Systems and methods for normalizing PID control across injection molding machines

    公开(公告)号:US11407158B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-08-09

    申请号:US16123205

    申请日:2018-09-06

    申请人: IMFLUX INC.

    IPC分类号: B29C45/77 B29C45/78 B29C45/76

    摘要: In order to reduce oscillations in process variables of an injection molding process, an injection molding machine may be operatively connected to a model database that stores models of injection molding machines and molds. A tuning controller may set initial gain values of a variable-gain proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. To set the initial gains, the tuning controller may be configured to obtain, from the model database, a model for a first and second injection molding machines and a model for a mold. The tuning controller may analyze the models to determine a correlation between injection molding machine parameters and mold cycle performance for the mold. Accordingly, the tuning controller may apply the correlation to determine an initial gain value for a least one of the first, second, and third gains of the PID controller. The tuning controller may then set the initial gain values for the PID controller.

    METHOD OF INJECTION MOLDING WITH DOWN CAVITY DETECTION

    公开(公告)号:US20210387393A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-12-16

    申请号:US17324299

    申请日:2021-05-19

    申请人: IMFLUX INC.

    摘要: A method of detecting and compensating for a non-operational mold cavity in an injection molding apparatus having a plurality of mold cavities and an injection molding screw or ram includes injecting, via the injection molding screw or ram, a molten thermoplastic material into the plurality of mold cavities. The method includes measuring a first process parameter of the injection molding apparatus at a pre-determined time during or after the injecting. The method also includes determining, based on the first process parameter, whether one or more mold cavities of the plurality of mold cavities are non-operational. Then, when it is determined that one or more mold cavities are non-operational, the method includes automatically adjusting the first process parameter or a second process parameter of the injection molding apparatus.

    INJECTION MOLDING OF CROSSLINKING POLYMERS USING STRAIN DATA

    公开(公告)号:US20210268705A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-09-02

    申请号:US17321908

    申请日:2021-05-17

    申请人: IMFLUX INC.

    IPC分类号: B29C45/76 B29C45/00 B29C45/77

    摘要: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

    Method for controlling valve gates using one or more strain gauges

    公开(公告)号:US10894349B2

    公开(公告)日:2021-01-19

    申请号:US15816457

    申请日:2017-11-17

    申请人: IMFLUX INC.

    摘要: A method of monitoring and controlling a sequential valve gate molding apparatus in an injection molding or other molding process is disclosed. The method includes creating a target strain profile, receiving a deviation limit, receiving a change in strain relating to a first valve gate from a first strain gauge, identifying whether a deviation exists from a first portion of the target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining whether any existing deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the position of a first valve gate pin in the first valve gate if it does. The method may further include control of subsequent valve gates. Multiple strain gauges may be used to control a single valve gate, and/or each strain gauge may control more than one valve gate.

    Porous insert for nozzle of an injection molding system

    公开(公告)号:US10737420B2

    公开(公告)日:2020-08-11

    申请号:US16259624

    申请日:2019-01-28

    申请人: IMFLUX INC.

    摘要: A nozzle assembly for an injection molding system has a nozzle adapter with one or more vent holes therein. A porous metal insert is provided in fluid communication with at least one of the vent holes. The porous metal insert is also in fluid communication with a flow channel through the nozzle assembly. As molten polymeric material advances through the flow channel from a barrel to a mold assembly, gases entrained in the molten polymeric material are vented through the porous metal insert and escape through the one or more vent holes. Pressurized air may be introduced through the vent holes, such as by one or more blow-back modules, to unclog pores of the one or more porous metal inserts between shots of the injection molding system.