Data-driven quality enhancement in plastic manufacturing with digital twin technology

Overview

This innovative solution leverages data analysis and digital twin technology to enhance the quality of products in the plastic manufacturing industry. By correlating physical data from equipment and numerical simulations, it enables manufacturers to understand the physics behind production processes. This approach is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to undergo digital transformation, as it offers a comprehensive hardware and software platform.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizes physical equipment data and numerical simulations to establish links between process signatures and final product quality.
• Digital Twin Technology: Employs virtual simulations to minimize physical testing and reinforce machine learning models, crucial for quality improvements.
• User Interface Development: Focuses on creating intuitive interfaces to improve interaction between software solutions and manufacturing technicians.
• Versatile Applications: Tested across various processes such as thermoforming, injection molding, and extrusion in collaboration with multiple companies.
• Comprehensive Demonstration Facilities: IPC offers fully instrumented workshops for demonstration and validation of new developments.

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at TRL 6, having been tested in relevant environments with a prototype solution implemented across different manufacturing processes. Future work will focus on enhancing the user interface, expanding mathematical modeling capabilities, and further integrating digital twin technology to reduce physical testing needs.