From vision to insight: Transforming paper and board production with Valmet IQ Machine Vision

At the same time, many mills are facing labor shortages. Customers struggle to find skilled labor. “They need someone – or something – to help them make the right decisions. They might not have people standing next to the machine. They need real-time video feeds. They need continuous data. That’s where our systems come in,” she says.

Camera technology, too, has advanced significantly, with widespread adoption across the industry. “Just think back to your mobile phone 15 years ago. The leap in camera technology since then has been huge – and that same progress is now here in machine vision,” adds Jukka Paananen, Solution Manager, Machine Vision at Valmet.

To enable mill operators to keep pace with these shifts, Valmet has developed Valmet IQ Machine Vision, a solution that goes beyond traditional camera systems, delivering an integrated platform that provides actionable insights, process transparency and automation-ready data across the entire production line.

The solution combines the industry’s widest range of camera technologies with intelligent software, proven process expertise and a global service network.

The result? Higher quality, lower costs and smarter, more intuitive operations for paper and board production.

But what sets Valmet apart isn’t just its technology – it’s the vision and commitment driving it forward.

Commitment to development

There’s always a balance between quality and price for any product or service, and the challenge often lies in justifying the higher-end choice. “Whoever has our solutions is buying more from us,” says Paananen.

Valmet’s strong track record speaks for itself. Today, Valmet has around 1000 system references globally. In the last 10 years, the camera technology business has grown significantly, reflecting both the company’s delivery performance and the industry’s widest machine vision portfolio.

According to Paananen, this growth hasn’t happened by chance but is a direct outcome of the company’s ongoing development efforts – in the delivery process, in products performance and cost efficiency.

Quality based on profound industry know-how

This profound understanding of the industry comes from Valmet’s long-standing expertise in paper machine design and manufacturing.

“We not only design the system but also understand the exact requirements for the products we build,” she continues. “Our Valmet IQ Machine Vision products are always engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of the production environment – something that not all suppliers can guarantee.”

“Our target is to provide the highest quality solution – in build, software and design – one where even our choice of materials makes a difference,” adds Paananen. “In the end, it’s the quality of the customer’s products and efficient production we are working toward.”

Built for long-term reliability

According to Paananen, today’s customers demand more than just high-end camera capabilities. They want a reliable system that performs consistently year after year. “Some systems show initial fast performance, but after short period of time, their performance drops significantly. Our customers want a solution that delivers long-term value and is easy to maintain.”

Valmet’s IQ Machine Vision is a proven performer. With some systems in operation for over 20 years, the technology has demonstrated exceptional reliability in demanding mill environments. Throughout that time, it has also evolved continuously, incorporating the latest advancements and ever-improving camera and analytics technologies.

Part of what makes this long-term performance possible is the system’s focus on maintainability. IQ Machine Vision uses standard industrial components and is easy to maintain, extend and upgrade.

The widest portfolio in camera technology

As paper and board manufacturers increasingly rely on automation, they look for solutions that deliver the exact level of performance they need based on the grade, machine or process.

Valmet leads the way in camera technology with the most extensive product portfolio available.  

“No other supplier has this kind of depth and breadth in camera systems,” says Jukka Paananen, Solution manager, Machine Vision at Valmet.

“Our camera technologies are a core part of a really wide range of automation solutions along the whole production chain. Besides the web inspection and monitoring solutions, we have boiler diagnostics solutions, selected QCS measurement, analyzer solutions and more – all built on Valmet’s camera expertise.”

This unmatched versatility allows Valmet to configure solutions that deliver exactly the right level of performance. Supported by decades of experience and ongoing R&D, Valmet continues to stay ahead of the curve and enables its customers to do the same.

Recent innovation: Valmet IQ Laser Marker

When customers asked for an alternative defect tracking marker system, Valmet worked with them to clarify the need and design a new method. The result is Valmet IQ Laser Marker, one of Valmet’s latest innovations.

“Our development has always been built on close collaboration with our customers and their feedback and operational experience,” says Markkanen-Ojala. 

While not designed to replace traditional ink markers, the laser marker adds a new option for defect tracking. The solution is already proving particularly effective for high-end and specialty grades or products coated with plastic. And Valmet is currently exploring its behavior with different grades.

Advanced data analytics, automation and ease of use

Another ongoing mill need is efficient and useful handling of data. The architecture of the analytics – including image analysis, defect detection and result classification, as well as how these results are shown to users – is critically important.

“It is essential that the software can handle different situations and all critical conditions reliably,” Paananen says. “If the system is too simple, it forces operators to intervene manually.”

This is where Valmet excels.

This ease of use also extends to the user interface. “Our interface is highly advanced yet intuitive,” he says. “It’s designed so that when you start using it, you don’t need to read a manual. Everything just makes sense.”

Seamless integration, smarter operations

Mills increasingly seek simplicity and efficiency in managing their operations. By integrating different technologies into a single, unified platform, Valmet ensures that operators can access all critical data in one place – streamlining workflows and reducing manual tasks.

“Operators using standalone web inspection systems often need to manually gather and combine data from multiple sources, says Paananen. “Valmet solves this by integrating its inspection systems into other systems, like QCS and DNA, with only one user interface. For many customers, this unified access is a significant advantage. And those already using other Valmet solutions can unlock even greater value through seamless data integration.”

This level of compatibility is especially valuable when it comes to upgrades. “Since the first launch, we’ve had three generations of the web inspection and monitoring system,” he continues. “All generations are compatible and can run on the same platform. You can upgrade in stages. And in 10 years, you’ll still have an up-to-date system. This gives customers real flexibility and protects their investment.”

All Valmet IQ Machine Vision products are also scalable. Customers can start small and upgrade as their needs change, knowing the system will always integrate smoothly within the broader platform. This is also a proven way to ensure customers are always ready to benefit from the next company’s breakthrough.

Driving customers’ success today and into the future

Valmet’s innovations – like the new laser marker – are more than technical milestones. They reflect a broader commitment to solving real-world challenges across the paper and board industry.

“Valmet doesn’t just sell a product. We sell answers to the challenges our customers face,” says Markkanen-Ojala. “Take the issue of workforce shortages, for example. We’ve addressed that by enhancing self-diagnostics, improving troubleshooting capabilities and increasing the amount of actionable information our system provides. This is much more than just a camera business.”

It’s this vision and commitment – focused on real customer needs – that continues to shape the future of machine vision.

With unmatched field knowledge, robust design, smart integration and a continuous drive to innovate, Valmet ensures its customers are equipped not just for today’s demands but also for what’s next. The goal is clear: to help them see more, know more and act with greater confidence – now and in the years to come.