{"id":43770,"date":"2023-05-17T13:29:45","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T10:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweco.fi\/?post_type=showroom_cpt&p=43770"},"modified":"2023-05-17T13:30:29","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T10:30:29","slug":"sp-stainlesss-production-plant","status":"publish","type":"showroom_cpt","link":"https:\/\/www.sweco.fi\/en\/projects\/sp-stainlesss-production-plant\/","title":{"rendered":"SP stainless\u2019s production plant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A new layout and more space for automated welding equipment were designed for SP stainless\u2019s production plant<\/h1>\n

Pieces of up to 12 metres long are welded at SP stainless\u2019s production facility in Siilinj\u00e4rvi, which is why adding new equipment to the existing premises required certain changes to the layout. The design of safe and efficient indoor logistics<\/a> took advantage of Matterport imaging.<\/p>\n

Specialising in welding stainless and acidproof materials, SP stainless has production plants in Savonlinna and Toivala in Siilinj\u00e4rvi. The indoor logistics of the production facilities in Toivala were to be updated due to a decision to enhance the operations with automated welding and primary production equipment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018We wanted to have an outside opinion on how to use our production facilities more efficiently and fit the new equipment into the existing premises,\u2019 says Development Engineer <\/span>Hannele Ranta<\/span><\/b> from SP stainless.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The required vision for boosting the facilities\u2019 efficiency was provided by Sweco\u2019s Logistics Expert <\/span>Henri Ahlqvist<\/span><\/b>. He first visited the site in Toivala and then created three proposals for the welding and turning spots. He took into account the change in the facilities\u2019 <\/span>indoor logistics<\/span>, material flows and processes caused by the new production equipment. \u2018The change had to be achieved in a way that would not harm the production or reduce the number of welding cells.\u2019<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was important to keep the production flexible, because the size of the pieces varies a lot and the welded pieces can be up to 12 metres long. \u2018Plenty of space must be left in the corridors and between the welding cells for the intermediate storage of materials and safety distances,\u2019 Ahlqvist says.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Structural engineers ensured the load-bearing capacity of the floors<\/h2>\n

The layout design was supported by <\/span>structural engineering<\/span><\/a>. Toivala\u2019s production facilities have been designed by Sweco\u2019s experts, thanks to which it was easy to verify the floors\u2019 load bearding capacity from the drawings.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It was important for us to have the same company provide us with both the layout design and structural engineering,\u2019 Ranta says.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Structural engineers verified the point loads caused by the equipment. \u2018Sufficiently strong steel plates are needed underneath the new equipment foundations to distribute the load evenly,\u2019 Project Manager <\/span>Jukka Laitinen<\/span><\/b> from Sweco\u2019s structural engineering department explains.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matterport imaging provided exact information about the facilities<\/h2>\n

The layout design took advantage of <\/span>Matterport imaging<\/span>, which, for the first time, generated 3D material<\/a> of the production facilities for the client on an accurate scale.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018The Matterport imaging was helpful during the design phase, as it allowed different options to be compared realistically on a computer instead of on site,\u2019 Ranta says. The experience was also an eye-opener to the users. \u2018The images showed us the exact locations where various materials are stored.\u2019<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the production facilities are diverse in nature, the Matterport imaging only took 2\u20133 hours. The camera took 360\u00b0 images from around 100 points and formed a combination that resembles a street view. According to Laitinen, the cost of Matterport imaging is a fraction of what laser scanning costs, and it is well suited to layout design. \u2018Compared to manual measurements, nothing can be accidentally overlooked.\u2019<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Increased number and safety of welding points<\/h2>\n

The personnel of SP stainless took active part in the process. They provided the engineers with valuable feedback on which options worked and which ones did not. The best layout option was chosen together. \u2018It was a pleasure to work with an operator that was so keen to make progress,\u2019 Ahlqvist says.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hannele Ranta feels that the process was smooth and the outsourced expert offered good tips on how the layout should be changed. The first new automated production machine was installed at the start of May 2023.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It seems that we will even be able to increase the number of welding spots,\u2019 Ranta says, satisfied. An overhead crane can still be used safely to move large pieces, and sufficient safety distances can be maintained between the welding cells. \u2018We also installed fixed, impenetrable protective walls between the welding cells to ensure adequate working space and safety during welding.\u2019<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The new machines and more efficient use of space allow SP stainless to continue to increase production and streamline its work practices.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Picture: SP stainless Oy<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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