Veslatec has been developing an automatic screw machine since the spring of 2021, which significantly speeds up the process of adding screws to pieces. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Veslatec received funding from Business Finland to develop the machine. The machine is already operational, and the testing of machine vision is in its final stages.
“The development of the threading machine started from our own needs. We make a lot of screws to laser-cut pieces, and we began to think about how we could expedite the process. Traditionally, screws are created using manual screwing machines, which can be quite slow, especially when there are thousands of screws to be added,” explains Aki Norrbacka, the Chief Technology Officer at Veslatec.
In monotonous tasks, there is also a greater possibility of quality errors. The advantage of the machine is that it doesn’t get tired and consistently produces high-quality results every time.
A unique invention
The idea of developing their own screwing machine emerged as production machines evolved. Current laser machines can create very small holes in the workpiece. However, if screws are desired on the workpiece, they need to be added using another machine.
“Creating screws manually is monotonous work, and it takes a long time. There are screwing machines on the market, but when using them, the coordinates for each screw must be programmed separately. At Veslatec, our production batches vary from one piece to hundreds, so setting up the machine would take too much time. We want the machine to be as easy and straightforward to use as possible,” explains Norrbacka.
In the end, Veslatec came up with a completely new idea: utilizing machine vision. When the workpiece is placed in the machine, a camera provides direct coordinates to control the machine. Using these coordinates, the control system determines the screw size and where it should be placed. The screwing machine can also change tools on its own.
There is no similar system on the market.
Ongoing testing – the machine vision is to be finished during fall 2023
Veslatec’s screwing machine is currently in the testing phase, and machine vision has proven to be a functional solution. The machine can screw pieces of any shape.
“If a long series of screwing is needed, the machine can be left to work on its own, and the worker only needs to add the pieces to be screwed into the machine. Alternatively, if there is a lot of screwing to be done in the factory, one person can operate multiple machines simultaneously,” Norrbacka explains.
Norrbacka estimates that the screwing machine will be ready by the end of 2023. The development of the product was hindered by component shortages, as items like cameras and displays had to be waited for a long time.
Veslatec will sell the automatic screw machines
When the screwing machine is ready, Veslatec plans to manufacture and sell it to customers, especially targeting companies engaged in laser cutting.
According to Norrbacka, the screwing machine holds significant importance for the company’s productivity and even for the competitiveness of Finnish industry. The machine minimizes unproductive time in the manufacturing process.
“The machine speeds up production lead times, makes the work more meaningful and ergonomic for the employees. We don’t want to keep this invention to ourselves because only through collaboration can we influence the success of Finnish industry globally and remain competitive.”
The screwing machine is a testament to Veslatec’s multidisciplinary expertise.
“In the screwing machine, design, production, and our network’s expertise come together. We can leverage this expertise in our customers’ machine building projects and act as a system supplier to our customers.”
