A hot runner process controller configured to monitor the status and operation of a hot runner system to autonomously generate information to improve the quality of injection molding process of a hot runner system having an inlet nozzle, one or more manifolds and one or more nozzles with actuator or without actuator, and one or more heating elements, the hot runner process controller is self-operating, and independent from the injection molding machine, includes: one or more sensors located on, in or at the hot runner system to detect the status and/or the operation of the hot runner system, and a processing unit and a memory. The processing unit is connected to the one or more sensors, wherein the memory stores data and program codes. The processing unit is configured to load and execute the program code to compare sensor information with the stored data and to determine if the hot runner system is in an operable status, and in case the hot runner system is in an operable status, configured to generate status information to activate the one or more heating elements and/or the one or more actuators enabling a production operation of the injection molding machine. In case the hot runner system is not in an operable status, configured to generate status information to deactivate the one or more heating elements and/or close or deactivate the one or more actuators disabling a production operation of the injection molding machine.

A hot runner process controller configured to monitor the status and operation of a hot runner system to autonomously generate information to improve the quality of injection molding process of a hot runner system having an inlet nozzle, one or more manifolds and one or more nozzles with actuator or without actuator, and one or more heating elements, the hot runner process controller is self-operating, and independent from the injection molding machine, includes: one or more sensors located on, in or at the hot runner system to detect the status and/or the operation of the hot runner system, and a processing unit and a memory. The processing unit is connected to the one or more sensors, wherein the memory stores data and program codes. The processing unit is configured to load and execute the program code to compare sensor information with the stored data and to determine if the hot runner system is in an operable status, and in case the hot runner system is in an operable status, configured to generate status information to activate the one or more heating elements and/or the one or more actuators enabling a production operation of the injection molding machine. In case the hot runner system is not in an operable status, configured to generate status information to deactivate the one or more heating elements and/or close or deactivate the one or more actuators disabling a production operation of the injection molding machine.

An apparatus, system, and method of forming a mold insert for an injection molding operation, comprising: providing a design of an injection mold part; analyzing, by a predictive model, the design to determine a conformal cooling arrangement for a mold insert for forming the injection mold part; and forming the mold insert including the conformal cooling arrangement.

An apparatus, system, and method of forming a mold insert for an injection molding operation, comprising: providing a design of an injection mold part; analyzing, by a predictive model, the design to determine a conformal cooling arrangement for a mold insert for forming the injection mold part; and forming the mold insert including the conformal cooling arrangement.

A method for operating a device to produce a product includes capturing at least one quality data record that includes measured values of one or more quality parameters that each correspond to one property of the product. The method captures at least one associated machine data record including actual values of several adjustable machine parameters of the device, chronologically assigns the quality data record to the machine data record, and generates a first data record comprising chronologically-correlated measured values and actual values. The preceding steps are repeated at least once to generate at least one second data record. A correlation is determined between the quality parameter(s) and the machine parameter(s). The method provides a corresponding target value for at least one of the adjustable machine parameters on the basis of the control model, proceeding from a target value of the quality parameter(s).

Disclosed is a system and a related method for regulating a temperature in a shooting pot associated with an injection molding machine. The structure includes, amongst other things, a cooling circuit and thermocouple proximate a plunger entry end of the shooting pot as well as a cooling adjustment unit for controlling an amount of cooling provided by the cooling fluid. In operation a controller coupled with the cooling adjustment unit and the thermocouple controls the cooling adjustment unit based on a temperature reading associated with the thermocouple.

Disclosed is a system and a related method for regulating a temperature in a shooting pot associated with an injection molding machine. The structure includes, amongst other things, a cooling circuit and thermocouple proximate a plunger entry end of the shooting pot as well as a cooling adjustment unit for controlling an amount of cooling provided by the cooling fluid. In operation a controller coupled with the cooling adjustment unit and the thermocouple controls the cooling adjustment unit based on a temperature reading associated with the thermocouple.

An extruder for polymeric materials, includes: a hollow extrusion cylinder, having an inlet for receiving pellets of polymeric material, and an outlet for expelling molten polymeric material; an extruder screw connected to a motor to rotate inside the extrusion cylinder and to move the polymeric material from the inlet to the outlet; heaters coupled to the extrusion cylinder; a sensor system configured to measure values of a recipe parameter and of a monitoring parameter; a processing unit, programmed to store a target value for the recipe parameter and to perform a feedback control to bring the recipe parameter to the target value and to keep it at the target value.

A system is disclosed for micro-molding articles. The system melts and pre-pressurizes thermoplastic material to a first level, within a plasticizing barrel. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to a second level, within a hot runner. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to an ultra-cavity packing pressure within a valve gate nozzle.

A system is disclosed for micro-molding articles. The system melts and pre-pressurizes thermoplastic material to a first level, within a plasticizing barrel. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to a second level, within a hot runner. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to an ultra-cavity packing pressure within a valve gate nozzle.