Valmet Supplies First AI Based Machine Vision System to Progroup's Containerboard Machine in Germany

The Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) utilizes 8K cameras that provide new AI assisted information to help reduce the origins of web defects.

April 8, 2021 - Valmet will deliver the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) based Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) to Progroup's paper machine PM2 in Eisenhüttendstadt, Germany.

According to Valmet, Progoup's PM2 has been a world speed record-setter since its start-up by Valmet in 2010, and the new machine vision system targets to increase the containerboard machine speed even further. PM2's last 24-hour world record of 1,751 m/min was set in 2019. During the record run, the 10.85-meter-wide PM2 produced corrugating medium at a basis weight of 80 g/m² with an overall efficiency of 94 percent, which was the seventh PM2 world record overall.

"With the use of artificial intelligence, we are consistently continuing Progroup's strict digitization course. Consistently searching and using innovations is part of our DNA," said Karl Achleitner, Senior Vice President, Operations Paper, Progroup.

At the core of the solution is the Valmet Industrial Internet (VII) providing the ability to combine data from multiple platforms in the mill and take web inspection analytics to a totally new level. Included in the delivery is a winder control package to take the fullest advantage of the new web inspection capabilities.

"This is the most comprehensive machine vision order we have received, with web inspection and web monitoring fully integrated into the Valmet DNA Automation System," said Marko Toskala, Director, Quality Management Systems, Automation, Valmet. "For the first time, the Valmet Industrial Internet enables the real-time combination of WIS data with other process and quality system information to radically improve problem solving efficiency. With advanced data processing, defect and anomaly prediction is vastly improved and changes or interruptions to production can be reduced more effectively."

The Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) utilizes 8K cameras that provide new AI assisted information to help reduce the origins of web defects. The extensive Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System (WMS) with 53 cameras will enable fast and easy root cause analysis of web breaks.

Full integration with the Valmet DNA Automation System coupled with Valmet Industrial Internet (VII) applications enables full use of available data to quickly guide users to specific quality or runnability problems and enable pre-emptive changes in machine operations to optimize machine efficiency and product quality.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. The company's technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. To learn more, visit: www.valmet.com.

SOURCE: Valmet