PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING THE SUITABILITY OF A SHAPING TOOL

Abstract

Method for checking the suitability of a moulding tool for a defined moulding process includes providing an electronic dataset in which each of different features of a moulding tool has a range of possible values; selecting a feature of the electronic dataset as a characterizing feature; establishing an identity of the moulding tool by at least one value of the value range of the characterizing feature, wherein a moulding tool to be checked is regarded as identical to the moulding tool precisely when the established value is present in relation to the characterizing feature; providing an electronic tool dataset including a plurality of different features; allocating the electronic tool dataset to the moulding tool with the established identity by a computing unit; and checking the electronic tool dataset with the computing unit in relation to the suitability of a moulding tool with the established identity in the defined moulding process.

Claims

1. A method for checking the suitability of a moulding tool for a defined moulding process, using a computing unit, comprising at least the following steps: a. providing an electronic dataset, comprising a plurality of different features of a moulding tool, in an electronic memory, wherein each feature of the plurality of different features has a range of possible values b. selecting at least one feature of the electronic dataset as a characterizing feature by means of a computing unit, which can be brought into a data-transferring connection with the electronic memory c. establishing an identity of the moulding tool using at least one value of the value range of the at least one characterizing feature, wherein a moulding tool to be checked is regarded as identical to the moulding tool if the established at least one value (NUM, ALPHA) is present in relation to the at least one characterizing feature d. providing or creating an electronic tool dataset for the moulding tool by means of a computing unit, wherein the electronic tool dataset comprises a plurality of different features e. allocating the electronic tool dataset to the moulding tool with the established identity by means of a computing unit f. checking the electronic tool dataset by means of a computing unit in relation to the suitability of a moulding tool with the established identity in the defined moulding process.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the creation of the electronic tool dataset for the moulding tool is effected using, preferably in the form of, the provided electronic dataset.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, as a function of the checking of the electronic tool dataset in relation to the suitability of the moulding tool with the established identity in the defined moulding process, an adaptation of at least one feature of the electronic tool dataset is carried out, with the result that an adapted electronic tool dataset is obtained for the moulding tool with the established identity.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of checking the electronic tool dataset by means of a computing unit in relation to the suitability of the moulding tool with the established identity in the defined moulding process is repeated with the adapted electronic tool dataset.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein apossibly adaptedelectronic tool dataset obtained for a particular first moulding tool in combination with a first moulding machine is used for further second moulding tools and/or second moulding machines, which agree with respect to the identity determined in step c.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the value ranges of the plurality of different features of the provided electronic dataset are discrete or continuous and/or include alphanumeric characters.

7. A computer program product, which, when executed, prompts a computing unit to perform the method according to claim 1.

8. A computer program product, which, when executed, prompts a computing unit: to access an electronic dataset stored in an electronic memory, wherein the electronic dataset comprises a plurality of different features of a moulding tool and each feature of the plurality of different features has a range of possible values to select at least one feature of the electronic dataset as a characterizing feature as a function of an algorithm or as a function of an input of an operator to establish an identity of the moulding tool by means of a value of the value range of the at least one characterizing feature, wherein a moulding tool to be checked is regarded as identical to the moulding tool precisely when the established at least one value is present in relation to the at least one characterizing feature.

9. A computer program product, which, when executed, prompts a computing unit: to create an electronic tool dataset for a moulding tool, wherein the electronic tool dataset comprises a plurality of different features, and to allocate the electronic tool dataset to an identity of the moulding tool established by means of according to the computer program product of claim 8.

10. A computer program product, which, when executed, prompts a computing unit to check an electronic tool dataset created or provided according to the computer program product of claim 9 in relation to the suitability of a moulding tool with the established identity in the defined moulding process.

11. A moulding machine comprising a machine control system configured to carry out the method according to claim 1.

12. A moulding machine according to claim 11, wherein the machine control system has access to a computer program product stored in a local electronic memory of the machine control system, or a data-transferring connection can be made to a remote electronic memory via a network.

13. A computer program product, which, when executed, prompts a computing unit: to create an electronic tool dataset for a moulding tool, wherein the electronic tool dataset comprises a plurality of different features, and to allocate a provided electronic tool dataset to an identity (ID) of the moulding tool established according to the computer program product of claim 8.

