How can you make injection molds smart? “Smart Mold – Smart Process”: that’s the motto for the comprehensive portfolio of plastics processing solutions Kistler will showcase at Fakuma 2021 (12–16 October in Friedrichshafen, Germany). Highlights will include cavity pressure and temperature sensors, the ComoNeo 4.1 process monitoring system and the new piezoresistive miniature sensor for hot runners.
Smart injection molds are the key to sustainably optimized and transparent plastics processing – and those goals can only be achieved with the right sensor technology. Cavity pressure and temperature sensors plus a high-performance process monitoring system: a combination that achieves high levels of process transparency, opening up vast potential for optimization and enhanced cost-effectiveness. At Fakuma 2021, Kistler will showcase its complete coordinated package of solutions for smart injection molding – including many new innovations and advanced developments.
Curtain up on the best ComoNeo of all time!
Directly connected to the injection molding machine, the ComoNeo process monitoring system comes with innovative new features to help users optimize the entire molding process – including control and assistance functions, and even model-based prediction of part quality. The new ComoNeo 4.1 integrates an envelope curve function, so process curves can be monitored with no need to waste time and effort on settings. Another plus: the system is WLAN-compatible for the first time, and extended interfaces ensure secure, reliable transmission of data to the injection molding machine and other peripherals.
Preview: miniature pressure sensor for hot runners and 3D printing
Kistler is opening a new chapter in the evolution of measurement technology with a preview of its new 4004A pressure sensor for hot runner applications and additive manufacturing. With an operational and measurement range of up to +350°C, this piezoresistive sensor can now be deployed directly on the hot runner injection nozzles to ensure precise characterization of these injection molding processes. This ultra-compact sensor has a frontal diameter of only 3 mm; it includes TEDS and can be connected with as many as three additional sensors via an adapter, to create one measuring unit. The 4004A should be available as of mid-2022, with three measuring ranges: 500, 1,000 and 2,500 bar.
New sensors to monitor mold temperature
Kistler is adding three temperature sensors that match different mold geometries to its portfolio for quality assurance in injection molding. Themocouples 6196A, 6197A and 6198A feature a measuring range from 0 to 400°C; thanks to their short response times, they guarantee highly reliable detection of anomalies in mold temperature conditioning, flow fluctuations and blocked cooling channels. To optimize integration into the injection mold, these robust thermocouples are available as mineral-insulated or angle versions, and also with a bayonet cap.
Everything at a click: Kistler’s hybrid booth concept
Kistler has responded to the new location and the changed conditions for the event by adding a virtual dimension to its booth. Even if customers are not present in person at the booth, they can use a link to connect individually with one of Kistler’s experts to discuss their chosen topics – such as solutions for specific industries including medtech, special connectivity solutions or the company’s extensive product portfolio.