 |
METSO AUTOMATION OYKAJAANIPAPERLAB AUTOMATIC PAPER TESTING UNITDesign: Metso Automation Oy / Kajaani Product Development Team (Mari Airio, Perttu Luomala, Arto Riimala, Piritta Winqvist / SWECO Industry Oy together with Exéns Development Oy and Koneistamo Alm Oy) 2008–2009 (Product Design Series) Metso is a pioneer of automatic paper-testing equipment and kajaaniPaperLab marks a renewal of its product concept. It is more cost-effective and suited to paper-making units of different size. Design serves the process of regaining the position of world leader in the industry. Metso is a pioneering company in automated paper testing. Traditionally, tests measuring properties of paper such as smoothness or strength have been carried out by hand in laboratory conditions. This, however, is costly and time-consuming. Metso already developed a revolutionary product concept 25 years ago in which measurements were combined in a single device and automated. This permitted the testing of paper for instance at the mill, without the assistance of a laboratory on call. Over the years, the related equipment remained similar in principle, but now kajaaniPaperLab has completely revised the concept. The equipment is now more flexible and cost-effective. The modular concept ensures compatibility with older systems in the planned expansion or renewal of product testing at paper mills. The device can also be dimensioned for use with larger or smaller paper-making units, thus providing new opportunities in the market. The user interface is distinct and easy to learn, permitting the use of the equipment after a brief training period even without special laboratory skills. The revision of the product concept was a long and complex process requiring continuous dialogue among the designers and the company’s product-development unit. The design of kajaaniPaperLab continues the line followed by Metso’s family of products. Their new and fresh appearance makes the equipment interesting and attractive to potential buyers and users alike, while encouraging users to take good care of the equipment. Cultural differences must also be taken into account when designing a global product. Metso is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper-making equipment. For many years, it has understood the meaning of design even for equipment used in heavy industries and for their marketing. The new kajaaniPaperLab has also interested buyers even before its actual launch. Metso is currently in second place in the world paper-testing market, but now with design as its aid it is seeking to regain first place. Metso Automation Oy Kehräämöntie 3, 87 400 Kajaani Tel. +358 (0)20 483 120 www. metso.com |
