“We used to do quite a lot of work manually. We knew that it was time to do something new and modern and of course we want to improve all the time.

We had seen Jucat’s robotic station solutions, so we knew they had the capability to do this kind of solution. That started a discussion that we felt showed that we were on the way to finding a good solution for welding (truck) frame beams,” says Nicklas Pärus, CEO of Närko.

Parametric programming allowed us to define basic values for the products, as well as variable dimensions, whose paths are identified by the robot using laser scanning before welding begins. This makes it easy to weld products of a certain shape with varying widths, for example. Some special products are created along the way, but parametric programming covers up to 90% of the beam designs to be welded. So Pärus is confident that there is now a good solution for the company’s needs:

“We are confident that we have found a solution to our challenge that will last for years to come. The capacity of the machine is sized to last us for years. And new rules are constantly coming into play in traffic – for example, the law that came into force in 2019, which allowed longer trucks to be used in traffic. With the new solution, we can manufacture 20-metre-long bodies, which was not possible before.”

“There are always things to be sorted out in projects like this, and especially in times like these, when even the availability of parts is a challenge, it’s the proactivity that is so important. We have always been well informed about where we are going, where we are on schedule and what the reasons are for any changes. We were kept up to date on the implementation on a weekly basis.”

Bringing manufacturing to Finland was a great success, and the project was an excellent starting point for collaboration, which has since deepened and widened over the years. Jucat and Škoda Transtech are currently collaborating closely on production development. In addition to the jigs, workpiece positioners designed for medium-heavy products and manufactured by Jucat also improve production efficiency, precision, and consistent quality on the production line.

“During final welding, workpiece positioners are used to ensure that the workpiece is not only in the right position not only from a welding-technical standpoint, but also ergonomically. We have been very satisfied with the high quality, reliable structure, and availability of components for Jucat’s positioners,” summarises Hurskainen.

“With Jucat, we’ve also achieved efficiency in the production of various products by applying standard solutions. When you utilise a standard method in this way, you can speed up the design phase, simplify component needs, and improve cost-efficiency. We have tram carriages in various shapes and sizes, and double-deck carriages, but the solutions aren’t product-specific; they can be used quite widely in production.”

“Jucat has had just the right expertise for us, and they always keep their promises. They also always take the required action to ensure that schedules, communication, and technical solutions work. For example, at some points we needed more detailed projectisaton, and Jucat responded by recruiting more professionals. Not all of our needs are unambiguously easy, but together we’ve found suitable solutions for everything. We’ve also always been able to negotiate things cordially.”

“We chose not to take the simplest and easiest step; instead, we focused on a very complex welded structure, harvester head frames. First we carried out a technical investigation by assessing whether our idea was feasible in theory and in practice. Once we were convinced, we first contacted ABB to enquire whether they could recommend a solution provider. That’s how we heard of Jucat.”

Like many other Finnish metal industry companies, Outokummun Metalli has also faced challenges in workforce availability. There is a shortage of welders all over Finland. Technological solutions can be used to help overcome this challenge.

“If there is a shortage of skilled workers, the available workers must be used for work that cannot be automated. Meanwhile, it’s imperative to automate work that can be automated. It would not be sensible to invest in automation that wouldn’t provide clear benefits, but this staffing perspective is a big factor in decision-making. Automation helps to reduce dependence on labour and to manage when there aren’t enough welders to go around,” Paakkunainen says of the significance of automation from a workforce availability and human resources perspective.

“At our first meeting, Jukka said you can always trust people from Ostrobothnia. And it’s true, they have always kept their word. They are easy to work with and communicate with. Minor setbacks always crop up in projects, and everything has been managed well. Overall, Jucat is a reliable partner with open and honest people.”

“We set out to solve the problem of speeding up production throughput and safer handling of products, which can reduce the risk of accidents at work. Better ergonomics for the welder will also help prevent possible sick leave in the future,” says Milla Rostedt, Managing Director of Ulvilan Konepaja Oy.

“It is easier for the welder to turn the product safely and without waiting for the crane. This speeds up the turnaround time for us. In the past, waiting for a bridge crane could take several hours for a single product, because the products we weld, which are now processed on Jucat’s welding positioner, involve a lot of turning. We have also received positive feedback from our employees about the ergonomics of getting the piece in the right working position every time,” says Rostedt.

Today, maintaining competitiveness is of paramount importance in all sectors. Increased raw material costs and labour availability have also posed their own challenges. Jucat has provided a productivity guarantee for its workpiece positioners. If you are looking to improve production efficiency, increase ergonomics and ensure quality consistency, contact us!

The companies’ collaboration launched vigorously. As the year was closing in and the Christmas rush about to hit, the tender had to be drawn up without delay. Prima Power outlined the initial information with high precision, enabling Jucat to respond very quickly. At first, Jucat created a simulation of the solution to be produced, focusing on improving production rate, among other things. The simulation convinced the client, and the production was started.

The initial stages of the production line were tested and demonstrated with the help of visualisations provided by the client. Then Jucat was provided with pre-bent door blanks to enable hands-on familiarisation with the components’ shape, size, weight, rigidity and other properties essential in terms of production. The next stage was to take a closer look at Jucat’s concept design, the scale of the solution and the content of delivery.

The production line was first assembled at Jucat’s production facilities where it was tested, inspected and pre-approved. After the robotic system had been adjusted to reach the desired output, it was re-assembled at the Prima Power factory where the client carried out the factory approval tests. The client was highly satisfied with the result: it met all the set criteria.

“Installation in the client’s country of manufacture is currently underway. Prima Power’s production line is installed first, and Jucat’s robotic assembly line will be fitted immediately afterwards. Then the system will be operational, and the client can start production. Upon completion, warranty service for the production line will be provided by the local ABB unit. In this project, Jucat’s good connections to ABB provided significant added benefits to our client”, Kuusisaari sums.

As a whole, the collaboration with Jucat was seamless, precise and effective. Communication was excellent throughout the project, and the proximity of the partners’ offices improved it further.

“As tailored projects are sensitive by nature, they have to be mutually monitored. Jucat’s project manager showed admirable expertise and initiative throughout the project. We were always aware of the project’s progress. Each question was answered immediately and every matter handled effectively and with expertise. For instance, at the final stretch of the project, the client got a development idea concerning the mounting of the system. Jucat grasped the idea quickly, and it was quickly implemented”, Kuusisaari states on the collaboration with Jucat.

The 27 metres long production line delivered as a turnkey solution contains all the components, equipment and machinery required for punching, bending and assembling door blanks. According to Kuusisaari, the project was extremely inspiring as the demand for automated production lines as turnkey solutions such as this is very high both in Finland and abroad.

“We constantly present and sell automated systems in the international market, and we get more and more inquiries on turnkey solutions. Clients have production-related requirements, challenges or ideas to which they search comprehensive solutions that cover the entire process from the raw material to the installed product,” Kuusisaari explains on the market situation of automated solutions.