Fakuma: Tiny Sensors Target Hot Runners, Additive Manufacturing

At Fakuma (Oct. 12-16; Friedrichshafen, Germany) the Kistler Group introduced the 4004A miniature pressure sensor for hot runners and 3D printing, drawing interest from processors and machinery OEMs, according to the company. Available in mid-2022, the sensors, which have a diameter of 3 mm, will be available for three measuring ranges: 500, 1000 and 1500 bar (approx. 7200, 14,500 and 36,000 PSI). The sensor has an operating and measuring range of up to 350 C.

A Kistler spokesperson said the 4004A is a piezoresistive pressure sensor that can be deployed directly on the hot runner nozzles to ensure precise characterization of the molding processes. The sensor includes a transducer electronic datasheet (TEDS) and can be connected with as many as three additional sensors via an adapter, to create one measuring unit.

Besides the new 4004A pressure sensor, the spokesperson said Kistler featured three temperature sensors that match different mold geometries to its portfolio for quality assurance in injection molding. Thermocouples 6196A, 6197A and 6198A offer a measuring range from 0 to 400 C (32 to 752 F).

With regards to applying sensors to 3D printing, the spokesperson said machine manufacturers have a great deal of interest in monitoring or controlling the printing state in the discharge nozzle.