Unique Combined Pressure and Temperature Sensor with Front Diameter of Just 1 mm for Injection Molding

With the new combined pressure and temperature sensor Type 6188A… Kistler establishes another milestone in the miniaturization of sensors for quality assurance in the injection molding of plastics. This completely newly developed combined sensor with its front diameter of just 1 mm, measures cavity pressure and the contact temperature at the same point in the mold. Kistler will launch its new highlight on Stand 10F04 in Hall 10 at K 2010, the world-leading International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber to be held from 27 October to 3 November 2010 in Düsseldorf.

As in the established combined pressure and temperature sensors Type 6189A… with a front diameter of 2,5 mm and Type 6190CA… with 4 mm, in the new Type 6188A… the wires of the type K thermocouple are threaded through the pressure measuring elements directly to the front of the sensor. There they measure the direct contact temperature of the melt and respond as quickly as possible to changes in temperature.

Target applications for the combined sensor focus on medical, electrical and precision molding. It opens up new possibilities for injection molders in process monitoring and quality assurance. The documentation of mold cavity pressure and contact temperature provides end users of injection molded plastic products with reliable reports on the stability of the manufacturing process and the quality of the molded products.

The cavity pressure curve is the most informative characteristic for monitoring the process and evaluating the quality of the injection molded part. It is considered to represent the "fingerprint" of molding. The contact temperature provides additional information about the process and for optimizing and monitoring injection molding.

Background: Quality Assurance with Mold Cavity Pressure

The cavity pressure curve is considered to represent a fingerprint of the injection molding process. It is the most informative characteristic for evaluating the quality of the part. Deviations from the optimum curve are clear indications of process fluctuations that lead to part defects ranging from incomplete mold filling to flashing or dimensional discrepancies.

As the supplier with the largest and widest range of sensors for all methods of injection molding, simple connection technology and intuitively easy to operate, networkable systems, Kistler is the only manufacturer to offer holistic monitoring of injection molding from a single source. Kistler is the world's leading manufacturer of pressure and temperature sensors for use in the plastics processing industry.

Kistler Group

Kistler’s core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler’s know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation.

Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics.

A worldwide sales presence in the form of 25 group companies and 30 distributors ensures customer proximity, application support on an individual level and short lead times.

With a staff of about 1 000, the Kistler Group is one of the world’s leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation. The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 166 million Swiss Francs in the 2009 financial year.