A monitoring device of an injection molding machine includes: an acquisition unit that acquires, based on a measured value in a depressurizing process from a detection unit provided in a link member of a toggle mechanism, an amount of change generated in the link member; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the amount of change acquired by the acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a true shear viscosity profile of a molding material in a capillary and a molding system performing the same. The method includes the operations of: determining a setpoint temperature of the molding material before injecting into the capillary; obtaining an initial shear viscosity profile at the setpoint temperature with respect to a shear rate of the molding material; fitting an initial temperature profile with respect to the shear rate according to the initial shear viscosity based on Cross William-Landel-Ferry model; fitting a first shear viscosity profile and a first temperature profile with respect to the shear rate according to the initial temperature profile based on the Cross-WLF model; and setting the first shear viscosity profile as the true shear viscosity profile when a difference between the first temperature profile and the initial temperature profile is not greater than a threshold.

The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a true shear viscosity profile of a molding material in a capillary and a molding system performing the same. The method includes the operations of: determining a setpoint temperature of the molding material before injecting into the capillary; obtaining an initial shear viscosity profile at the setpoint temperature with respect to a shear rate of the molding material; fitting an initial temperature profile with respect to the shear rate according to the initial shear viscosity based on Cross William-Landel-Ferry model; fitting a first shear viscosity profile and a first temperature profile with respect to the shear rate according to the initial temperature profile based on the Cross-WLF model; and setting the first shear viscosity profile as the true shear viscosity profile when a difference between the first temperature profile and the initial temperature profile is not greater than a threshold.

Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

A misalignment sensing system for a molding structure and a method for using same. The molding structure includes a first component and a second component, at least one of the components being selectively repositionable between a closed configuration of the mold structure and an open configuration of the mold structure. The misalignment sensing system includes an alignment member including a male portion coupled to and extending from the first component of the molding structure, and a female portion defined in the second component of the molding structure, the female portion being configured to receive the male portion when the molding structure is in a closed configuration; and at least one sensor connected to one of the male and female portions and being configured to detect a deformation of any one of the male portion and the female portion, the deformation being induced by a misalignment of the molding structure.

Non-time dependent measured variables are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

A method of monitoring and controlling a molding clamping apparatus in an injection molding or other molding process is disclosed. The method includes creating a target strain profile, receiving a deviation limit, receiving a change in strain relating to a mold while it is closing from a first strain gauge, identifying a deviation from a target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining that the deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the rate or force of clamp movement. The target strain profile may have a first portion relating to a clamp closing process, a second portion relating to a filling process, and a third portion relating to a clamp opening process. The first portion relating to the clamp closing process may include an intermediate portion relating to a coining process having an intermediate clamp force setpoint.

Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

A method is provided for facilitating a vacuum bagging operation during fabrication of a composite laminate. The method comprises applying a vacuum bag over a composite part to fabricate the composite laminate from the composite part. The method also comprises drawing a vacuum in the vacuum bag, and monitoring one or more portions of the vacuum bag for strain within the vacuum bag when the vacuum is drawn. The method further comprises manipulating the vacuum bag to even out strain within the vacuum bag.

An injection device for an injection moulding machine includes an injection drive, which is designed so as to rotate an injection spindle relative to a spindle nut, and injection slide, which is connected to the spindle nut in a rotationally rigid manner on a lateral surface and held so as to be movable along a slide guide, a guide housing, on which a plasticizing cylinder is held, a bearing housing, in which a driveshaft is rotatably supported and which is connected to the injection slide, as well as a metering drive, which is fastened on the injection slide and designed so as to rotate the driveshaft. A force measuring device is externally fastened on a force transmission component that is arranged between the bearing housing and the spindle nut and lies in the flux of force of the injection device.