Inline thermography is a process for identifying quality variations, shot for shot, associated with the regulation of temperature control when tolerances are exceeded. This makes it possible to avoid rejects and ensure stable parts quality.
This “quality assurance in the hot state” is achieved by recording surface temperatures of an injection molded part with a thermographic camera immediately after the ejection process. For this purpose, a robot presents the part to the camera in various positions immediately after ejection. Then the integrated software evaluates the thermal images. Deviations from the ideal original data are calculated and segment-dependent corrections are sent to the cooling circuits of the mold via the WITTMANN FLOWCON flow regulation unit connected to it.
Advantages:- External temperature measurement on the ejected component
- Permanently optimized cycle times through consistent tempering
- Improvement in production start-up
- Reduction in start-up scrap
- Sustainable quality improvement due to even temperature distribution
- Rejects due to tempering errors are detected immediately
- IR camera is able to scan large areas and detect critical points
- Ability to have mold servicing carried out in good time due to statistical process monitoring
- Thermal image is an important process parameter
The technology can be acquired both for a new machine and as a package for retrofitting. There are two versions available: - Open loop version: to display thermal images and short shots incl. usable signal for good / bad part selection without mold temperature control
- Closed loop version: to display thermal images incl. usable signal for good / bad part selection and incl. mold temperature control.
The technology has been developed in cooperation with the SKZ, Würzburg. |
