Abstract:
A injection molding method involves measuring, using at least one external sensor, a change in a parameter of a mold side of a mold cavity, approximating a condition within the mold cavity based on the change in the parameter, such as pressure within the mold cavity or flow front position, and comparing the approximated condition to a trigger point. If the approximated condition equals or exceeds the trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor having an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve, and upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor tracks an approximated condition calculated from the change in parameter measurements measured by the at least one external sensor over time. In an embodiment, results of the approximated parameter tracking can be used in conjunction with an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve.
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.