Abstract:
A strain gauge nozzle adapter that may be placed between a barrel end cap and a nozzle body of an injection molding system, the strain gauge nozzle adapter having a strain gauge pin that measures strain within the strain gauge nozzle adapter for use in approximating conditions within an injection molding system, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. The strain gauge nozzle adapter may include a plurality of strain gauge pins. An alternative material insert in the strain gauge nozzle adapter may surround a strain gauge pin to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the strain gauge pin so that noise measurements do not compromise the accuracy of approximation of conditions within a mold.
Abstract:
An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects. When molding according to the retrofit mold cycle, the injection molding machine uses lower temperatures, when compared to molding according to the original mold cycle.
Abstract:
A remote controller can be provided on any apparatus that employs feedback control from a native controller to add functionality to the apparatus where the native controller is not capable of providing such functionality independently.
Abstract:
A remote controller can be provided on any apparatus that employs feedback control from a native controller to add functionality to the apparatus where the native controller is not capable of providing such functionality independently.
Abstract:
A carousel-like continuous molding system includes an arrangement of inclined feed channels. Each of the feed channels has a controllable valve therein positioned upstream of an inlet to an associated mold cavity. The valve is controllable so that adjustments may be made in real time to achieve or maintain delivery of molten polymeric material to the mold cavity at constant pressure.
Abstract:
An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects.
Abstract:
A method and a machine account for changes in material properties of molten plastic material during an injection run. A change in a control signal is calculated by a controller during the injection molding run. If the change in the control signal indicates a change in material flowability, the controller alters a target injection pressure to ensure that molten plastic material completely fills and packs a mold cavity to prevent part flaws such as short shots or flashing.
Abstract:
A process of forming molded articles using an injection molding apparatus is provided. The process includes providing a thermoplastic material to the injection molding apparatus. The thermoplastic material is heated such that the thermoplastic material is in a molten state. The molten thermoplastic material is injected into at least one mold cavity of the injection molding apparatus using an injection element. A melt pressure of the thermoplastic material filling the at least one mold cavity is monitored using a sensor. The sensor provides a signal indicative of melt pressure in the cavity to a controller. The controller controls the injection element thereby changing melt pressure of the thermoplastic material filling the at least one mold cavity based on the signal to reach a target cavity pressure. A molded article is formed by reducing a mold temperature of the thermoplastic material within the at least one mold cavity.
Abstract:
A injection molding method involves measuring, using at least one strain gauge sensor, a change in strain in a mold side of a mold cavity, approximating a pressure within the mold cavity based on the change in strain, comparing the approximated pressure to a pre-set trigger point, and if the approximated pressure equals or exceeds the pre-set trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor having an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve, wherein upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor tracks approximated pressures calculated from the change in strain measurements measured by the at least one strain gauge sensor over time and compares the results of the approximated pressure tracking to the optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve.