Project

Injection molding is a complex process whose fine tuning to ensure desirable qualities depends on several critical interrelated parameters. Any change in the injection molding variables during the fabrication process, such as temperature and pressure in the machine, mold temperature and pressure, mold cooling temperature, backpressure, screw rotation speed etc. might affect the final quality of the generated parts.

Several approaches are currently used to control the injection process. Most of them are based on the sensorization of critical steps of the process. For instance, it is well known that the pressure in the mold during the injection is a very good indicator of the quality of the final part. Then, it is common to place a pressure sensor in the mold to characterize the pressure curve that leads to a good quality. This permits to determine whether the quality of the piece is acceptable before opening the mold, allowing a fully automation.  Other approaches locate a Near Infra Red (NIR) sensor in the nozzle to monitor among others, the colour concentration and the material degradation.

Des-MOLD aims at creating a new generation of knowledge-based engineering systems for added-value injection molding and process control optimization at the design time, directly transferable and usable by the European Tool Makers community and thermoplastic injection companies. The innovating outcomes resulting from this project will contribute to the optimization of the European plastic manufacturing industry, having a direct economic impact on the expected final product: molded plastic parts.