Accueil/Industries et domaines d’application/Domaines d’application/Surveillance et contrôle du moulage par injection/Predictive maintenance and mold monitoring in injection molding
Les outils de précision tels que les moules d'injection nécessitent une maintenance prédictive.

Sensors for predictive maintenance in injection molding

Mold monitoring

Do you know the condition of your injection mold?

The injection mold is the most important resource in the injection molding process, because it is usually impossible to replace. Damage inevitably leads to a production stoppage that can put the supply chain at risk. This is why predictive maintenance is so very important. At present, this type of maintenance is controlled depending on time intervals or production quantities, forcing users to maintain their molds more often than necessary so as to ensure production capability in all cases. Sensors placed intelligently in the mold can be used to monitor the operational status of the tool (mold monitoring). Objective measurement data provides a reliable basis to allow extended maintenance intervals.

We offer you a unique range of sensors for specific applications:

Les capteurs de température 6198A de Kistler pour les moules à injection permettent de surveiller l'état du système de régulation de la température.
Mold temperature sensors
Mold temperature sensors offer a simple way to monitor actual mold temperatures at reasonable cost.
Les capteurs d'émission acoustique de Kistler utilisés pour la maintenance prédictive permettent de déterminer l'état d'usure du moule d'injection.
Acceleration and structure-borne sound (AE) sensors
The mechanical elements of an injection mold (such as sliders and guides) can be monitored effectively with structure-borne sound sensors: the acoustic emission (AE) changes in the worn condition.
Strain gauges and strain sensors measure the surface strain – and also, therefore, the strain in the tool structure. A change in the measurement signal indicates wear or deformation of the supporting assemblies in the injection mold.
Strain sensors
Strain gauges and strain sensors measure the surface strain – and also, therefore, the strain in the tool structure. A change in the measurement signal indicates wear or deformation of the supporting assemblies in the injection mold.
Distance sensors
Distance sensors
Optical or inductive distance sensors detect changes in the interaction between the mold plates. This can be impaired due to contamination or wear, and may lead to issues such as flash on the molded part.
Kistler recommande les capteurs de force 90x1C pour suivre la force d'éjection du moule d'injection à des fins de surveillance du moule.
Force sensors
As an alternative to strain gauges, a force sensor can also be used – for example, to measure the ejection forces.

Temperature management of injection molds – mold monitoring with temperature sensors

Pour contrôler la température du moule lors de sa surveillance, Kistler propose des capteurs de température spécifiques.

Alongside pressure, temperature is one of the most important process values in the injection molding process. To ensure controlled and reproducible dissipation of the heat from the mold, injection molds are kept within a narrow temperature range: this is achieved by a temperature control medium (usually water) and a temperature control device. Different temperatures may also be necessary in one tool.

A maintenance intervention is indicated if the flow of the medium through the temperature control channels in the mold is impeded and the heat transfer to the tool wall is restricted (by deposits, for example). A simple and cost-effective temperature sensor placed in the mold enables prompt detection of malfunctions in this complex system. 

Force flow and deformations in the injection mold – mold monitoring with strain sensors

Les capteurs de contrainte de Kistler permettent de détecter les déformations du moule d'injection à un stade précoce.

The injection mold is a highly loaded system consisting of a very large number of components. It must withstand the high injection pressures in the projected surface of the molded part and, in turn, is compressed by the clamping force of the injection molding machine. This system of forces requires a very rigid and balanced tool structure. 

Any deformations lead to increased wear of the moving components and attrition of the sensitive parting line. Installing strain sensors helps to detect gradual changes so costly damage and downtime can be avoided.

The injection mold ejector – mold monitoring with force sensors

La maintenance prédictive basée sur la mesure de la force de l'injecteur permet de détecter les dépôts dans la cavité.

Contamination can cause ejectors to become sluggish or jam. Measuring the ejector force provides information about the ejector's condition so conclusions can be drawn about the presence of deposits in the cavity, which would then require cleaning. 

Other applications for force measurement in the tool include monitoring of support plates or sliders. 

Monitoring of inserts during overmolding – mold monitoring with distance sensors

Pour garantir le positionnement correct de l'insert, il est recommandé de surveiller le moule pendant le moulage de l'insert.

Overmolding of inserts is a common procedure in injection molding. It is essential to monitor whether the insert was placed correctly so the tool is not damaged if (for example) melt penetrates functional areas of the mold. Optical or inductive sensors can be used for monitoring. 

Besoin d'une consultation ?

Nos experts sont à portée de clic.