Digitalization solutions for Industry 4.0

Product safety and process efficiency are the top priorities in the production of foods and pharmaceuticals. Realizing these objectives depends significantly on the effective collection and processing of process data. Process-related simulations identify the operating parameters for individual processing steps and enable, for example, optimal responses to variable packaging and product properties. The basis for this is seamless data exchange along the whole value-creation chain.

We develop solutions for the digitalization of food processing. With the aid of machine learning and simulations, adaptive systems are being developed in the area of film processing and cleaning. In order to support employees with the changing workplace of Industry 4.0, we are developing assistance systems to support, for example, the cognitive skills of machine operators.

We are helping customers optimize their processing chain and cleaning processes by analyzing their processes and the generated data, by identifying weak points, and by implementing suitable digitalization solutions.

The efficiency of processing machinery often depends on the experience of the machine operators. There is still, however, an inadequate exchange of knowledge and experience in most work environments. The self-learning assistance system for machine operators (SAM) combines machine learning with human experience in order to reduce production faults and increase the machine/plant efficiency.

• Further details about our self-learning assistance system for machine operators (SAM)
  

As a plant operator or manufacturer you benefit from professional analysis of the efficiency of your processing machinery. We are your expert, independent partner and help you increase the efficiency of your production processes.

We employ the most advanced analysis methods and possess in-depth knowledge of processes. As such we are able to identify potential technical and organization enhancements for your production operations.

• Further details about our efficiency analyses

How can you find the digitization and assistance solution that is tailor-made to meet your needs among the broad and diversified offers? How can you increase your plant efficiency by means of smart support for your machine operators? How can you increase your employees’ satisfaction at the same time?

We provide objective advice, develop demand-based, customized digital solution strategies to meet the specific challenges of your production processes within the framework of a workshop with you and your machine operators, create a development roadmap, and if required, assist you with the implementation of the systems..

• To our services in the field of Digitalization Consulting

We are your guide on the path to your digital transformation!

High product safety can be continuously guaranteed despite the ever more complex processing and packaging requirements of food manufacturers.

To realize this objective we provide you with intelligent sealing tools that allow adaptive sealing and real-time evaluation of the packaging quality.

• Intelligent sealing processes for Industry 4.0

Adaptive cleaning systems guarantee effective, cost-saving cleaning with minimum use of resources and with continuous monitoring of the cleaning process.

• Adaptive tank cleaning

We are experts in using numerical simulation as a tool to analyze, develop, and optimize materials, processes, and machinery. Specific for your application we analyze and identify the key steps, develop suitable material and process models, and use these for studies or optimizations.

You benefit from increased process understanding, cost and time savings, and improved process stability and efficiency.

Material modeling

We evaluate existing material models for their suitability for specific applications and determine parameters for simulating the real behavior. For this purpose we use established thermal and mechanical test methods such as DSC, uniaxial tensile testing, and compressive testing. We also continually develop new test methods and equipment, for example the biaxial tensile strength test rig, contamination sensors, and the bubble inflation test. We develop effective material models based on the selection and combination of suitable test methods and specially developed characterization methods. Our expertise in the area of material modeling ranges from rigid bodies to elastic, viscoplastic, and fluid materials. Our focus here is on the characterization of plastic films and sheets, plastic-based hybrid materials, and fluid flows.

Process modeling

The relevant components are modeled based on analysis of the process. We possess a variety of commercially available and open source numerical simulation programs that enable us to study thermal, structural, fluid mechanical, and coupled issues. Our longstanding expertise covers element selection and networking, model selection and contact definition, and definition of boundary conditions and loads.

Simulation – understand, predict, improve

Using the process model we are able to simulate your process and acquire detailed insight into temperature and flow fields and stress and deformation parameters. Experimental limitations due to opaque walls, high temperatures, and aggressive media become a thing of the past. The effects of changed material and process parameters and geometry details can be predicted, whilst reducing production times and costs. Based on this we identify optimal design and process parameters (for example for sealing and thermoforming), we maximize the cleaning effect (for example via geometrical changes), and we use our increased process understanding to develop improved, innovative processes and technologies..

We simulate and model your processes - Contact us!