VR (Virtual Reality) provides important decision support

We had a VR presentation of a machine prototype for management, project group and mechanical engineers.

This week, there were exciting things happening at our factory in Åseda. We had a VR presentation of a machine prototype for management, project group and mechanical engineers. We got the chance to have a seek peek of a brand new packing machine that would radically streamline our packing processes, which would mean that we can run much larger volumes on the same surface and increase our capacity. Even from a sustainability point of view, the machine delivers on top!

The project was born internally at Spaljisten and this led us to submit a request to a number of suppliers. After reviewing, Automationsteknik was chosen and had a key role to realize the idea.

The packaging machine will be able to repackage products more efficiently and we will meet new packaging requirements from our customers. It is designed to help us move forward in our quest to develop all our processes to 100% sustainable. The project also includes more traditional parts and tools such as 2D images, CAD drawings and descriptions of the machine. Using VR as part of the development work is new to us at Spaljisten but this is not the last time we will choose to work in this way.

– We see it as a great opportunity to have a look at the machine in a virtually reality, that gives us a chance to make further improvements before the machine is build and ready. Some things, such as how much space you need to easily move in the machine, or where you best place controls - becomes a completely different thing to discuss when you can actually be in it, says Tomas Lundberg, projectmanager.

The opportunity for a VR-presentation has been a major driving force of this project and has added a powerful tool to improve our machine development processes. During Wednesday's show, many were lyrical about the chance to see the machine from within and the general feeling from the colleagues was unanimously positive.

The packing machine would automate the packing process considerably, which means a less staff-dependent process and we could then free up the labour force to other parts of the production. The whole packing process would go much faster and we could go from an average of 6-10 packages per minute to 15 per minute. This means that our machine will probably be the fastest in its class.

The packaging machine would also change the design of the packages, where we will completely stop using so-called "fillers" which fills up the inside and gives an extra protection. The new machine builds the package in such a way that the product gets the shock absorption directly in the box instead. The carton is in one piece, which reduces the material and becomes a more sustainable solution in an environmental way as well. The product should be completely flawless from production all the way to the end customer's home - 100% flawless product - that is the goal of the packing machine!

- The set times are minimized and completely recipe-controlled, which means that it would have a high technical availability. We would be completely unique when it comes to setup time, HMI and operator friendly as well as time for other changes. We will put ourselves at the forefront when it comes to packing. Tomas Lundberg.