Easy Vlies 4.0 - Simulation and optimization of nonwovens carding machines with methods of applied AI

摘要

The setting and control of carding lines is still based on experience, despite the progress in automation technology. In case of changing environmental conditions, occurring process errors or a product change, the line operator changes the production parameters based on their experience. In a carded nonwovens line, the card is the machine with the highest influence on the nonwovens quality. At the same time, the adjustment of a card is highly complex and the resulting quality is difficult to predict. If changed ambient conditions or process errors are not detected in time or the production parameters are set incorrectly, scrap will be produced or the line will be stopped. Scrap goods from the nonwovens industry worth approx. € 50 million per year in Germany have to be recycled at high costs. The project Easy Vlies 4.0 has taken up this problem. The project started in June 2017 and was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economics and Media, Energy and Technology, Munich/Germany. The project consortium, besides the ITA Augsburg, included the manufacturer of optical measuring technology Dr. Schenk GmbH, Martins-ried/Germany, the measuring and automation system manufacturer iba AG, Fuerth/Ger-many, and the nonwovens manufacturer Tenowo GmbH, Hof/Germany.