B.G.
Ergonomics in the ironing sector is an essential component for improving productivity and protecting the health of operators. In laundry facilities, ironing is often the most demanding process, with the operator constantly in contact with the machine. This continuous interaction makes the design of ergonomic equipment crucial for enhancing efficiency without compromising physical well-being. Our machines are designed taking into 
consideration the well-being of the person, with ergonomics as a key principle. And our models Giunone and Poseidone are the best examples for this: equipped with an adjustable piston, they allow to adjust the work surface height between 80 and 107 cm, adapting to the different needs of the operators. This adjustment is essential to prevent incorrect postures that can cause musculo-skeletal problems and reduce productivity. A poorly positioned work surface not only affects comfort but can also reduce work efficiency and increase the risk of accidents. Ergonomics, therefore, is not just about comfort; it directly impacts the operator’s ability to work efficiently and safely. User-friendliness is also a crucial aspect. All Battistella machines are equipped with an intelligent touch screen that simplifies operation control, allowing for intuitive management of work cycles. This simplicity improves workflow and allows the operator to focus more on the main tasks, reducing error margins. In conclusion, ergonomics in textile care machines is not just a technological development but a true philosophy that places the operator at the centre. In a sector where precision and speed are essential, investing in ergonomic machines means ensuring a more sustainable and safer work environment, where efficiency and wellbeing are successfully combined. •
HELPI
Helpi Srl has always designed and built shrink film packaging machines focusing on ergonomics and aiming for continuous improvement of its product range. Ergonomics is synonymous with safety, followed by adaptability, user-friendliness, comfort, and comprehensibility for both operators and maintenance staff. All models produced by Helpi 
can be connected to the company network for continuous monitoring and remote diagnosis, accomplishing the necessary conditions for accessing the provided incentives. They are equipped with a touchscreen control panel with a simple and intuitive interface, where a single screen contains all the main and essential settings for the operator, even for the less specialized users. Process parameters, error messages, and operating faults are clearly and distinctly displayed on the control panel for immediate check of the machine’s status. The side electrical panel allows full and unrestricted access for all control and maintenance operations. Side doors with limit switches ensure the machine stops in case of opening, and an acoustic signal alert for operating faults, further enhancing the safety of the packaging machine, whether integrated into an automatic production line or manually operated. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly materials is always an option. •
IMPIANTI NOVOPAC
With a global leadership and over 40 years of proven experience, Impianti Novopac Srl has become a benchmark in industrial packaging. Over the years, the company has grown both in terms of workforce and technological development. Its reliable and functional systems have demonstrated their quality and durability, making Impianti Novopac an internationally renowned brand. One of the flagship products of our extensive machinery range is our packaging machines for industrial laundries. Our machines are suitable for packaging from small to large laundry items, and even single napkins. The packaging machines are built 
according to the most advanced ergonomic principles, making the system a real user-friendly tool. The lowered position of the upper spool holder facilitates the loading and positioning of the film roll. Additionally, the option to install the lower spool holder on a pull-out trolley allows for easy replacement of the film roll. All models are PLC-controlled and equipped with an intuitive, user-friendly operator interface designed according to the latest ergonomic standards. This allows users to make adjustments through comprehensive images or tactile keys on the display. This setup provides fast and convenient control of production automation, improving productivity, reducing errors, and enabling operators to perform their tasks with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. Additionally, thanks to the possibility of remote control, our technicians are able to monitor and interact with the installed systems, enabling data exchange, realtime faults diagnosis, and immediate assistance. The company also provides a comprehensive after-sales service, with a large spare parts warehouse and prompt, specialized technical support. •
MACPI
Macpi Group has been designing and producing machinery, software, and hardware for the clothing industry since 1961. Since 2010, Macpi has introduced a new division dedicated to the Industrial Laundry sector and for years now, has been working with some of the largest companies worldwide. The close collaboration with its customers has allowed the company 
