At this year’s K Fair, Kistler will showcase its new and optimized solutions along the value chain, from cavity pressure sensors, systems and software for process optimization and quality monitoring, focusing on applications in medical technology and electronics production.

A new assembly system and an optical inspection machine for end-of-line inspection will also be on display at the booth.

New solutions for injection molding

Kistler’s has updated the ComoNeo process monitoring and control system. In addition to optimized user-friendliness, version 7.0 focuses on the additional Multiflow function, which enables automatic control of the individual hot runner nozzles in multi-cavity molds. This gives injection molders maximum control over product quality. The improved hot runner balancing helps both with the processing of recyclates and with cost savings.

Cavity pressure measurements can save costs and the two programs ComoNeo and Akvisio are now even more user-friendly thanks to updates.

In addition, ComoNeo has now received a hardware upgrade, giving it significantly more computing power, which shortens processing times and makes the system fit for future functionalities, such as those based on AI.

While ComoNeo actively controls ongoing injection molding processes, the AkvisIO software provides insights into the production history and ensures seamless documentation, as required in medical technology.

AkvisIO also evaluates large data sets in just a few seconds and helps to identify cost drivers in the process. The software solution enables users to compare various quality-relevant key figures across many cycles and uncover correlations. This allows them to quickly find the cause of process fluctuations or increased reject rates.

Innovative joining system for sensitive parts in medical and E&E sectors

With its new NCFQ 2166A joining solution for sensitive plastic parts, Kistler is addressing the quality and efficiency requirements of medical technology and electronics production.

The innovative NCFQ high-speed joining system combines the high dynamics of linear direct drives with the precision of piezoelectric force sensors and highly sensitive acceleration compensation.

The innovative joining system combines the high dynamics of linear direct drives (linear motor) with the precision of piezoelectric sensors. Kistler uses LinMot's proven drive technology and supplements it with piezoelectric force sensors and acceleration compensation. This particularly benefits highly dynamic applications with small forces of up to 500 N – such as in the production of auto-injectors and insulin pens.

The magnet-based technology of the joining module with linear motor accelerates at up to 50 m/s² and achieves a speed of up to 5 m/s. In addition to the linear motor, the module has a magnetic spring for weight compensation in a vertical installation position.

For particularly demanding applications, Kistler offers a version with an additional piezoelectric acceleration sensor for automated acceleration compensation. Kistler also supplements the system with the ICAM-B industrial charge amplifier and the maXYmos NC process monitoring system for maximum data transparency, process reliability and control.

End-of-line quality assurance for surface defects

Optical quality assurance is the final stage in the value chain presented at the K booth. The KVC 821 inspection and sorting system demonstrates how the 100% inspection reliably detects typical injection molding surface defects and assembly defects, at cycle times of up to 800 parts per minute.

The KVC 821 optical inspection system reliably detects surface and dimensional defects in plastics manufacturing.

To detect previously unknown or rarely occurring anomalies, Kistler also uses artificial intelligence in its KiVision software.