Smart Molding International 4-2021

49 www.smart-molding.com sensors S mart injection molds are the key to sustainably optimized and transparent plastics processing – and those goals can only be achieved with the right sensor technology. Cav - ity pressure and temperature sen - sors plus a high-performance process monitoring system: a combination that achieves high levels of process trans - parency, opening up vast potential for optimization and enhanced cost- effectiveness. At Fakuma 2021, Kistler showcased its complete coordinated package of solutions for smart injection molding – including many new innova - tions and advanced developments. Curtain up on the best ComoNeo of all time! Directly connected to the injection molding machine, the ComoNeo pro - cess monitoring system comes with innovative new features to help users optimize the entire molding process – including control and assistance func - tions, and even model-based predic - tion of part quality. The new ComoNeo 4.1 integrates an envelope curve func - tion, so process curves can be moni - tored with no need to waste time and effort on settings. Another plus: the system is WLAN-compatible for the first time, and extended interfaces ensure secure, reliable transmission of data to the injection molding machine and other peripherals. Preview: miniature pressure sensor for hot runners and 3D printing Kistler is opening a new chapter in the evolution of measurement tech - nology with a preview of its new 4004A pressure sensor for hot runner appli - cations and additive manufacturing. With an operational and measurement range of up to +350°C, this piezoresis - tive sensor can now be deployed di - rectly on the hot runner injection noz - zles to ensure precise characterization of these injection molding processes. This ultra-compact sensor has a fron - tal diameter of only 3 mm; it includes TEDS and can be connected with as many as three additional sensors via an adapter, to create one measuring unit. The 4004A should be available as of mid-2022, with three measuring ranges: 500, 1,000 and 2,500 bar. New sensors to monitor mold temperature Kistler is adding three temperature sensors that match different mold ge - ometries to its portfolio for quality as - surance in injection molding. Themo - couples 6196A, 6197A and 6198A feature a measuring range from 0 to 400°C; thanks to their short response times, they guarantee highly reliable detection of anomalies in mold tem - perature conditioning, flow fluctua - tions and blocked cooling channels. To optimize integration into the injection mold, these robust thermocouples are available as mineral-insulated or angle versions, and also with a bayonet cap. Everything at a click: Kistler's hybrid booth concept Kistler has responded to the new loca - tion and the changed conditions for the event by adding a virtual dimension to its booth. Even if customers are not pres - ent in person at the booth, they can use a link to connect individually with one of Kistler's experts to discuss their chosen topics – such as solutions for specific industries including medtech, special connectivity solutions or the company's extensive product portfolio. Kistler Group www.kistler.com How can you make injection molds smart? "Smart Mold – Smart Process": that's the motto for the comprehensive portfolio of plastics processing solutions Kistler showcased at Fakuma 2021. Highlights included cavity pressure and temperature sensors, the ComoNeo 4.1 process monitoring system and the new piezoresistive miniature sensor for hot runners. Kistler at Fakuma 2021: Sensors and systems for smart injection molds ComoNeo from Kistler is the leading process monitoring system for smart injection molding production – and the new version 4.1 offers a whole series of improved features (Picture: Kistler)