Ponsse chose Cajo laser for marking VIN numbers

Ponsse Plc– one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cut-to-length forest machines – operates in harvesting markets in 40 different countries, and nearly 80 percent of its net sales come from exports. They wanted to enhance their marking process, because the costs were relatively high and, also the quality of the marking needed an uplift. In addition, they wanted to evaluate a marking technology that could ease the making of the marking file.  

Ponsse Plc is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cut-to-length forest machines. PONSSE products and their key components are designed and manufactured by Ponsse in Vieremä, Finland. Ponsse – listed in the stock exchange – operates in harvesting markets in 40 different countries, and nearly 80 percent of its net sales come from exports. Production is based on the idea that no compromises are ever made over quality. The amount of testing and quality control has increased significantly during recent years.

New technology to mark Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a vehicle-specific ISO 3779 standard serial number. The set of numbers and letters contains 17 characters. The serial number identifies the vehicle throughout its life cycle. The VIN number is engraved on the extra-hard carbon steel frame before painting. The prior was to optimize the marking so that it is readable even after painting and that it doesn´t expose the painted part to corrosion.

Previously, the markings were made by using dot peen and nailer. Ponsse wanted to enhance their marking process, because the costs were relatively high and the quality of the marking also needed an uplift. In addition, they wanted to evaluate a marking technology that could ease the making of the marking file. When they were evaluating laser technology as one of the options, Cajo was contacted by Ponsse´s Production Development Manager Mr Heikki Selkälä.

Quite soon, the discussions led to application tests. Cajo and Ponsse worked in close co-operation, where the laser marking was optimized to fit in the desired result. “Cajo was able to provide the required environmental tests and that led them to being selected as the supplier of the marking solution. Also, the fact that the device manufacturer is domestic favors our business model. We are very happy to support Finnish know-how by using equipment made in Finland”, says Mr Heikki Selkälä.

The marking solution delivered to Ponsse included an operator-controlled movable Cajo Tailor™ 100W fiber laser marking unit. The marking head is positioned by magnetic attachment to the vehicle body. One of the significant added values to the customer was that they got rid of the noise made by previous marking methods.

The global pandemic contributed to delays in the installation of the device, but the commissioning was smoothly conducted remotely from Cajo headquarters. “In the commissioning training, we learned the necessary things and, of course, the laser safety training was important and useful for both me and the operators”, says Selkälä.

”Cooperation with one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cut-to-length forest machines was smooth right from the beginning. Working with Ponsse showed us their professional competence and company values – closeness to the customer, honesty, innovation, and ”Ponsse-spirit”, which we also found easy to identify with. In general, there is a growing demand for product traceability markings in the field of automotive industry. Cajo´s goal is to provide its customers with the best possible marking solutions to meet their traceability requirements”, notes Cajo´s CEO Mr Niko Karsikas.

Are you planning to improve your marking process or curious of knowing more about the solution provided to Ponsse?
Please do not hesitate to contact our sales team for more information.