The following study looks at the advantages of ultrasonic sensors compared to pressure and temperature sensors for use in the injection moulding process - one of the most commonly used techniques in plastic processing.
The application of ultrasonic sensors in injection moulding brings a number of advantages:
they are non-invasive and non-destructive (NDT)
measurement of the bulk temperature of the melt (not only surface temperature)
measurement of the exact pressure - even during cooling
comprehensive information about the melt, cavity and structure/shape of the plastic material
With the help of ultrasonic sensors, part and material properties can be recorded in real time during plastic processing and processes can be immediately optimised to detect problems and defects and reduce downtimes.
The study concludes:
"The increasing application of ultrasound sensors in industrial injection moulding processes is envisaged as a promising real-time process and product characterisation tool to drive towards more efficient and sustainable production.."
The full study can be downloaded here:
