Mold surface temperature measuring system

Advantages of introduction

Reduction of abandoned shots

By using data to back up the state from the start of molding until the mold temperature stabilizes, we can minimize waste shots, which reduces the amount of wasted resin and also reduces the environmental impact.
For example, even in a workplace where it has traditionally been the case that 30 shots are discarded after the start of molding, if actual measurement data can confirm that the mold temperature is sufficiently stable after 15 shots, it is possible to reduce the number of discarded shots.
This is expected to improve productivity by shortening cycle time, reduce material costs and disposal costs, and also suppress variations in the quality of molded products by constantly monitoring the stable state of the mold temperature.

• Molding conditions

  Mold product size: 70×40
  Resin: PP
  Temperature controlling machine setting temperature: 40˚C (cartridge heater)

  What can be read from the measured waveform

  • ・ The cavity surface temperature as of before arrival of resin increased by 4.3˚C from 42.3˚C to 46.6˚C in 10 shots from the start.
  • ・ A temperature difference of 2.3 to 6.6°C was observed between the temperature set on the mold temperature controller and the temperature measured by the mold surface temperature sensor.
  

Features

Mold temperatures measured with a mold surface temperature sensor can be displayed in real time as waveforms using commercially available measuring devices or data loggers, etc. This can be used to improve the quality and productivity of molded products by determining the optimal temperature setting for resin solidification, reducing waste shots at the start of molding, evaluating mold temperature control, and checking the temperature distribution for each cavity when molding using a multi-cavity mold.

In addition, by connecting the mold surface temperature sensor to the injection molding monitoring system "MVS08," it is possible to simultaneously measure not only mold temperature but also resin pressure, resin temperature, and mold opening.

• Measurement waveform of mold surface temperature

  

Measurement principle

The mold surface temperature sensor is equipped with a temperature-detecting contact within 1 mm from its tip. The sensor is installed flush with the cavity surface and measures the temperature at a point 1 mm inside the mold from the cavity surface.

Types of sensors

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  Mold surface temperature sensor
  STF

  • As a sensor for injection molding mold, the product boasts a rigid design that withstands a mold temperature of up to 220˚C and resin pressure of up to 150 MPa.
  • Since a K-type thermocouple is used, measurement can be performed with general-purpose temperature measuring instruments or data loggers, allowing for low-cost implementation.
  • With the minimum tip diameter of φ1, the product can also be applied to small-size mold products.
• 

  Mold surface temperature sensor adapter cable

  • Since a dedicated K-type thermocouple connector is used, attaching and detaching the sensor does not affect measurement accuracy.
  • As the adapter cable can be separated from the sensor incorporated in the mold at the connector, the adapter cable can be repetitively used.