14. A computer program product, which, when executed, prompts a computing unit to check an electronic tool dataset created or provided according to the computer program product of claim 13 in relation to the suitability of a moulding tool with the established identity in the defined moulding process.

Description

[0161] Embodiment examples of the invention are discussed with reference to the figures. There are shown in:

[0162] FIGS. 1a-c the sequence of a method according to the invention

[0163] FIG. 2 the definition of permitted and prohibited ranges for a process setting

[0164] FIG. 3 an iterative method

[0165] FIG. 4 a further embodiment example of a method according to the invention

[0166] FIG. 1a shows the steps a c of a method according to the invention for checking the suitability of a moulding tool for a defined moulding process, using a computing unit 2. In order to prompt the computing unit 2 to carry out steps a-c, a first computer program product can be provided.

[0167] In step a, an electronic dataset 1 is provided, comprising a plurality of different features (here with N features) of a moulding tool, in an electronic memory 3, wherein each feature of the plurality of different features has a range of possible values NUM, ALPHA. By way of example, the electronic dataset 1 in FIG. 1 has the following features, among other features:

TABLE-US-00001 Number Feature: Code designation: Unit: 1 Metering volume V, CAVITY cubic metres 2 Maximum flow length L, FLOW LENGTH metres 3 Maximum pressure P, MAX Pa occurring . . . . . . . . . . . . N-2 Material class MATERIAL CLASS N-1 Curve progression of pINJ Pa and the injection pressure seconds in the injection phase N Curve progression of pPACK Pa and the injection pressure seconds in the holding-pressure phase

[0168] It may be noted that those features, the value ranges of which are dimensionless, thus have no units (cf. above the feature with number N-2, for example), can also be used, of course.

[0169] In step b, at least one feature (here, by way of example, the three features with the numbers 1, 3 and N-2) of the electronic dataset 1 is selected as a characterizing feature by means of a computing unit 2, which is brought into a data-transferring connection with the electronic memory 3.

[0170] In step c, an identity ID of the moulding tool is established using a value NUM, ALPHA of the value range of the at least one characterizing feature (here: 1:NUM; 3:NUM; N-2; ALPHA), wherein a moulding tool to be checked is regarded as identical to the moulding tool precisely when the established at least one value NUM, ALPHA is present in relation to the at least one characterizing feature.

[0171] FIG. 1b shows the steps d and e of a method according to the invention for checking the suitability of a moulding tool for a defined moulding process, using a computing unit 2. In order to prompt the computing unit 2 to carry out steps d and e, a second computer program product can be provided.

[0172] In step d, an electronic tool dataset 4 for the moulding tool is created by means of a computing unit 2, wherein the electronic tool dataset 4 comprises a plurality of different features. The electronic tool dataset 4 is stored in the electronic memory 3.

[0173] In step e, the electronic tool dataset 4 is allocated to the moulding tool with the established identity ID by means of a computing unit 2. This allocation is stored in the electronic memory 3.

[0174] FIG. 1c shows the step f of a method according to the invention for checking the suitability of a moulding tool for a defined moulding process, using a computing unit 2. In order to prompt the computing unit 2 to carry out step f, a third computer program product can be provided.

[0175] In step f, the electronic tool dataset 4 is checked by means of a computing unit 2 in relation to the suitability of a moulding tool with the established identity ID in the defined moulding process. For this purpose, the computing unit 2 has access to the electronic memory 3, in which the electronic tool dataset 4 provided with the identity ID and data 5 defining the moulding process are stored. A notification 6 is issued as the result of the check.

[0176] Instead of a first, a second and a third computer program product, a single computer program product can be provided, which prompts the computing unit 2 to carry out steps a-f.

[0177] FIG. 2 shows by way of example the definition of permitted and prohibited ranges for a process setting (here: injection profile).

[0178] FIG. 3 shows schematically how, in response to the creation of an identity ID of a moulding tool on the basis of an injection moulding simulation and a subsequent use of the allocated permitted/prohibited ranges on a real moulding machine, the renewed allocation of the obtained data of the real moulding process to the identity ID is effected. In this cycle, the identity can optionally be augmented or adapted.

[0179] FIG. 4 shows how prohibited I permitted ranges already determined in a step f for a particular first moulding tool in combination with a first moulding machine are used for further fourth moulding tools and/or fourth moulding machines, which agree with respect to the identity determined in a step c according to the above definitions. Further second/third tool datasets of second/third moulding tools, which agree with respect to the ID determined in step c, can be allocated to this ID and used for further calculations.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Moulding tool: Moulding tool operating procedure, core puller sequence, moulding tool opening schedule Closed state/maintenance interval Moulding tool assembly dimensions - moulding tool geometry (overall height, . . .) Moulding tool quality criteria - maintenance information Moulding tool mass Moulding tool inspection plan (geometry, clearance, completeness, . . . maintenance) ~checklist --> optionally contain information on the operating plan, bearing in mind temperature control, care instructions Moulding tool storage and preservation strategy e.g.: instruction at the end: spray with corrosion protection Guidelines for moulding tool care/maintenance Minimum opening stroke Last service - dependent on the maintenance policy Sprue system hot runner/cold runner Moulding tool ambient conditions - e.g. ambient temperature, cleanroom, air conditioning, . . . Ventilation Sprue type, sprue and gate dimensions, Equipment/moulding tool size Centring diameter of the fixed platen (FAP) and of the movable platen (BAP) Number of shots carried out Moulding tool fixing system - moulding machine equipment Special treatments/care instruction, e.g.: special lubricants for high temperatures Quick coupling systems, . . . Impression depth, finish, surface roughness; Moulding tool material (alloy, . . .) State of wear measurements - moulding tool reference state Definition assembly situation Serial number Material: Material - type(s), number, dryer, liner, processing temperatures, safety data sheet, additives (GF, . . .) Cavity: Shot volume, moulded part mass/shot weight Number of cavities Demoulding behaviour, also sprue Pressures and temperatures in the cavity Projected surface area Sensor plan Moulded part: Inserts - how many, how large, how positioned, . . . Robot removal position Geometry - 3D data, fill data, . . . Moulded part geometry, incl. sprue position Moulded part coding e.g. laser, polymer additives Ejector system: Ejector operating mode Type, thread of the coupling Bar ejector system - drawing Nozzle: Nozzle diameter - in the case of extended nozzles Nozzle radius Connection - e.g. special thread Design - shut-off nozzle/open Nozzle bore Special and extended nozzle - drawing Where appropriate heat output and zone allocation Core pullers: Number Design, type Limit switch configuration, limit switch connections, cables Temperature control: Temperature control schedule Temperature control media Bracket possibility Demoulding temperature Temperature control devices - type, number Type and number of pipes Number and type (e.g. DM) of media connections Hot runner: Hot runner needle valve nozzles - type, max. activation pressure Where appropriate cascade control Start-up circuit, automatic start-up system, boost function, during start-up e.g. +15 C., Number, performance of heating zones, type and configuration of connectors, thermal sensor, data for balancing Allocation, - here nozzles, here distributors . . . Electrical diagram Hot runner geometry Compressed-air connections: Air valve type - size, pressure Special equipment: e.g. turntable, index plate, . . . Moulding tool-specific peripherals Process: Limitations e.g. injection pressure, clamping force (min./max.), . . . Sequence (diagram) Nominal cycle time Relevant injection parameters e.g. third-party moulding machines; from sampling Start-up and switch-off information Data: Most up-to-date part dataset, i.e. including process settings (e.g. for each material which can be processed with this moulding tool) Machine dataset (current regulator settings, etc.) Setting datasets of the peripheral devices Assistance systems and the setting parameters thereof and/or results and/or models Moulded part Photo(s) of the component, photos of errors to be quality criteria: expected, important dimensions, Moulded part properties and limits, frequency of testing e.g. inline test every 4 h Mechanical properties, functions, structural properties --> relevant to demoulding of the ribs Physicochemical properties Surface properties, colour specifications Aesthetic, organoleptic properties Simulation data: For calculating pressures used, pressure curves, temperatures, times, . . . Cavities, filling simulation, filling patterns

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0180] 1 electronic dataset [0181] 2 computing unit [0182] 3 electronic memory [0183] 4 electronic tool dataset [0184] 5 data defining a moulding process [0185] 6 notification [0186] NUM numeric value [0187] ALPHA value in the form of a name