pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S04 - Injection Molding and Molds
Oral Presentation
 
 

In-Mold Sensor Concept to calculate process-specific Rheological Properties

Pacher Gernot Alois (1)*, Berger Gerald Roman (2), Friesenbichler Walter (2), Gruber Dieter Paul (1), Macher Johannes (1)

(1) Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH - Leoben - Austria, (2) Chair of Injection Molding of Polymers, Montanuniversitaet Leoben - Leoben - Austria

To gain extended knowledge on the rheological behavior of polymer melts during filling phase of the injection molding process, an injection mold with complex sensor technology was developed. Three triple-combined FOS MTPS408 cavity sensors (FOS Messtechnik GmbH) are aligned along the flow path of a plate-shaped cavity. Each sensor features an infrared detector, a type K thermocouple, and a piezo-electric pressure detector. This configuration enables the local and transient recording of melt temperature, mold temperature and cavity pressure near gate, part center and end of part simultaneously. The local filling velocities are determined by evaluating the differing times of the rising edges of the IR and piezo response curves. In combination with the pressure drop along the flow path, process-specific viscosities can be calculated. Moreover, the used injection mold is equipped with RHCM technologies to additionally influence the mold surface temperature and hence the filling of the cavity. The specimens are plate-shaped parts having cut-outs and ribs similar to geometries found in numerous industrial applications such as cover panels. The application of this in-mold sensor concept provides novel possibilities for the systematic in-line analysis and evaluation of process-parameters in injection molding. Further studies will be carried out to connect the process-specific properties to the specimen morphology; aiming at controlling morphology by adjusting process parameters.