Cavity Pressure Sensors for More Transparency in Composite Production

Monitoring, open- and closed-loop control of RTM and SMC processes

Kistler: The large-scale repeatable production of lightweight structures is a key technology for the future mobility. The production of lightweight components and composite structural parts is a challenge for process monitoring and quality assurance. Kistler’s new special sensor for Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is the key to optimizing the processing of crosslinking molding compounds for polymer lightweight applications in automotive and aeronautical engineering.

The sensor Type 6161AA… measures cavity pressure levels of up to 200 bar and is therefore ideal for industrial applications, particularly for monitoring, open- and closed-loop control of RTM processes, high pressure RTM (HP-RTM) and SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) processes involving pressure levels of up to 150 bar. Typical application examples are the recognition of filling errors or the control of cascade filling processes via several gates. Other applications for the new sensors include processing of low-viscosity polymers such as liquid silicone (LSR) and elastomers. In addition to pressure measuring, the sensor is also suitable for measuring the vacuum in the evacuated cavity. This way, this sensor records the condition of the relevant process.

About the Kistler Group
The Swiss-based Kistler Group is a leading global supplier of dynamic measurement technology for pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler’s technology is used to analyze physical processes, control industrial processes and optimize product quality.

Kistler has a full range of sensors, electronics and systems for engine development, vehicle technology, assem-bly technology, plastic and metal processing as well as for biomechanics.

The Group maintains its global presence through 28 sales and manufacturing companies, with tech centers on all continents and more than 30 agencies, enabling the Group to maintain local contact with customers and offer individualized application support.
The Kistler Group employs 1 200 people and generated revenues of CHF 279 million in 2012.