07/12/2018

More transparency, efficiency and safety thanks to Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper

  • New paper machine can be brought to life as early as the planning phase 
  • Better learning outcomes thanks to customized, interactive training programs for new and existing machines.
  • Staff can acquire proficiency in a safe virtual environment
Thanks to the new virtual reality technology a company can experience its own paper machine as early as the planning phase.
Heidenheim/Frankfurt, Germany. On 26 June, during ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2018, Voith introduced its new smart service package, Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper. It offers paper manufacturers the opportunity to have their new machine modeled in virtual reality. This means that Voith customers can benefit from more transparency, efficiency and safety in paper production over the entire life cycle of the machine.

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can obtain a digital representation of their very own new machine. The system allows the machine to be brought to life before it is even built, either on a monitor or for an even more realistic experience using virtual reality goggles. In the planning phase this makes it much easier to configure the machine and develop infrastructure e.g. for stock preparation, buildings and access routes in the planning phase. Providing information to stakeholders is also a much simpler matter if the characteristics and functions of individual components and the entire machine can be represented realistically at any location in the world. 

With Virtual Reality by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can become familiar with their paper machine in the planning phase.
With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper effective use can be made of the time available prior to commissioning of the machine. Operators, maintenance crews and managers can acquire proficiency and familiarize themselves with the machine and those inner workings that are not directly accessible in real life. Virtual training programs allow personnel to acquire experience with the operation even though their paper machine is not yet running. Training in a virtual reality environment is about more than just visual perception; there is also a realistic noise backdrop and controls allow the user to move along the entire machine and execute certain hand actions. Much better learning outcomes can be achieved by addressing several sensory perceptions at once.
Maintenance operations can be tried out in advance in a safe environment by means of virtual training programs.
Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper also ensures more efficiency during operation itself. Staff can practice maintenance activities in advance in interactive training scenarios. The training not only includes all work processes, which are simulated step by step with the necessary tools, it also focuses on occupational safety. For example, the replacement of a press sleeve or screen basket can be simulated and practiced in a safe virtual environment before the task is due to be performed at the machine. The routine acquired in this way then leads to shorter downtimes in real-life maintenance, a lower error rate and a reduced risk of workplace accidents.

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper the company is taking its next step on route to Papermaking 4.0. “Our aim is to combine the potential offered by digitalization with the physical manufacturing process and in this way optimize paper production,” explains Thomas Holzer, President Business Line Projects Voith Paper. In doing so, Voith is once again offering its customers a tailored, intelligent service solution based on customer requirements that will significantly increase machine availability and process reliability.

Addressing several senses at once in the training scenarios provided by Virtual Reality by Voith Paper achieves much better learning outcomes than in conventional training programs.

About the company
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process and facilitating resource-conserving production. The company’s Papermaking 4.0 concept ensures that equipment is optimally networked, while the effective and secure use of the generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve their competitiveness. With its Servolution concept, Voith Paper offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process.

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil and gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

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