Three decades of partnership
Case: Hultafors
When Hultafors needed more efficient tools and more stable automation, they turned to Finstansteknik. The result? A long-term development journey where precision, reliability and collaboration have gone hand in hand for over thirty years.
The Challenge:
High-precision production that allows no room for variation
The production of folding rules and measuring tools places very high demands on tight tolerances and repeatable quality. At the same time, Hultafors needed to streamline flows so that one operator could monitor several presses in parallel without compromising performance, ergonomics or safety.
The existing setups were too manual and too sensitive to variations in material and handling, and every deviation risked causing stoppages in subsequent steps.
“We must know that every part meets the standard, every time. Otherwise the chain stops,” says Dan Gustavsson, Senior production engineer at Hultafors.
The Collaboration:
Joint development securing precision at every stage
The work has from the beginning been built on close collaboration. Hultafors produces drawings and requirement specifications, while Finstansteknik verifies manufacturability, material selection and tolerances, and optimises the construction for long-term durability.
“We constantly have to ask ourselves whether the design is possible and sustainable in the long run. Finstansteknik always helps us find the right solution,” says Dan.
For more complex components, the development takes place in several steps, with test runs and adjustments until the process is robust and predictable across shifts and production series.
The Solution, results & impact:
Precision tooling enabling consistent quality and long tool life
With smart press tools and well-considered automation, the company has moved from manual sub-steps to efficient, stable flows where sheet material is fed in and finished parts come out.
One operator can now run several presses with consistent quality, minimal maintenance and high operational reliability under high load and over long production runs. The precision in the components provides stable quality, long tool life and consistent cycle time, which in turn reduces costly disturbances and micro-stoppages.
The Partnership going forward:
Fast, personal support from a trusted engineering partner
The contact is close, often several times a month. Much maintenance is handled internally, but for larger needs Finstansteknik is close at hand for quick support, spare parts and new solutions. When a component needs a new tool or older solutions need to be renewed, they are the natural partner.
“They always take the time and go the extra mile. Even when we need help quickly,” Dan concludes.
