Metso Paper Oy's paper machines are considered to be the best in the world: efficient, clearly-defined in shape and even positive. Product development and product design function together in close cooperation: the machine's design increases efficiency, safety, appreciation and job satisfaction.

Products in the heavy metal industry have traditionally been separate undertakings focussed on individual design and projects, and the product development has been weighted towards processes. The machines primarily had to work and produce the intended product. Product development aimed at the actual machine, industrial design and useability did not begin to make their mark until the end of the 1980s, when ease in cleaning and quality started to become important.

The basic aims of industrial design at Metso, i.e. the clarity and simplicity of the structures, responded to the challenge of the time: a start was made on producing structures that had clear features and were easier to clean. At the same time the machines' appearance became more positive. The design progressed to wider usage via successful product development and design projects.

Industrial designer considers useability

Today at Metso product development and product design operate hand-in-hand and in multi-skilled teams side-by-side. Besides peak operating efficiency, an important perspective for the designer is the useability of the equipment i.e. how well the operating crew control the machine and the process.

Research into and the application of useability in the process industry are relatively new. Well-considered solutions based on a knowledge of a person's abilities, skills and needs improve motivation, safety and the making of observations. They ensure that the measures needed to control the machine and process are faultless and have an impact on the process's productivity, efficiency and the quality of the end product.

Design increases job satisfaction

Paper machines are so big that they can be thought of as entire working environments rather than objects. Metso Paper endeavours, where possible, to harmonize both the machines and the plant buildings so that they form an efficient, smoothly operating working environment.

At the same time the aim of the machine's design and the useability is to increase work productivity and safety and to make a positive contribution to employees' job satisfaction and even work appreciation.

Finland-based Metso Paper Oy is the world's leading supplier of technology, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper and processing industries. The company offers a wide range of top- quality, innovative products and services ranging from single processes and production lines to turn-key projects, supported by a global customer service organization.

>> www.metsopaper.com

Metso Paper's paper machines combine design and useability. The first OptiSpray papercoating station started up at Lang Papier Albbruck in Germany at the beginning of the year.