Nexus, based in Montorso (Vicenza), within the Arzignano leather district, presented its updated automatic leather stacking system for the tanning industry at Simac Tanning Tech in Milan
Called Big Brother, it is a challenge to the Italian and global market launched by Nexus, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment for the automation of plants and machinery intended in particular for the tanning sector, but also extending to other business sectors.
During the 2024 edition of Simac Tanning Tech, the Veneto-based company presented, within its booth, the BB01 model, updated with the latest variants. “The machine exhibited here at the Fair,” confirmed Mirco Roncolato, co-owner and partner of Nexus together with Luca Fracasso, “is a patented prototype; those on sale will be patented as well.
After passing all very scrupulous tests, it has already been put into operation and is currently operational in an industry in our leather district, monitored by us thanks to the collaboration with the staff of the tannery to which it was destined. From the first half of 2025, it is our intention to start production, this is obviously an important turning point in a project that has required over three years of work and in which we strongly believe. Operators from all over the world who visited our booth admired the fact that we were allowed to start this machine in “demo” mode for the fair.
The abbreviation BB01 shows the two initials of the name, while the number represents the first version, which will be followed by others of different sizes, which will enrich the range. Now the goal is to establish a partnership with a mechanical company, with considerable experience and trust, which we have already identified and which we will officially announce shortly.” The Big Brother BB01 achieved remarkable success at the September trade fair. “We are very satisfied,” says Roncolato in his final assessment, “as this innovative leather stacker has garnered interest from both Italian and foreign operators. We believe we can close deals with some entrepreneurs from the Vicenza area who were invited to see it in operation.
The main feature of this machine, with its new concept also from a technological point of view, is its very low power consumption, but there are also other characteristics that make the difference. It is a very compact structure, equipped with “intelligence”, which through the use of a laser sees and records how the leather is made and where the easel is positioned, in other words, it self-regulates. Another significant advantage is that it does not require the use of a crane for transport, in fact, a forklift is sufficient, as it weighs around 1500-1600 kg. Any type of movement is remotely controlled: after taking advantage of the Industry 4.0 incentives, it already meets the standards required by 5.0, considering the energy savings.
Finally, we have devised an excellent strategy for shipping: once the arms have been removed and the carpet has been packaged, the space required is so small that we can load three into a container.” “The Big Brother range, which includes all Nexus automations, will be a strong point for years to come. It is CE marked,” concludes the owner of the company, “as it is equipped with all safety systems. Designed and studied above all for the automotive sector, with the grain-on-grain system, automation makes it possible to eliminate the operator who had the task of checking the individual hides during the exit phase.
At the production level, the prototype was tested for a speed of 10 meters per minute, with the possibility of reaching 18 meters. It is also equipped with electric photocells that control people’s access: considering that the machine’s movements are not dangerous, the operator can check the hide, but when the descent begins, the alarm first sounds, and if the person has not yet left the reference area, it stops by itself, making it absolutely safe.”
Pietro, Mirco and Riccardo Roncolato