Norrhydro Oyj Secures Major Production Order for Norrdigi® EMAs from Avant Wood Oy

Norrhydro is a pioneer in motion control and one of the leading providers of energy-efficient hydraulic cylinders in Scandinavia. Its electromechanical actuators, NorrDigi® EMA, use heavy-duty ball-screw technology with digital movement control to improve system performance. Read more about NorrDigi EMA: https://www.norrhydro.com/en/norrdigi_ema

Innovative cylinders with standard components

Unlike traditional cylinders, each NorrDigi EMA actuator has an individual motor and inverter. In other words, there is no need for a tank, valves, pipes, or hoses in the EMA design, and the system is basically "oil-free."

The main principle of the Avant Wood actuator design is to reduce the number of parts to cut costs. "We have invested lots of time and energy together with the customer to find the optimal layout to save space and weight," says Carl Mattson, Digital Business Director of Norrhydro.

The compact design is much more efficient than conventional hydraulics; precise maneuverability and soft end-cushioning improve safety and durability. The electric cylinders provide higher energy efficiency and lower weight than traditional hydraulics. The weight of one cylinder is only 600kg and can produce a force of 700 kN with a stroke of 2000 mm.

Avant Wood is the global leader in wood modification technology, enabling the enhancement of wood properties to meet customer—and end-product-specific requirements, regardless of the wood species.

Avant Wood holds a versatile patent portfolio in wood modification and associated process control technology, laying the foundation for the breakthrough solution that will benefit both Avant Wood and Norrhydro. Please see more at www.avantwood.fi.

This collaboration marks a breakthrough in the timber modification industry, introducing a new era of innovation and efficiency with the NorrDigi EMA.

Avant Wood recently announced the sale of an industrial-scale Avant Wood TMTM wood modification plant as part of a larger project. The local wood resources that have been discarded will now be utilized to create sustainable, long-lasting, and value-added end-product applications as Avant Wood delivers the industrial-scale TMTM modification plant to the customer in Asia.

Avant Wood applied Norrhydro's Electromechanical Actuators (NorrDigi EMA) to generate crucial functions in the TMTM wood modification process: precise positioning, speed, and mechanical pressure.

EMAs are fundamental in the TMTM-process, in wood vertical positioning, eliminating the appearance of potential defects, and in securing high-accuracy wood densification.

Avant Wood's decision to choose NorrDigi EMA solution also underscores the reliability, precision, and economically feasible options of electromechanical actuators compared to conventional substitute solutions.  "This is a real win-win, as we can provide our customers with a more compact and user-friendly solution that is also compatible with Avant Wood's patented control system technology and user interface," says Kari Säynevirta at Avant Wood.

Moving from field test to market launch

Norrhydro and Avant Wood initiated the partnership in 2022 by conducting NorrDigi EMA validation testing at the Avant Wood site in Varkaus.

"We are thrilled to partner with Avant Wood," said Yrjö Trög, CEO of Norrhydro Oyj. "Our NorrDigi EMAs are designed to meet the demanding requirements of the process industry, and this order validates our expertise and dedication."

Norrhydro received the first production order from Avant Wood in July 2024, and Norrhydro will deliver the NorrDigi EMAs by October 2024. The project will open new opportunities for Norrhydro in demanding applications across various industries.

"This is an essential reference for us and supports our strategy to work with environmentally friendly, breakthrough technologies! As we start serial EMA production in Rovaniemi, we will further cut costs as we scale production and supply chain," says Yrjö Trög, CEO of Norrhydro Oyj.