Extrusion International 2-2023

28 Extrusion International 2/2023 INDUSTRY NEWS Practical Digitalization Solutions for Needs-based, Secure Processes  The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging will be presenting its new technol- ogies and solutions for business in the packaging and food industry at the interpack trade fair from May 4 to 10, 2023 at the VDMA booth C54 in hall 4. These new developments can help companies establish digi- talized value creation processes and take their first step into the cir- cular economy. Training up machine operators from any location with virtual reality and digital twins Fraunhofer IVV is developing digital training systems based on virtual reality (VR) to provide support for vocational training and continued professional development for operating and technical staff. This enables the staff to master the steps involved in processes such as change- overs. The systems will also assist with developing in- depth process understanding as quickly as possible – a necessary step for eliminating and avoiding faults on a long-term basis. The training program can be run as a stand-alone application on VR terminals; there is no need for the machine itself to be present for the train - ing activity. Learners are able to make mistakes and gather experience without impeding a machine’s avail- ability for other uses or even risking damage. The VR training scenarios are based on a CAD model of the machine and the corresponding process model. This is coupled with a curriculum that is individually tai - lored to the specific tasks involved in operators’ work and includes a range of learning modules. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to try out the training system for themselves using the example of a production plant for thermoformed packaging. Consultation services for developing future- proof, company-specific digitalization strategies When it comes to challenges such as ensuring the resilience of processes, implementing the circular economy or addressing skilled worker shortages, digitalization can offer solutions. Fraunhofer IVV as- sists companies undergoing transformation process- es – i.e., implementing concepts such as networked production, the industrial internet of things and data exchanges encompassing the entire value chain – by developing company-specific technology and assis- tance solutions, individually tailored software for supporting system integration and AI applications for the production process. Ensuring product safety with intelligent cleaning technologies The quality of manual processes for cleaning ma- chines, plants and production environments can vary widely. These processes are not reproducible and, in view of the ever worsening shortage of skilled work- ers, pose major challenges for companies. In view of this, Fraunhofer IVV is working on intelligent technol- ogy solutions for automating manual cleaning pro- cesses. At the interpack trade fair, Fraunhofer IVV will dem- onstrate their AR-based technology CleanAssist, along- side two variants of their Mobile Cleaning Device. These pioneering technological applications enable efficient, resilient production processes that ensure a high level of quality. Cleaning processes can be docu- mented in a fully automated manner using intelligent sensor technology and a digital twin. This means that, it is possible to genuinely validate cleaning processes. Quality assurance with digital assistance CleanAssist is the first virtual cleaning assistant for manual cleaning. Tracking sensors on the cleaning lance can be used to analyze and document the rate of volume flow applied (i.e., the rate of cleaning effi-cien- cy), as well as spray shadows. A digital twin is trans- ferred to the real-world clean-ing environment with the help of an AR device; the actual progress of the Self-directed, virtual-reality-based staff training allows users to develop specific, long-lasting process knowledge without halting real-life production or consuming resources (All pictures © Fraunhofer IVV)