Metsä Board uses AI to enhance paperboard quality

Metsä Board has begun integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its paperboard manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and product quality. The company states that AI allows for further optimization by analyzing data from thousands of measurement points throughout production.

Tomi Vähä-Ruohola, Technical Development Manager, explained that the AI system can predict paperboard quality in real-time. This replaces the previously time-consuming process of manual laboratory sampling and analysis. The project also focused on establishing a secure data transfer system to an IT partner, creating a foundation for future analytical applications.

Several use cases for AI have been identified within the company's operations. One example involves monitoring the condition of ropes used in the tail threading process during paper machine startups. By employing machine vision and AI analytics, the optimal time for rope replacement can be predicted, thereby avoiding unnecessary production downtime.

Metsä Board intends to continue developing new AI applications to further improve the quality and consistency of its paperboard products for its customers. The company aims for a more efficient and higher-quality paperboard production.