Vola: Timeless Scandinavian design complemented by advanced laser welding

Architects and interior designers worldwide acknowledge VOLA as a true stamp of quality, the original, not an imitation. We explore the processes that combine elegant craftsmanship with high precision capabilities of the LASERDYNE 811. 

Today, the original VOLA products are celebrated classics unchanged for more than 50 years – a true testament to Danish architect Arne Jacobsen’s original principles and designs.

VOLA seamlessly blends exceptional Danish design with the rich traditions of craftsmanship and responsible manufacturing. From the start, VOLA products have been celebrated for their timeless design and superior quality. Notably, the iconic KV1 kitchen mixer was inducted into MoMA's permanent design collection in 1974 and featured in Copenhagen's Design Museum in Denmark.  

The VOLA factory in Horsens, Denmark, manufactures each product to order, utilizing only the highest quality materials and maintaining a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the VOLA ethos. The result is beautiful, hand-finished products that not only look and feel extraordinary but also ensure the seamless integration of water into architecture for generations to come.

Advanced welding on tap

In 2023, VOLA collaborated with Prima Power LASERDYNE to assess an automated welding solution. The primary objective was to enhance production efficiency without compromising on the superior quality of the welds. It was essential to uphold VOLA’s commitment to a “single piece flow” production model. Integrating a high-precision 5-axis laser machine into an existing manufacturing line is a complex task, but the VOLA team had a clear vision. They sought a system that seamlessly aligned with their established production process, delivered exceptional weld quality, and was prepared for future advancements, including automated loading and unloading. The LASERDYNE team tailored a solution addressing the elements needed to enhance their already diligent processes. VOLA selected a LASERDYNE 811 with an integrated robotic cell. “This machine supports our “single piece flow” production philosophy perfectly,” states Mr. Peter Krogh, VOLAs Technology Manager. The LASERDYNE 811 is an advanced 5-axis laser machining system designed to cut, weld, and drill small to medium 3D parts with a sophisticated in-motion beam delivery system known as the BeamDirector. VOLA’s primary application goal was to automate complex cross-section precision welds with accuracy and repeatability.  

 “One of the main reasons for selecting the Laserdyne 811 was the well-integrated OFC2 measuring system and the programmed probing routine, which gives us the optimal basis for a perfectly welded part. The quality level of the welds themselves, are increased compared to what we have seen from earlier applications.” Continues Krogh. The LASERDYNE 811’s OFC2 ASSOLUTE mapping function is an advanced, non-contact, optical probing, surface-mapping and measurement feature. This allows for pinpoint accuracy with the beam focus position over various surfaces and geometries. Resulting in consistent and accurate mapping of the workpiece for repeatable applications with astounding accuracy. VOLA  utilizes this feature to map precise cross-section welds and allows for unmanned parts processing. The flexibility to measure, map, and work with most material surfaces, metallic and non-metallic materials, allows VOLA to process any of their beautifully hand-selected materials. Resulting in fewer errors and mistakes to improve production efficiency and waste. 

Future focused automation

Automated welding can be complex. The VOLA team challenged Prima Power Laserdyne to enable a robotic solution to enhance efficiency. The group worked together with a customer-selected third-party robotic supplier to integrate a productive solution. Michael Fisher, a LASERDYNE software Engineer explains how this process played out, “ We integrated our 811 laser machine with the QRS robot, creating an automated process where the robot handles the loading and unloading of parts, while our machine performs precision welds. In the integrated system, our laser machine and the QRS robot use different communication protocols. Think of it as two machines speaking different languages. With the help of communication gateway devices, we implemented a method for them to communicate smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted communication.” This integration was critical for all the machines to work seamlessly within the production line. “Our Laserdyne 811 is prepared for robotic loading and unloading. We want to know and run the machine a bit more, before we adjust the process line.” states Krogh. VOLA queued up this solution for future capacity and to automate one of the more precise processes in their progression toward automated manufacturing. These investments will yield an automated process with the capability to run manually when desired, minimizing human intervention and resulting in a more efficient, safe, and reliable production line. With custom cabin adjustments and fixturing support from 

Will and skill of the OEM support

Mr. Krog highlighted another reason for selecting the LASERDYNE system, the team behind the machine. “For VOLA A/S another important factor in the process was the people and culture around Laserdyne. From the first meetings with the kind and highly skilled Marcello Di Giandomencio, to visiting the factory in Minneapolis, where we met all the smart and nice people who supported our procurement process. We found that the Laserdyne group had the right enthusiasm, will, and capability to fulfill our demands. All this was important for VOLA  A/S to make this kind of investment.” The efforts by the Laserdyne applications team, a group within Laserdyne that carefully dissects all aspects of customer applications, led Peter and his team to a clear understanding of how all the 811 features could be effectively implemented into VOLA’s production process. This included many sample runs, metallurgical testing, custom fixturing, and selecting the correct laser wave length, optical configurations, and power level. “The LASERDYNE team and the applications group take every customer challenge personally, we are an advanced laser company with complex products. We are engineers and innovators, and we make complex processes digestible and productive for our customers. Our people are the advantage; we work through all requests with our customers, with their production processes at the top of our minds.” Shares Chris Rassmussen, the leader of the LASERDYNE Sales and Applications group. “We do everything we possibly can. We utilize every resource and rigorously go the extra mile to ensure our customers understand our powerful tools. This is the best and only way we can approach the market with our advanced laser machines. Some of the things our team accomplishes here even surprise us.” The LASERDYNE group has been serving customers since the early 80’s and will continue to provide 

For VOLA, this journey yielded an improved process for a complex application. The capabilities of the LASERDYNE 811, coupled with the customer-centric support of the Laserdyne team, ensure that VOLA’s welded products continue to express the timeless Scandinavian design they are renowned for.