From this central point we cover a wide spectrum of activities, from incoming inspection of wire rod materials and advanced material investigations to chemical analysis, fatigue testing, and supplier quality assurance. Dan Larsson is the manager responsible for the Global Research & Development Laboratory and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA):
“The work we carry out in this function serve the whole company; by having it centralized we can assure consistent quality, and we also help our customers achieve reliable and dependable performance throughout every stage of the value chain.”
Advanced equipment
To enable precise analysis and exceptional material quality the lab is equipped with a comprehensive range of cutting-edge instruments and testing and simulating capabilities. We can for example simulate heat treatments used in wire manufacturing processes and perform spring fatigue testing, including everything needed to assess the wire and springs in real serial production conditions.
There are advanced microscopy capabilities, including two Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) with SE, BSE, and EDS detectors. Besides that, we also have 3D optical microscopy and various metal/stereo microscopes with imaging software. For material preparation and evaluation, the lab features cutting and mounting equipment, as well as both automatic and manual grinding and polishing machines. It is also equipped with Vickers hardness testers, surface roughness measurement tools, and a tensile testing machine, providing comprehensive capabilities for metallographic and mechanical characterization. Dan’s excitement and pride shines through when he describes the lab:
“The advanced setup of the lab enables thorough investigations, accurate simulations, and dependable results - supporting both our customers and our own production sites in achieving the highest standards of quality and performance."
Final testing
When material has been approved in the lab, brought into production and been through the processes of becoming an advanced steel wire that covers different specifications, the final testing of the product is handled at each site. Every wire product undergoes rigorous final testing before it leaves our plants. This includes visual and dimensional inspections, mechanical tests, and when it is requested, advanced non-destructive methods such as Eddy Current (EC) testing.
By scanning the wire continuously, EC technology detects even the smallest surface or subsurface flaws. Together with tensile and elongation testing, these steps ensure that each coil meets both our internal standards and our customers’ most demanding requirements. The result is reliable, high-performance wire backed by full traceability and documented quality at every stage.