Software Reduces Injection-Moulding Defects
Mold-Align is a tool from Sensor Products that helps improve yields and reduce defects in the injection-moulding process. When placed between mould halves, it changes colour to reveal how pressure is being distributed between the A and B halves of the mould. Traditional methods such as bluing agents do not work with the same precision or resolution as Mold-Align, according to Sensor Products.
Bluing agents, when applied to one half of the mould, will transfer to the other if there is any contact at the parting line, but will not distinguish between high and low pressures. Quality suffers and production time may be lost due to improper troubleshooting of flash, shorts, burns and so on. With Mold-Align, the process is said to be quick and simple. It is placed between platens on the parting line, which are then subjected to pressure upon clamp closing using minimal clamp tonnage.
It is then removed and the image inspected for pressure distribution and void spots. Adjustments, if needed, are then be made to the platens to achieve alignment, open vents or repair mould damage. Properly mating parting lines and aligned platens reduce machine wear and improve quality. Mold-Align may be archived and used as a control for comparative purposes.
Bluing agents, when applied to one half of the mould, will transfer to the other if there is any contact at the parting line, but will not distinguish between high and low pressures. Quality suffers and production time may be lost due to improper troubleshooting of flash, shorts, burns and so on. With Mold-Align, the process is said to be quick and simple. It is placed between platens on the parting line, which are then subjected to pressure upon clamp closing using minimal clamp tonnage.
It is then removed and the image inspected for pressure distribution and void spots. Adjustments, if needed, are then be made to the platens to achieve alignment, open vents or repair mould damage. Properly mating parting lines and aligned platens reduce machine wear and improve quality. Mold-Align may be archived and used as a control for comparative purposes.
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