Recyclable packaging and more efficient processes: Fraunhofer IVV at interpack 2020
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The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV will present innovations in recyclable packaging, automation, and assistance for more effective processes at the interpack fair in Düsseldorf from 7-13 May 2020. The Fraunhofer IVV can be found on the stand of the VDMA (Hall 4, Stand C50). The intelligent Pack Peel Scan measuring device was developed at the Fraunhofer IVV in Dresden. It enables measurement of the forces required to open thermoformed, peelable packaging systems in order to ensure they are compliant with the relevant standards and allows non-sealed packaging to be rapidly identified. The self-learning assistance system for machine operators (SAM) enhances the efficiency of processing and packaging plants and a mobile device allows, for the first time, the fully automated cleaning of hygienically demanding production areas.
Recyclable packaging – supporting the new German Packaging Act
The experts at the Fraunhofer IVV design packaging systems to meet the precise requirements of specific products. They develop customized barrier concepts, assess the machinability of recyclable packaging materials, and use the CreaSolv® process developed at the Fraunhofer IVV to effectively separate the polymers in plastic laminates. Regarding the many challenges of the new German Packaging Act, the Fraunhofer IVV offers assistance along the entire value-creation chain from the product to packaging and recycling. Product and process safety are always the priority here.
Sealing seam analysis 4.0 – flexible and smart with Pack Peel Scan
Newly developed recyclable materials are initially subjected to thorough testing for machinability and product safety. The assistance system for machine operators that is integrated into the Pack Peel Scan uses methods of artificial intelligence to detect weak points in the sealing seams of peelable packaging and to analyze the causes. This means that during the packaging process shortcomings such as folds or contaminants in sealing seams can be rapidly and effectively identified, faulty products can be rejected, and process parameters can be accordingly adjusted. The human machine interface (HMI) of the Pack Peel Scan was designed using a new approach for effective information presentation. This design made use of recent expertise in engineering psychology acquired by the Fraunhofer IVV in Dresden and enables continuous data acquisition and clear presentation.
Increased plant efficiency using the self-learning assistance system for machine operators (SAM)
The use of new biobased and recyclable materials demands a great deal of processing knowledge and practical experience of operators and technicians. In order to keep valuable knowledge within an organization, the Fraunhofer IVV in Dresden developed a self-learning assistance system for machine operators (SAM). Using machine learning algorithms and research findings on the psychology of information representation a system was developed to provide machine operators with customized existing knowledge. It also gives motivation to learn and exchange and document own ideas. Peerox GmbH, a spin-off of the Fraunhofer IVV, has used the research findings to develop commercial software as a modular add-on for new and existing plants. This product development enhances plant efficiency, reduces the number of rejects, and contributes to sustainable production.
Reproducible cleaning with effective use of resources using the «Mobile Cleaning Device 4.0»
The latest version of the Mobile Cleaning Device has an innovative multisensor system for the adaptive cleaning of production areas and hygienic areas. This gives the self-propelled robot orientation even under demanding conditions such as during spray cleaning and in spray. It can be employed in the entire production area. The sole physical connection is the cleaning agent hose. A freely programmable jet cleaner is the basis for efficient and targeted cleaning of production areas. Higher regions of plants are reached by automated height adjustment of the cleaning and sensor head. The control software with digital twin adjusts the motion planning exactly to the degree of contamination and guarantees continuous documentation of the cleaning. This enables the cleaning of hygienically demanding areas to be carried out fully automated, reproducibly, and with minimum use of resources for the first time.