to better understand the work of the operators and to develop ergonomic and certified machines. In particular, all the machines listed below have been designed according to ergonomic standards, after carefully analysing the movements of the operators through various tests using Computerised Motion Analysis with the inertial system. • 290.88 – an automatic unit for overalls and blouses pressing fitted, equipped with telescopic finishers that allow to “dress” the dummy at a lower height, if compared to the market of reference, with 2 steps of height adjusted by a command pedal. • 322.88 – an automatic rotating unit for pants finishing that allows to upload a garment at the suitable height for operators limiting their movement of raising the shoulders at the same time. • 295.88 – an automatic unit for uniforms finishing equipped with a mobile and adjustable uploading station that allows the operator to upload garments without having to get up or bend. • 261.88 – an automatic machine for table cloths, bed sheets and embroidered linen pressing Macpi has always been focused on designing machines that follow the ergonomic principles and that guarantee maximum safety and wellbeing of operators during productive processes. •
PONY
The importance of the time dedicated to the finishing phase in laundries represents a significant opportunity for automation. In addition to speeding up production, automation simplifies the work process and standardizes it, ensuring the highest quality of the finished product and depending less on specialized labour. At Pony, we design our machines with constant focus on ergonomics as a driving force for both productivity and the well-being of 
the operator. Additionally, the workstations are designed to allow for maximum ease of movement during the production phase. Our ironing TABLES include various ergonomic features such as height adjustment, iron suspension systems, foot pedals of different types equipped with photocells or with overlapping bars, and other functionalities that facilitate the work process. Regarding the finishing PRESSES, which are the ultimate ergonomic tools, we offer various shapes of bucks, all designed with the tip on the right side for ensuring the best posture for the operator. Additionally, they are designed with the possibility of height adjustment, a wide opening of the head, a mobile foot pedal, and practical buttons for descending. The whole range of SHIRT FINISHERS is equipped with adjustable height, a front horizontal sliding paddle, rotating sleeve presses, PLC touch screen positioned at a comfortable height for operators, a H.A.R.S. system for hot air recovery, and a quick and comfortable dressing system for the shirts. The specialized TROUSERS toppers and OUTERWEAR form finishers, operating both hydraulically and pneumatically, apply mechanical tension autonomously, reducing the physical effort of the operators, speeding up the final touch-ups on the ironing table. •
RENZACCI
Among the multitude of ergonomic solutions that Renzacci company is proposing today to the laundry industry, it is worth to emphasize the new I-BRAIN® 3D computer. The i-BRAIN® 3D it is not just a simple computer, but a real-time management and control system incorporated into the machine, equipped with interactive facilities. It is designed 
with a large display with new “DIGITAL 3D” colour graphics, with a 10.4” wide screen and a touch screen system with 3D keys and an oversized useful touch area, providing a more clear and welldefined vision even from distance, with the possibility to access many and important information as well as a power remarkably superior to the average computers currently existing on the market. Moreover, it is provided with the new SFT (SENTINEL FRIENDLY TOUCH) to guide the customer through the most performant operative solutions and with the innovative TFT (Thin Film Transistor) with ultrapowerful resolution which makes i-Brain 3D very reliable, long lasting and resistant. With i-BRAIN® 3D you do not need to know any specific language: all functions can be activated through easily understandable symbols that are internationally recognized according to ISO graphic regulations. Moreover, a great success has been reported by the innovative APP “MY BRAIN™” which enables to manage and control the dry-cleaning machine while talking with customers, when located in front of his own desk in the office; when busy in the ironing area or simply engaged in other activities without decreasing the efficiency and the quality of work: WELCOME TO THE NEW FREEDOM TO MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS IN A SIMPLE AND PROFITABLE WAY. With “MY BRAIN™” your dry-cleaning machine is always with you. •
STIROTECNICA
Ergonomics is a key element in the design of Stirotecnica products, such as irons and steam guns, because it has a significant impact when it comes to comfort and efficiency. Ergonomics is a fundamental element for ensuring safety and health while promoting well-
being and efficiency for people at work. This is one of the goals that Stirotecnica has chosen to emphasize in the design of all its products that are used directly by individuals. Features such as lightweight design, balance, non-slip materials, and an intuitive control layout are fundamental. The handle must fit comfortably in the hand, avoiding excessive pressure that could cause long-term pain. The non-slip materials improve control, preventing accidents during use on delicate surfaces. Top models, such as the LEMM SERIES with cork handles, the TWIN line, and especially TECHNE, where the open handle combines with an efficient grip, making the products even more comfortable and user-friendly. The BLULEMM thermal steam gun is ideal for industrial sectors where precision and speed are essential. This feature, combined with a design aimed at reducing operator strain, makes the BLULEMM perfect for industries such as automotive, medical, and industrial cleaning. An ergonomic design not only enhances the user experience but also improves the device’s performance and longevity. •
Edited by Marzio Nava
DETERGO Magazine # November 2024
