Karjalan Konepaja Oy shares their experiences using the groundbreaking BeamAce device for beam layout marking and its benefits in steel structure manufacturing.

This Finnish product innovation brings a new level of dynamism to machine shops. Launched by Rockroth Oy at the end of 2022, BeamAce is a digital layout marking device that is transforming the way steel beams are dimensioned.

BeamAce is a digital layout marking tool for structural steel beams. It allows easy and accurate marking of work points—such as drilling or notching—shown in part drawings, as well as component positions from assembly drawings. The innovation speeds up the process, minimizes costly measurement errors, and can result in annual savings of tens of thousands of euros.

"BeamAce is designed with a strong user focus," says Andreas Stenroth from Rockroth Oy.

"It’s very easy to use and simple to adopt—no extensive training or large upfront investment is needed," Stenroth adds.

BeamAce shows the real-time position of various tools in relation to the beam. It is compatible with rectangular open and hollow section beams up to a nominal profile size of 300 mm.

"It even enables easy layout marking on the web of the beam, which is typically the trickiest part."

Innovation Leading to Results

Stenroth explains that the idea for BeamAce came directly from the field. There was a clear demand for a device that could simplify and streamline beam dimensioning and marking. During its development, a broader mission emerged: Rockroth Oy aims to deliver innovative, workflow-enhancing, and productivity-boosting solutions for the steel industry.

"We’re committed to realizing that vision by continuing to develop innovations born from inside the industry," says Stenroth. BeamAce is distributed in Finland by Retco Oy.

Field-Tested in Karelia

BeamAce is still new on the market but has already made waves. One enthusiastic adopter is Karjalan Konepaja Oy, a mid-weight contract manufacturing workshop in Parikkala. Jani Aho shares that the company was intrigued by the product already in its pilot phase and arranged a demo in early summer 2023. Everyone on shift came to see if the “miracle machine” lived up to the hype.

"We were impressed by what we saw. The device felt right from the start and has proven to be highly capable. It's perfect for demanding measurements," Aho says. "Everyone got comfortable using it surprisingly quickly."

The demo convinced the team immediately: no more deliberation, they wanted it. The BeamAce arrived in July, and the shop has been running at full throttle with it ever since.

"We had a hole-marking project ready for it right away, and since then the device has been in constant use."

Efficiency to the Next Level

Three months in, Aho says BeamAce has been a game-changer, especially in terms of time management and overall efficiency.

"The truth is always visible on the screen with real-time measurement values," Aho grins, adding that even complex measurement tasks have been executed flawlessly. Its crown jewel? Web measurements:

"BeamAce is absolutely unbeatable for measuring the web—it blows traditional methods out of the water," Aho beams.

They’ve experienced no issues, errors, or complaints. "I believe this device will significantly reduce the number of defective parts and, consequently, customer complaints."

Fits Both Veterans and Newcomers

Usability also gets top marks. "Everyone attended the onboarding. A couple of people mastered the device first, then quickly spread the know-how across the team," Aho explains.

Stenroth nods: this is the typical adoption pattern—two trained users then teach the rest. "The results have been great everywhere BeamAce has been deployed."

The device was designed to be simple—just three function buttons and a power switch—so even the most traditional machinists can get the hang of it quickly.

Aho says learning to use it takes at most an hour. "After that, you just get to work," he laughs.

Instant Production Boost

Because it’s so easy to learn, users become proficient within a day or two. "Everyone has gotten up to speed very quickly," Aho confirms.

Stenroth emphasizes that usability matters not only for ergonomics but also for training flexibility. "If your team has high turnover or new hires regularly, they’ll still pick it up quickly."

Potential buyers often worry about how long it will take to make the device productive. Aho offers reassurance:

"BeamAce can be put to productive use immediately—so the savings start right away."

BeamAce

Digital layout marking device for structural steel beams
Enables easy marking of drilling, notching, and component positions shown in technical drawings
Speeds up layout work and reduces costly measurement errors
Compatible with rectangular open and hollow beams up to 300 mm nominal size
Weight approx. 12 kg
Dimensions: width 514 mm, length 421 mm, height 345 mm
Battery life: approx. 16 hours fully charged
Charging time: approx. 6 hours from empty

Learn more about BeamAce →

Minimal Resistance to Change

Stenroth acknowledges that change can be hard in workshops with established routines. But often, seeing the demo wins over the skeptics—and hands-on experience melts away any remaining doubts.

"In the long run, resistance to change has been minimal in every location where BeamAce has been in use for a few weeks," he estimates.

Both Aho and Stenroth agree that BeamAce is ideal for workshops in mid-weight steel construction. For lighter work or heavy infrastructure projects like bridges, other specialized solutions may be more appropriate. The 300 mm profile limit defines its sweet spot clearly.

"We’ve already had inquiries about a larger version. Let’s see what the future holds," Stenroth hints.

International Demand Starts in Germany

Karjalan Konepaja is eager to see what new developments come next. "If updates or new features are introduced, we’re definitely interested," says Aho.

So far, BeamAce has been delivered to a dozen workshops, and demand is rising. According to Stenroth, feedback from Germany's autumn trade shows was overwhelmingly positive:

"We knew it was a strong product, but the enthusiasm in Germany still surprised us." During that same trip, they secured their first distributor and customer in Germany—and interest is growing in other countries as well.

Just Getting Started?

Still, the primary focus remains on the domestic market. Stenroth believes BeamAce will continue putting smiles on faces in workshops across Finland. Despite industry challenges, its value is shining through:

"It’s not a golden age for steel construction in Finland right now, but companies are still recognizing the clear benefits BeamAce brings—and they’re choosing to invest. That shows real trust, and we’re grateful for it," says Stenroth. He adds that Rockroth will continue to earn that trust through relentless product development.

"We create products grounded in Finnish engineering expertise and purpose-built for Finnish machine shops. Our development path is upward—and there’s a lot more to come."

Translated from the original Finnish article "Beamace on kovan luokan piirrotusässä konepajan arkeen".

Pro Metalli 4/2023
https://www.prometalli.fi/
Text: Sami J. Anteroinen
Photos: Karjalan Konepaja Oy

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