New Cutting Line in Place – Automating with a Record Investment

Automating the heavy work

By using a packing robot, the cores are fully packed as the core steel is punched. This saves both time and effort compared to how we currently produce transformer cores, the factory manager explains.

Covid-Delayed

The cutting line was supposed to be installed during the summer holidays, but Covid-19 also put a stop to that plan. The project was postponed until the end of October and is, at the time of writing, fully installed and ready for test runs.

“The idea was that the new cutting line would replace one of our two cutting lines, but we changed the plans a bit and moved the oldest one to make room for all three. In their own way they complement each other, and it’s also a good solution for handling the increasing demand,” says Grøvik.

No Operator

The cutting line with robotic packing also has automatic sheet feeding. This means you can run the machine without an operator. As long as there is core steel on the feeder, monitoring is all you need for the machine to run and do the job.

Ahead of the Curve

Møre Trafo has been ahead of the curve in automation for many years. By investing in a new cutting line with robot stacker and feeder, we will stay ahead in development in the years to come. Even though the cost is high, we believe this is a very good investment for Møre Trafo and the future, says factory manager Steinulf Grøvik.

New Welding Robot

Møre Trafo has also installed a new welding robot to replace an older model that currently welds frames and tanks. In addition to being significantly faster, the new welding robot can also weld larger frames and tanks that are currently welded manually, as well as more parts than the previous welding robot.

Investments

When it comes to investment in automation, alongside robots we have also invested in new machines operated by technicians, such as a foil winding machine, saw, and punching machine. A new oil treatment plant is also being installed, but here too Covid-19 has put a temporary stop to commissioning, explains Grøvik.

A Lot of New

Since 2016, Møre Trafo has invested in a lot of new equipment and machinery. The new folding machine installed the same year replaced a machine from 1982. The new folding machine, costing NOK 11.5 million, was until then Møre Trafo’s largest single investment. In 2017, they started up a new test room for testing all transformers before they are delivered to Møre Trafo’s customers. In 2019, a completely new wet-paint facility was in place.

Delivers Results

The major investments and the strategic focus Møre Trafo has put into automation and robotization of production deliver very strong results for the company in Sykkylven, which is the market leader in Norway for transformers and complete substations.

No One Loses Their Jobs

“Automation doesn’t cost anyone their job. On the contrary, it helps secure and create even more jobs in step with rising demand and higher productivity. Møre Trafo has recently hired several new employees,” concludes Factory Manager Steinulf Grøvik.