Process Monitoring or Production Monitoring—Why Not Both?
Molders looking to both monitor an injection molding process effectively and manage production can definitely do both with tools available today, but the question is how best to tackle these twin challenges.
Robert Gattshall
, Scientific Molding Columnist
Use the Cloud to Management Material in Bins, Tanks, Silos
Allows remote and plant workers to monitor inventory levels remotely.
New Technology Opens a Predictive Window Onto Screw Wear
Despite their integral role in transforming pellets fed through the hopper into parts ejected from the mold, visibility into the performance, health and efficiency of screws is difficult to discern for many reasons, not the least of which being the fact they’re located inside a barrel.
Enhanced Portable Diagnostic System for Press Room Automation & Operator Safety Device Analysis
Ametek Factory Automation updates its proven Gemco 1999 Semelex Safetimeter, providing better protection for factory personnel.
Upgraded Digital Charge Amplifier
New generation builds off wholly new unit launched in 2018 with faster startups and two energy paths.
Coperion Goes Remote to Upgrade Compounding Line
Project encompassed both a control software update as well as mechanical overhauls on the system.
Injection Molding: Miniature Force Sensor
New crystal at the heart of Kistler’s miniature piezoelectric force sensor.
Despite COVID-19, ERP Software Keeps Molder Working—Even from Home
ERP platform’s remote access, real-time operations overview, and transparency into production output and customer demand help custom molder weather coronavirus.
Tony Deligio
Senior Editor, Plastics Technology
Drying: Touch Controller With Industry 4.0 Communications
Control is based on an open platform and consists of a PLC with a thermocouple monitoring system.
Fast, Simple, Low-Cost Method Unveils ‘True’ Melt Temperature
Long a mystery to injection molders, actual temperature of melt entering the mold is said to be revealed by an easy procedure that is repeatable and takes less than a minute.
Coping with Coronavirus: What If You Can’t Get a Tech Service Visit?
‘Social distancing’ for service technicians? Online remote servicing to the rescue!
Extrusion: Control System for Wire, Cable
System allows producers to maximize throughput while maintaining tolerances.
Injection Molding: Pressure Transducer Enables Accurate Measurements at Low Pressures and High Temperatures
TrueMelt pressure transducers can provide accurate measurements for processes with pressures below 500 psi and temperatures above 300 F.
Injection Molding: Artificial Intelligence Predicts Part Quality
AI software “learns” via DOE the influence of process variables on part quality and applies that “learning” to make good/bad part determination in production.
Melt-Temperature Measurement Shows New Potential for Monitoring & Control
Unique melt-measurement system provides new types of data for quality and process control. A new version is coming soon.
Matthew Naitove
Executive Editor, Plastics Technology
Feeding/Blending: Controller Offers Connectivity & User Friendliness
Controllers for upstream volumetric mixers and dosing stations feature touch screen with extended recipe storage and management, among other features.
Learn from Injection Molding’s Thought Leaders: Register Now for Molding 2020
The world’s premier injection molding technical conference comes to Chicago, March 17-19.
How Can Molders Achieve Effective Process Monitoring?
You have developed a proper process; now you need to monitor that process to ensure its stability through a run.
Extrusion: Modular Control System for Blown Film
System can be installed on new line or on a retrofit basis to improve quality and cut resin costs.
Injection Molding: Tiny Cavity-Pressure Sensor Shrinks Further
Kistler’s ultra-compact sensor gets even smaller.
Injection Molding: Making Melt Temperature A Useful Tool for Process Control
Portable, standalone data monitor replaces a laptop. Newest system uses melt thermal data to signal injection fill-to-pack switchover.
Five Ways SPC Can Improve Performance
Statistical process control (SPC) can help plastics processors determine the factors responsible for product quality variation and provide a roadmap for improving the production process.
Auxiliaries: Full Suite of Products on Hand at K for Moretto
Drying, feeding, blending, cooling and conveying displays at K for Italian supplier of auxiliary equipment.
Hot Runners: Multi-Tip Nozzle For Vertical Gating, Process Monitoring and LSR Cold Runner
At K 2019, Ewikon will unveil a new nozzle range for vertical multi gating, process monitoring tech and a cold runner for LSR molding.
To Succeed in Manufacturing, Focus on Your People First
It’s not easy being a custom injection molder in the NYC metro area. For Natech Plastics, the key is developing employees’ skills and commitment.
Processors Taking Pragmatic Approach to Industry 4.0
Recent survey reveals that processors evaluate any new technology—including Industry 4.0—by its contribution to improving operations and shop-floor productivity.
Agr International Adds PET Bottle Line Optimization Services
Agr’s new Process Performance and Optimization Group can provide production-line auditing and optimization planning, as well as job-specific services such as recipe design and startup assistance.
Pelletizing: Extrusion Control System Extended to Pelletizing
First unit in place at a rotomolder for recycling scrap.
