Think you’re too small for automation? Discover how digital solutions scale with you.

At Sandvik, we continuously seek innovative partners who share our vision of pushing the boundaries of digital manufacturing - regardless of their size. We provide the right expertise and support to help businesses maximize the benefits of new technologies while mitigating risk.

Today, we are excited to introduce a small, forward-thinking company that recognizes digital solutions as a crucial path to continued success. Over the next few months, we will share their journey as they integrate advanced technologies to improve their operations.

Meet Wallåkra Mekaniska AB

Wallåkra Mekaniska AB (Wallåkra) is a small company located near Helsingborg in southern Sweden. It is a family-owned CNC milling business led by Peter and Bea Strömberg.

At the core of Wallåkra’s operations is an innovation-driven mindset, reflecting a commitment to exploring new tools and methods to optimize processes and deliver consistent quality. Known for their high level of technical expertise, they’ve built strong, long-term relationships with customers who count on their reliable service and smart sustainability practices.

Recognizing the importance of digital transformation for maintaining a competitive edge, Wallåkra has prioritized adopting modern digital solutions to streamline their processes and enhance operational efficiency.

Solutions helping to transform Wallåkra’s operations

1. Precision and efficiency with GibbsCAM

Wallåkra has relied on the CAM software GibbsCAM for over a decade, working closely with Fructus, the local GibbsCAM reseller, known for their expertise and support. Over time, their processes have improved step-by-step, and today GibbsCAM plays a central role in creating all their NC programs.

"Establishing a stable, robust working method has been essential for staying competitive. With Fructus’s support, we've developed reliable post-processors for all our machines and streamlined our operations,” says Peter Strömberg. "GibbsCAM is easy to use. Through high-quality, efficient machining, our operations are safer, our customer deliveries have improved, and we save time, money, and energy.”

2. Efficiency gains with Vericut Optimizer

Wallåkra is among the first companies in Europe to adopt the standalone Vericut Optimizer, taking an additional step toward further digitalization.

Vericut Optimizer key benefits:

• Cycle time reduction: faster production through optimized NC programs and increased machine output.
• Extended tool life: elimination of force spikes for smoother, longer-lasting tool performance.
• Energy efficiency: lower energy consumption per part produced, supporting sustainability goals.

"The initial trials with Sandvik and the Vericut team delivered remarkable cycle time reductions," says Peter Strömberg. "As a smaller company, it's exciting to access advanced yet affordable solutions like this. It truly represents the democratization of manufacturing technology."

3. Programming with AI-based CAM automation

Wallåkra is also an early adopter of autoCAM - an AI-based CAM automation solution from the German company up2parts, where Sandvik holds a minority investment. Seamlessly integrated with GibbsCAM, autoCAM allows Wallåkra’s team to focus on complex tasks while automation handles routine programming.

autoCAM key benefits:

• Automated CAM suggestions: replaces time-consuming macro- and rule-based programming by generating programs for milling parts within minutes.
• Smart recommendations: proposes optimal setups for enhanced efficiency in clamping, operations, tools, and processing steps.
• Knowledge training on unified standards: to free skilled employees from repetitive routine tasks.

What’s next?

Over the next six months, as Wallåkra continues its digital journey, we’ll provide regular updates on:

• Early insights: initial outcomes and implementation learnings.
• Problem-solving in action: how challenges are tackled.
• Success stories: the impact made from their technological investments.

Our collaboration with Wallåkra demonstrates the potential of digitalization in manufacturing. Their story underscores that even small companies can benefit from advanced software solutions, proving that these tools are accessible, scalable, and transformative for businesses of all sizes.

Stay tuned

This spring, we invite you to join us on this journey of innovation. Follow our updates to learn more about Wallåkra’s achievements and how our solutions are shaping the future of manufacturing.

Wallåkra’s journey is just beginning - and the future looks promising.