Fakuma 2023: Kistler’s highlights on sensors and software

Kistler, the global company specializes on dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technology, will highlight its products including non-contact measuring sensors for the medtech sector, sensors for 3D printing and AkvisIO production data solution at Fakuma 2023.

9239B miniature longitudinal measuring pin

The piezoelectric 9239B miniature longitudinal measuring pin, a sensor for no-contact cavity pressure measure, will take center stage at the Kistler booth.

With diameter of only 2.5mm, the model takes up almost no space when installed in the injection mold. It measures the cavity pressure indirectly by using Kistler’s PiezoStar crystal to measure the pressure-induced compression of the mold during the injection molding process.

The miniature longitudinal measuring pin measures the cavity pressure indirectly.

9239B can be mounted between 2-4mm behind the cavity wall, unlike sensors that measure directly, it is protected from direct contact with the melt and its influences.

Due to its position, the sensor offers another benefit specifically relevant for the medical sector – it leaves no marks on the manufactured plastic part, which is beneficial for products that require flawless surfaces, such as medical lenses and automobile interiors.

Furthermore, the pin’s positioning implies that it avoids dirt and contamination and is virtually maintenance-free.

4004A melt pressure sensor

The 4004A melt pressure sensor has a diameter of only 3mm, which can be used directly in injection nozzles and small extruders. With the wide operating and measuring range that extends up to +350°C, the sensor withstands extreme temperatures that prevail in these environments.

With thin diameter, the 4004A melt pressure sensor is especially suitable for use in injection nozzles and small extruders.

4004A is calibrated for two pressure ranges, so it can be used for injection molding applications (measuring range up to 2,500 bar) and additive manufacturing (measuring range up to 1,000 bar).

This sensor is groundbreaking for 3D printing applications as it can measure the melt pressure even in high temperature, which helps implement quality control when running the process.

AKvisIO IME (Injection Molding Edition)

The modular data analysis software AKvisiIO IME (Injection Molding Edition), including a graphic user interface, offers a host of new options for analysis.

Classical methods of statistical analysis, and also data-based artificial intelligence (AI) methods, will enable users to perform high quality evaluations of process and machine data directly in the software.

With AkvisIO IME, users can evaluate data from the injection molding processes as the basis for optimization.

The software also allows easy integration with Kistler devices, such as ComoNeo and ComoScout (as well as machines).

It supports communication standards such as the Ethernet-based EUROMAP 77, so the machine becomes the data source and AkvisIO is the Single-Source-of-Truth (SSOT) for reliable production data. This allows users to identify weak points rapidly and leverage potential for optimization.

Kistler is also working on the integration of AI solutions for automated data analysis that will make process optimization based on cavity pressure considerably easier for users.

Updated software to simplify process monitoring

At Fakuma, Kistler will unveil the latest versions of two systems – ComoNeo and ComoScout 6.0. The company’s Como systems for process monitoring complement its range of application-specific sensors.

Both systems feature an expanded OPC UA interface so they can make additional data available. Users can update devices via the network, eliminating the need to do so in situ on the device.

Additionally, the cycle ID can be transferred from the injection molding machine to complete the dataset.

The ComoNeoSWITCH feature and the envelope curve functionality offer additional setting options.

These updates are fully compatible with Kistler’s new AkvisIO data analysis software. All these innovations result in better and more efficient process monitoring and optimization.