Electronics 3K Factory opens new opportunities for research, education and industry collaboration 

A versatile testing environment is being built in phases. The first installation was a temperature-rise test system manufactured by the German company High Volt GmbH. The system enables conducting temperature-rise tests for power network components with alternating currents of as great as 7,000 amperes. Typical test objects include electric switchboards, cables and busbar systems. 

“New testing capacity strengthens Savonlinna’s position as a location for demanding electric testing and supports both industry collaboration and regional development,” says Eetu Huttunen, Laboratory Manager at Xamk, who is responsible for the commissioning and operation of the 3K Factory testing environment. 

An exceptionally versatile testing environment on a national scale 

By the end of November, the 3K Factory will also be equipped with a 200-kilovolt impulse voltage test system, which will be used for testing transformers as well as medium- and high-voltage cables. By March next year, the Savonlinna testing environment will be further expanded with a 100-kilovolt AC voltage test system, particularly suited to testing high-voltage cables and gas-insulated circuit breakers. 

The new testing infrastructure will support electrical engineering education at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences as well as the research, development and innovation activities carried out at the 3K Factory. 

The new testing and product development opportunities created by the electrical engineering research environment are also highly significant for companies operating in the electrical sector in the region. The facility is already carrying out company-specific testing, including work commissioned by Savonlinna-based Norelco Oy. 

“Norelco has a strong growth programme with a focus on new innovations and product development. The new local Xamk research environment and electric laboratory are very important partners for us,” says Norelco CEO, Ari Hämäläinen.

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