Case Study

HydSupply, a certified Parker distributor based in Sweden, has been instrumental in transforming the production capabilities of Vida Alvesta, a local sawmill. This case study demonstrates how HydSupply's expertise, availability, and local presence enabled them to provide a tailored solution that significantly improved Vida Alvesta's production efficiency and accuracy.

The importance of hydraulics in the production line

Hydraulic systems in a saw line play a crucial role in controlling the positioning and movement of the logs that are being processed. They work by using fluid under pressure to transmit power and perform work. The hydraulic system operates the cylinders that move the machines that position the logs correctly on the saw line. The speed and precision of these cylinders directly impact the production performance. If they move too slowly or imprecisely, there will be a larger gap between the logs on the saw line. This means fewer logs are processed in a given time, leading to lower productivity.

On the other hand, if the hydraulics can move the cylinders quickly and accurately, the gap between the logs can be reduced. This allows for more logs to be processed in the same amount of time, leading to increased production efficiency.

Vida Alvesta faced a significant challenge: their hydraulic system that operated the cylinders for the positioning machinery in the saw line could not move as quickly as required. This issue led to a larger-than-necessary gap between logs, resulting in suboptimal production.

Leveraging expertise

HydSupply, leveraging their expertise and Parker's superior hydraulic products, devised a solution. They conducted thorough measurements and analysis of the existing hydraulic system. The solution involved increasing and stabilizing the pressure line through the production line. Parker's accumulators were added to balance the machine with the correct pressure, a process developed and refined over a year and a half. Tommy Backman, HydSupply, said: “We spent a lot of time measuring and logging pressures, we would measure one side of the machine and then the next and continually optimize to get the best out of the machines.”

The results were remarkable. Vida Alvesta saw a 12.8% increase in production and improved measurement accuracy. The gap between logs was reduced significantly, leading to faster machine operation. Additionally, there was a 2% reduction in off-cuts, resulting in higher quality goods and less waste.

“If we look at the quality of the boards, VIDA has received more high quality goods and less offcuts. We can take dimension 22×100 as an example. We previously had between 45-50% high quality cuts and after cooperation with HydSupply we have increased this proportion to 62-67%. If we talk about numbers, it means that a quintal of finished sawn timber has a value of SEK 2000 per cubic metre, so an offcut is worth SEK 1500. That's a lot of money in one year," says Johan Ulfsax, Production Manager at VIDA Alvesta.

Creating lasting Partnerships

“This is just one of the services we provided for the customer but we now take care of all the hydraulics for them across their whole facility. We don't just implement a solution and walk away. We conduct yearly servicing of their facility to prevent leakages, change filters, and ensure everything is running smoothly. Throughout the year, we consistently measure and check accumulator pressures, monitor the hydraulic pressure, and ensure everything is optimal for production. Our goal is to ensure that our solutions are not just effective but sustainable, contributing to the long-term success of our customers." - Tommy Backman, HydSupply

This case study highlights the benefits of partnering with a Parker distributor like HydSupply. Their local presence, availability, and expertise allowed them to provide a tailored solution that not only solved Vida Alvesta's initial problem but also led to significant improvements in production and efficiency. HydSupply's commitment to their customers extends beyond the initial solution, offering ongoing support and maintenance to ensure optimal operation. Their success with Vida Alvesta is a testament to their mission: providing expertise, availability, and local support to customers across Sweden, whether they need a complete solution or just parts and maintenance. With HydSupply and Parker, customers can be confident they're receiving the best hydraulic solutions to meet their needs.

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