DCM: technology, expertise, and partnership for industrial packaging

Founded in 1974, the company built its reputation on the distribution of paper folding machines, but has since evolved into a complete technology partner for machine manufacturers and companies operating in the pharmaceutical, paper converting, food & beverage, cosmetics, and logistics sectors.

Today, DCM goes beyond machine supply, offering expertise, application consultancy, technical services, and support throughout the entire lifecycle of the equipment. This partnership-driven approach enables customers to address the challenges of productivity, flexibility, and sustainability that define modern packaging with greater confidence.

Proven expertise in folding technology
One of DCM’s longstanding areas of strength is the folding technology developed by GUK, a brand distributed in Italy by the company and recognised worldwide for its reliability and precision.

These solutions are used daily to produce millions of pharmaceutical leaflets, with folding lines capable of reaching speeds of up to 600 items per minute, ensuring high finished-product quality and a wide range of formats.

The machines can be equipped with additional modules and accessories – such as vision systems and automatic rejection units – delivering the highest process quality by eliminating, for example, the risk of product mix-ups.

In this context, Mercurio also plays a role: a system developed to monitor and collect machine data, plan maintenance schedules, and ensure full integration with Industry 4.0 requirements. The result is continuous control of production performance and improved operational continuity.

PP Cobo: world premiere at Interpack
At the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to discover one of GUK’s most compelling new innovations: PP Cobo, an automatic system for collecting folded leaflets. By means of a collaborative robotic arm installed downstream of the folding line, the booklets are picked and placed into trays in an orderly and fully automated manner, freeing operators from repetitive tasks and improving overall process efficiency.

Packaging and handling: an increasingly comprehensive offering
Over time, DCM has expanded its portfolio to meet the automation needs of packaging lines. Today, the company offers systems for feeding, conveying, handling, and special processing, establishing itself as a complete technology partner for machine manufacturers.

A central role is played by the solutions from the Kraus brand, for which DCM holds exclusive distribution rights for the Italian market. Kraus automatic friction feeders are now among the most reliable technologies for the dispensing and handling of flat products within packaging lines.

Designed for continuous operation in demanding production environments, these systems stand out for their robustness, precision, and ease of adjustment. Their optimised mechanical design minimises maintenance requirements while ensuring consistent productivity over time and high performance even at the most demanding speeds.

Thanks to these features, Kraus feeders are used across a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and manufacturing. Their versatility makes them ideal for handling a broad variety of flat products such as pre-folded leaflets, booklets, cartons, plasters, sachets, blister packs, and credit cards.

One of the distinguishing aspects of DCM’s approach is its ability to develop tailor-made solutions based on specific customer requirements. Leveraging its expertise in integrating coding, labelling, gluing, and vision systems, DCM can develop highly customised solutions that streamline processes such as serialisation, labelling, and product collection.

Thus, DCM strengthens its role as a technology partner in industrial packaging, supporting customers not only in machinery selection but also in the development of integrated, high value-added solutions.

Robotic solutions for every requirement
Robotics is today one of the cornerstones of automation in packaging and end-of-line applications. In this field, DCM distributes in Italy the solutions of autonox Robotics, characterised by an innovative approach based on robotic mechanics independent of the controller.
The range includes Duopods, 3- to 5-axis Delta robots, 3- to 6-axis anthropomorphic robots and SCARA systems, with more than 350 mechanical configurations available. This modularity makes it possible to deliver tailored solutions for applications across every industrial sector.

Thanks to controller independence, robots and production lines can share the same control platform without the need for dedicated interfaces. This approach offers several advantages, including the elimination of hardware duplication, greater freedom in controller selection, enhanced software integration, and full ownership of the automation solution.

At Interpack, visitors were also able to explore first-hand some of the latest innovations developed by autonox Robotics, presented as concrete examples of the potential of parallel and serial kinematics.

Among these, the Delta RLL stands out: a kinematic design developed specifically for applications involving long tools. The distinctive RLL configuration ensures extremely high stiffness in tool-holder inclination, enabling the use of highly extended end effectors – such as multi-gripper systems – which generate significant tilting moments during operation.

Another notable innovation is the world’s largest Delta robot, featuring a working area of up to 2,400 mm, designed to handle applications requiring large operating spaces and high payloads.

Alongside this solution, a new Delta robot concept for close-proximity configurations was also showcased, developed to allow compact, high-density installations within production lines.

These solutions provide a clear example of the modular and highly flexible approach that defines autonox Robotics: components engineered to integrate seamlessly into machines and production lines, offering manufacturers and system integrators maximum design freedom.

A partner, not just a supplier
DCM’s real strength, however, lies in its relationship with customers. Over time, the company has developed a model built on technical support, application consultancy, and after-sales services – all key elements in ensuring production continuity and maximising the return on technological investments. The aim is to support customers at every stage, from plant design through to maintenance and performance optimisation.

In a sector where efficiency, reliability, and innovation are critical, DCM positions itself not only as a technology supplier, but as a solid and knowledgeable partner capable of making a tangible contribution to the development of its customers’ packaging lines.