Norrhydro convinced by EWM welding machines

Norrhydro, a fast-growing and internationally expanding company, provides customer-oriented and environmentally friendly hydraulic solutions for a wide range of applications. The company has been manufacturing hydraulic cylinders for more than 30 years. The company’s customers include several internationally renowned brands such as Rolls-Royce, Ponsse, Mantsinen and Junttan.

Norrhydro’s turnover in 2016 was EUR 18 million and the company employed around 120 people. The company’s management, administration and cylinder manufacturing are located in Rovaniemi, while product development takes place in Tampere.

– Quality and security of supply are important competitive factors for us. In addition, we need to understand our customers’ needs so that we can deliver the best solution for each individual application, says Sebastian Latvala, welding engineer.

The cooperation with Woikoski started when Norrhydro decided to purchase new welding machines.

– We had several brands in mind, but decided to test the EWM welding machine offered by Woikoski, as we were looking for new techniques for welding critical welds. Our aim was to get rid of welding spatter completely, and there should be hardly any thermal distortion, says Latvala.

The welding machines purchased from Woikoski proved to be a successful solution for Norrhydro.

– On EWM machines, we can use a welding method that uses pulsed arc welding as the material transfer method. We can choose between pulse welding or forceArc pulse welding as the program type.

– These new methods have allowed us to take our own work a step further, and the end result is of very high quality. The arc burns much more evenly than before and the penetration is smooth. Even new welders are able to achieve the same high level of quality from the start as the older experts who have learnt through experience.

According to Latvala, the benefits achieved with EWM machines are also in line with the lean philosophy implemented at Norrhydro. For example, unnecessary work steps are eliminated because there are hardly any splashes. This also improves the oil cleanliness of the hydraulics by eliminating extra grinding work.

– Thermal distortions are reduced compared to the previous manufacturing method, which in turn offers new possibilities for product design. Another advantage of EWM welding machines is that they come with modified MAG welding programs as standard, says Latvala.