Inline sensor technology in injection molding: Moldsonics live at ENGEL & Smart Plastify
What no one could see before, we are now making visible
Making hidden data visible - directly in the plasticizing cylinder.
Last week, the machine acceptance of the Smart Plastify system took place at ENGEL in Schwertberg. In the course of this, we were also able to hand over our Moldsonics sensor system and successfully put it into operation. In the center: SonicScan, the new sensor system from Moldsonics, mounted on the protective grid on the right above the plasticizing unit.
For the first time, SonicScan delivers live data directly from the screw flights - inline, contact-free and without influencing the process.
Innovation in action: Our experience at ENGEL
What sensors have we supplied?
At Smart Plastify, it's all about energy-efficient melting in injection moldingß. According to Sebastian Pütter , Smart Plastify technology— specifically with the internally heated screw – up to 30 % in energy savings.
To also demonstrate how the melting behavior and homogeneitytpolymer melt ä, we have installed a sensor system on the plant that is unique worldwide:
- Inline measurement of the degree of melting in the individual screw flights
- Analysis of the Homogeneity of the polymer melt at the nozzle flange
- Most completeäcompletely contactless and process-neutral
The special feature: SonicScan can be used to determine how the screw temperature affects the quality of the plastic melt - directly during the plasticizing process.
Why this is important: Lessons learned from the project
It's clear: The less energy is used, the better fitthe environment, resources, and cost-effectiveness. At the same time, in the highly competitiveäprecision plastic processing, it must be ensured that the components meet all requirementsü. The qualityäpolymer melt is a decisive factor in this regard.
Our aim is therefore to use sensor technology to ensure that the melt quality is maintained despite reduced energy input during melting.äquality is maintained - and deviations can be detected immediately.öcan be detected immediately.
- Immediate quality control of the plastic melt
- Early detection of deviations
- Reduction of rejects and material waste
- Energy efficiency with verifiability
The result: a step towards digital üsustainable and reproducible plastics processing.
What happens next: The nextänext milestone
The system enters theäon its journey to its destination - to the Smart Demonstration Factory Siegen (SDFS Smarte Demonstrationsfabrik Siegen GmbH).
After commissioning, theßt is then forüfor Sebastian Pütter: measure, analyze, evaluate . and we at Moldsonics will, of course, support him in this.äof course continue toäactively supportüsupport.
In the future, there will also beßalso möbe possible for external interested parties to use the facility.öuse the system. So if you are interested in the topic and would like to see for yourself, please contact us.öyourself, please contact Sebastian or me directly.
And as a little bonus: We're planning to include injection molding as wellwithmold with our ultrasonic sensors. This will allow us toinin the future, the entire process – from plasticizing to demolding – bebeanalyzed throughout the process using our sensor technology.
Sensors that turn data into value.
Thanks to Smart Plastify forüfor the strong cooperation and trust!
