Paw Olsen is a qualified tool maker with additional training in welding technology. In his everyday work he uses the YAG laser in FORCE Technology’s welding department , which is one of Northern Europe’s largest and most modern welding centres. Paw has worked for FORCE Technology for almost 15 years.

Laser welding

“I started out working for our robot centre, where I worked with traditional arc welding. Eight years later, I felt ready for new challenges and moved on to one of our specialist areas, laser welding. I knew nothing at all about laser welding but through further training with FORCE Technology and the daily practical assignments that I carried out in the department I gradually familiarised myself with the sophisticated equipment. Today, together with six other colleagues, each with a different educational background and practical experience, I attend to the running of the laser welding department. Through our varied backgrounds we supplement each other in our day-to-day work.”

Defective airbags

“One of the factors that makes it so interesting to work in the laser department is the incredibly varied and interesting nature of the work customers bring us. To take an example: a few years ago a producer of pressure vessels for airbags came to us because he had by chance discovered that the tip of the vessels fell off, to put it quite simply. Naturally, this would not do, so they got in touch with us with a view to rapidly finding a solution. We suggested they laser weld the tips to the vessels – and it worked well. 25,000 units and countless overtime hours later we finished the batch. A typical example of a development assignment and rapid first aid!”

“And precisely because so much of our work involves development tasks we have to be on our toes. I often walk around thinking about my work while away from work, and quite often I wake up at night with a crystal clear image of a solution in my mind's eye.”

Help each other

“The good thing about working here is the wide variety of skills gathered under the same roof. If I have a problem which I cannot solve myself, I just ask the advice of one of our specialists. My colleagues are extremely helpful and will often put aside their own work to help each other. I work closely together with many of our inhouse departments, e.g. the sensor and inspection department.”

Record time projects

“During peak periods when customers want their assignments finished in record time we can easily work up to 15-16 hours a day for up to two months at a time. Of course it’s hard work, but we keep our spirits up with plenty of jokes, a sense of humour and togetherness. I myself have a good sense of humour and often make fun of my work mates when I can get away with it. During my time with FORCE I have made many really good friends, who I also see outside work – that’s worth a lot to me. If I have my way, I’ll be here until I’m carried out.”