In-Mold Sensors for Injection Molding: On the Way to Industry 4.0

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Industry 4.0 drives demand for data acquisition in plastic production.
• In-mold cavity data is crucial for effective manufacturing process control.
• Specialized sensors are required for accurate in-mold measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of in-mold process monitoring tools and methods.
• To survey recent developments in standard and novel sensors for injection molding.
• To address challenges in in-mold process monitoring for research and industry.

Main Methods:

• Review of established in-mold process monitoring techniques.
• Analysis of direct temperature and pressure measurement using standard and novel sensors.
• Examination of indirect parameter measurement methods (viscosity, warpage, shrinkage).

Main Results:

• Identified key standard sensors for in-mold measurements.
• Highlighted research efforts in developing unique sensor solutions.
• Covered techniques for both direct and indirect in-mold parameter monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Effective in-mold monitoring is essential for advanced injection molding.
• A combination of standard and novel sensor technologies is advancing process control.
• Further research is needed to address specific industrial monitoring challenges.