Ovako Imatra Enhances Production with New Measurement Technology: A €15 Million Investment
Ovako, a leading producer of high-quality steel for demanding applications, has made significant strides in enhancing its heavy bar mill at its Imatra site in Finland. The first phase of a €15 million investment has been successfully completed with the installation of an advanced dimension measurement device, which is set to bring efficiency gains, higher steel quality, and reduced physical workload for operators.
The Measurement Device: Technology that Drives Precision
The new dimension measurement device, supplied by LAP Laser GmbH, is designed to measure the dimensions of steel bars as they pass through the profile line of the heavy bar mill. The system incorporates four laser modules and a high-speed camera to capture real-time data of the bars' dimensions. Using advanced computation algorithms, the device processes this data to provide precise measurements, ensuring the finished steel products meet high-quality standards.
The need for such a system arose from the increasing share of profile dimensions in the mill’s output. This shift created a demand for greater production efficiency and more precise quality control. By automating this process, Ovako aims to keep pace with growing customer demands while maintaining its reputation for high-quality steel production.
Efficiency Boost and Capacity Growth
The dimension measurement device has not only improved measurement accuracy but is also expected to increase the annual production capacity of the heavy bar mill by approximately 6,000 metric tons. This is a significant achievement for Ovako, as it demonstrates how automation and advanced technology can drive substantial increases in production without compromising quality.
“Production efficiency is based on increased automation. Thanks to the measurement device, the production capacity of the heavy bar mill is expected to grow by approximately 6,000 metric tons per year,” said Otto Kankaanpää, Project Manager for the measurement device project.
Advanced Surface Defect Detection
An exciting feature of the new measurement device is its ability to detect surface defects with a high level of accuracy. By utilizing laser scanning and high-speed imaging, the system can identify and analyze defects on the surface of the steel bars as they move through the mill. This improvement helps Ovako maintain the high quality of its products by enabling quicker identification of flaws and addressing them promptly.
The data collection process also plays a crucial role in improving material tracking and performance monitoring. The measurement system gathers detailed data, including millions of measurement points from each steel bar. This data will allow Ovako to identify specific issues during production, including pinpointing the exact location in the melt where defective surface bars originate.
"This technological leap greatly enhances material tracking, the already high quality, and performance monitoring at our mill," Kankaanpää explained. "In the future, we will collect data comprising millions of measurement points from each steel bar, allowing us to pinpoint, for example, the exact point in the melt where defective surface bars originate."
Collaboration and Learning Opportunities
The planning and implementation of this significant investment involved a wide range of professionals from various fields within Ovako, ensuring the technology was seamlessly integrated into the existing production processes. The new device not only improves production efficiency but also offers learning opportunities for Ovako’s team, particularly in data analytics.
The company has already begun collecting valuable data from the system, and operators have played a key role in maximizing its potential. According to Kankaanpää, the feedback from operators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many recognizing the device's contribution to increased productivity and higher-quality production.
"The majority of production now passes through the new measurement device. We are finalizing a few details in collaboration with the supplier, and next, we will focus on maximizing the utilization of the device and the data it produces in our processes," Kankaanpää acknowledged. "Operators play a key role in this, and we’ve received positive feedback from them."
Future Phases of Ovako’s Investment
With the completion of this first phase, Ovako looks forward to further implementing technologies that will optimize operations and enhance steel quality. This significant investment reflects Ovako's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in its operations, while also positioning the company to meet the evolving needs of the steel industry.
As Ovako moves forward with the next phases of the investment, the company is committed to continuing its focus on production excellence and customer satisfaction. The successful integration of advanced measurement systems ensures that Ovako will remain a key player in the global steel market, providing top-quality products that meet the highest standards of precision and performance.
For further information or inquiries, please contact Otto Kankaanpää, Operations Engineer at Ovako.
