Injection Molding: Customizeable Process-Monitoring System

At NPE2018, Kistler Instrument Corp., Amherst, N.Y., showcased its latest process-monitoring system for injection molding, called ComoNeo 2.1.0. Based on cavity-pressure monitoring, it provides setup assistance, part-quality prediction, and a degree of process control. A particular feature of ComoNeo is its customizeability by the user. Molders can tailor their system with these optional functions:

• ComoNeoPREDICT: It allows model-based prediction of specified part quality based on cavity pressure and temperature profiles. Based on Stasa QC software, this function uses measured values and statistical analyses to calculate part quality in advance and to assess quality within tolerance bands.

• ComoNeoMERGE: When multiple materials are used, the system monitors and evaluates up to four components.

• ComoNeoMULTIFLOW: For multicavity molds, this option allows automatic hot-runner balancing through adjustment of individual nozzle temperatures to ensure identical flow conditions in all cavities.

• ComoNeoSWITCH: This function ensures automatic switchover from injection to holding phase at the appropriate time.

• ComoNeoCOMPOSITE: This new feature is aimed at optimizing the RTM process for long-fiber composites, using special RTM sensors from Kistler.

• ComoNeoGUARD: This function helps users define monitoring windows that enable accurate separation of good and bad parts. It is said to result in less segregation of “pseudo scrap.”

• ComoNeoRECOVER: This feature can reproduce an injection process on a different machine. The user is guided through the adaptation step by step; deviations are identified, and the software assistant suggests corrective action.

Also shown in the accompanying graphic is an option called ComoNeoRHEO, which is still in an early phase of development.