Thursday, March 26, 2026

A pioneering step in automated surface finishing has been achieved by Krazer Fensterbau in collaboration with ADLER Lacke. The South German family-run business has introduced a fully automated spray coating system in its newly established production facility. This innovation enables windows, front doors, and façade elements to be coated from primer to topcoat using robotic technology. The process is executed with high precision. Quality standards have been elevated significantly.
Krazer Fensterbau, based in Mutlangen, is recognised for its craftsmanship. The company specialises in premium windows, doors, and glass façades. Its projects range from modern residential developments to heritage restoration. The business has built a strong reputation over the years. Traditional expertise remains central to its identity.
The company is now undergoing generational transition. Senior manager Siegfried Krazer is being supported by his children. Jasmin Krazer is a qualified master glazier. Michael Krazer has completed his master’s training in Rosenheim. This shift has introduced new perspectives. Change has been embraced with ambition.
Michael Krazer has played a decisive role in driving innovation. His approach has gone beyond incremental improvements. A transformative project has been implemented. It represents a departure from conventional practices within the sector.
The relocation of production to a new industrial facility created the foundation for change. The previous site in central Mutlangen was limited in space. Production processes were reviewed comprehensively. Surface finishing was identified as a key area for optimisation.
Previously, coating processes followed traditional methods. Windows were dipped manually. Intermediate and topcoats were applied in a spray booth. This approach required repeated handling. It consumed time and resources. Errors could occur more easily.
A more efficient solution was sought. Support came from ADLER’s technical expertise. A newly developed coating concept was introduced. It allows all three coating layers to be applied using a spray robot.
At the centre of the system is the Aquawood Primo RSQ spray primer. This innovation enables a fully automated process. Manual dipping is no longer required. Production efficiency has been improved.
“Wooden windows are usually primed using a dipping or flooding process and then sprayed with intermediate and topcoats. For manufacturers, this generally means either investing in a complete industrial coating system or applying the coating manually,” explains Matthias Stötzel. “With our new spray primer, the entire coating process can be handled by a spray robot. This enables a high degree of automation with predictable investment and space requirements.”
The benefits are substantial. Cycle times have been reduced. Material usage has been optimised. Cleaning requirements are minimal. Working conditions have improved. Surface quality has been enhanced.
Automation ensures consistency. Coating defects are largely eliminated. Runs, clouding, and dust marks are avoided. The result is a superior finish.
The concept was developed through close collaboration. ADLER specialists worked alongside Krazer’s team. Processes were carefully coordinated. The system was refined in detail.
“On the one hand, due to the energy concept of our new hall and the heat pump heating system, manual painting with exhaust air was out of the question. On the other hand, we were also looking for ways to simplify the work through automation,” explained Michael Krazer.
A fully integrated workflow was created. Components pass through the spray robot multiple times. Drying and intermediate sanding are carried out while suspended. Handling steps have been reduced significantly.
“Our application engineering team and Thomas Tuschy, our field service technician, did a fantastic job,” praised Matthias Stötzel. “Our new coating concept embodies not only high product quality but also a great deal of research and process knowledge related to the system and processing technology.”
The system supports a wide range of applications. It is suitable for wood and wood-aluminium elements. Both opaque and translucent coatings can be applied. All wood types and colours are accommodated.
Operational improvements are evident. Material consumption has been reduced. Planning has become more precise. Efficiency gains have been realised across production.
“Previously, we had to pour 60 liters of material into the dipping tank alone – now we work with 4-liter containers, can plan our needs effectively, and always have fresh material. A color change takes only a few minutes, and cleaning effort, material waste, and rinse water consumption are minimal. Even large and heavy parts can be coated without any problems, the workshop is clean, and thanks to the spray robot’s recirculating air system, we have virtually no heat loss.”
The process is largely automated. Manual intervention is minimal. Daily operations have been simplified.
“The robot is easy to operate and works completely independently. The coating process happens more or less automatically, and we have more time for other tasks.”
Michael Krazer described the transition as a strategic success. “We now have all the advantages of a high degree of automation, adapted to the specific requirements of a traditional craft business. This is an excellent investment in a successful future for our company!”
ADLER Lacke plays a leading role in coatings innovation. The company employs around 730 people. It is Austria’s largest producer of paints and wood coatings. Founded in 1934 by Johann Berghofer, it remains family-owned. Today, it is managed by Andrea Berghofer.
Production is concentrated at its Schwaz facility. Over 20,000 tonnes of coatings are produced annually. Products are supplied across Europe and beyond. Sustainability is a key focus. Efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions. Circular product development is being prioritised.
This collaboration highlights a broader industry trend. Automation is being adopted by smaller manufacturers. Efficiency and sustainability are becoming critical. Traditional craftsmanship is being combined with advanced technology.
The project demonstrates what is possible. Innovation can be scaled to fit smaller operations. The future of manufacturing is being reshaped.
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Tags: ADLER, automated coating system, furniture coatings industry, Krazer Fensterbau, spray robot technology, window manufacturing innovation, wood coatings
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