Digital Innovation for SMART Supervision and Digital Twin in the laminating machine sector
Company name
NordMeccanica S.p.A
project title
Digital Innovation for SMART Supervision and Digital Twin in the laminating machine sector
dimension and location
Large Enterprise - Piacenza (PC)
PARTNER
SET
technologies
Digital twin
Virtual Design and New Product Development
Nordmeccanica is a leading manufacturer of machinery for vacuum coating, laminating and metallising, with a focus on the flexible packaging industry. It stands out for the innovation, sustainability and digitisation of its products, offering advanced solutions for sectors such as the food, pharmaceutical, security and photovoltaic industries.
The problem
To enter the market with a state-of-the-art, open, digital twin-oriented HMI platform.
The solution
The project involves the innovation of Nordmeccanica’s design processes and the development of machines by adopting digital twin technology. This requires the use of software tools for simulation and the transition from the current CAD models based on 2D tables to new 3D models that can be managed in parametric. The management of machine models has also been integrated towards the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) platform.
Technologies:
- Ergonomic and UI/EU Validation: Evaluation of user interface ergonomics and user experience. The aim is to identify improvements to ensure an intuitive and user-oriented interface.
- Validation of 3D for Digital Twin: integration of the 3D model into the digital twin and the graphical pages of the HMI.
- HMI Software Implementation: Implementation of the TIA WinCC Unified software environment in a test environment.
- HMI-Control System Integration: Analysis of the integration between the HMI and the machine control system using digital twin technology.
- Methodologies for Long-term Development and Maintenance: research into methodologies for the future development and maintenance of HMI software.
- Expansion and verification of 3D Modelling procedures: Development of the 3D modelling procedure based on 2D tables.
- Verification of the correct integration of 3D models in the PLM database: verification of the correct integration of 3D models in the PLM database, ensuring that they are accessible and managed effectively.
- Use of AMESim and Digital Twins: training of company personnel in the use of AMESim and Digital Twins.
Desired Impacts
- Competitiveness: The project proposal has a significant impact on Nordmeccanica’s competitiveness. The development of advanced innovations, such as the next-generation HMI platform and the integration of AMESim into the virtual design process, will enable the company to offer products of the highest quality and with cutting-edge functionality that meet the dynamic needs of the market. The adoption of state-of-the-art technology will enable the company to gain larger market shares, attract new customers and increase revenues through both additional and replacement sales. Furthermore, the HMI platform natively compatible with the latest software standards will increase the attractiveness for foreign markets, contributing to a higher export share.
- Health and Safety: The project carefully considers the working conditions and safety of workers. Through the implementation of an intuitive HMI and the improvement of real-time monitoring processes, it will be possible to reduce workers’ exposure to risks arising from the production process. Furthermore, the optimization of virtual design and development operations through the digital twin will contribute to better risk management and the reduction of potentially dangerous situations. This will result in a safer and more comfortable working environment, increasing worker satisfaction and compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Sustainability: The activities proposed in the project demonstrate a tangible commitment to improving the environmental impact of manufacturing. The use of simulations will reduce the need for physical prototypes, thereby reducing the consumption of material and energy resources. In addition, the HMI platform will enable more efficient management of machines and processes, optimizing energy consumption and minimizing waste. The approach to sustainability will not only improve the company’s image towards the market and stakeholders, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Reshoring: The project proposal can play a significant role in promoting reshoring and boosting the attractiveness of nationally located enterprises. The introduction of a state-of-the-art HMI platform and innovative technologies such as the digital twin will help to improve the competitiveness of companies, making it more attractive to locate in the country. Operational efficiency and the ability to quickly adapt to market needs through simulations may prompt other companies to consider reshoring, leading to an overall increase in production activity nationwide.
Benefits for the company
- Reduced Development Time: Reduction of the time needed to develop and validate new machine and system models through the use of AMESim and digital twin tools.
- Accuracy of Simulations: high accuracy of simulation models correlated with real data and physical test results.
- Cost Reduction: Reduction of costs associated with physical testing and trials through the use of simulations. This leads to a decrease in costs associated with physical prototypes and design errors.
- Improving Efficiency: Improving the efficiency of internal design, engineering and development processes through the integration of digital twin tools.
- Reduction of Downtimes: improvement in the speed of detection and resolution of production problems through the use of simulations. This should reduce downtimes and associated costs.
- Quality Improvement: improvement of product quality through predictive analysis and simulation-based optimisation. This should help reduce product defects and improve customer satisfaction.
- Integration with Digital Twin: integration of models into the digital twin concept with a major influence on the accuracy of simulations and the ability to evaluate machine performance in various scenarios.
