Precision component production for the world’s engine manufacturers
Purso-Tools Oy, located in Pori, Finland, is the world’s largest manufacturer of heavy-duty camshafts for heavy industry. The company supplies critical engine components to major manufacturers, including Wärtsilä, MAN, Bergen Engines, Bosch and Caterpillar, with applications in ships and power plants.
“Camshafts and connecting rods are critical engine components,” explains Mika Aerikkala, Production Manager at Purso-Tools. “When we talk about quality management, we are at the very core of our operations. In the production of connecting rods and camshafts, we deal with tolerances measured in thousandths of a millimetre. Not a single defective part can be sent to a customer.”
The Partnership
Purso-Tools’ long-standing technology and service partner in measurement has been Mitutoyo, with collaboration beginning in the early 2010s when the company sought a new coordinate measuring machine. “Purso-Tools was one of the very first customers of our Finnish office, and the purchase was immediately a major one,” recalls Harri Salmi, Country Manager of Mitutoyo. “The Mitutoyo Crysta Apex 163012 was, for a long time, the largest CMM we had delivered to Finland.”
This initial purchase marked the beginning of a comprehensive partnership. “Previously, we used technology from several different suppliers,” says Mika Aerikkala. “Now, we have practically focused on this one brand—Mitutoyo.” Purso-Tools currently operates three large Mitutoyo CMMs: Crysta Apex 163012, Crysta Apex 122010 and the latest addition, Crysta Apex 574.
“All of these machines use the same measurement head and probe options, making them easily interchangeable in our operations,” Aerikkala explains. “The larger machines are equipped with the motorised indexing probe head we value highly. It adds dynamic capability and speed to the measurement process. Compared to fixed straight probe heads, the difference in performance is significant—this was a key factor in our investment decision.”
Beyond the three CMMs, Purso-Tools utilises surface roughness testers and handheld measuring instruments. More demanding measurements are carried out using a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-500P, with data management handled through Mitutoyo’s MeasurLink software.
The Benefits
“What we appreciate in Mitutoyo’s machines and software is their practical usability,” explains Mika Aerikkala. “It makes the everyday work of our operators smooth and enjoyable. Professional full-service support is also essential. Fast response times and service speed are especially important. With Mitutoyo, everything has run smoothly—the service is professional, reliable, efficient and friendly.” The consistent accuracy of the machines and instruments is ensured through calibration agreements with the equipment supplier. “This way, we always have calibrated machines in use,” Aerikkala adds.
“Customer service is absolutely central to us,” says Harri Salmi. “Every day, we do our utmost to ensure our customers are satisfied. We serve with high-level engineering expertise, allowing our customers to get the full benefit of their investments.”
The Results
Purso-Tools is experiencing strong growth, with annual turnover projected to reach €19.5m this year from €12.5m two years ago. The company is expanding operations with new machining technologies and growing its workforce from 65 towards 100 people, maintaining ISO: 9001, ISO: 14001 and OHSAS: 18001 certifications, plus customer approvals for nuclear power plant component supply.
“The software is so easy to learn, and I can share my knowledge quickly with new quality department staff,” Aerikkala concludes. “We’re able to load multiple parts on the CMM bed, and it measures the lot in one go. Mitutoyo’s Programming from CAD software enables us to create inspection programs before we’ve made new parts, minimising any bottleneck. Visiting customers are always very impressed with the CMM setup. I cannot fault our Mitutoyo CMMs or the technical support.”
