Cooperation results in improved product

Together with nine other companies, this manufacturer has supplied mold-cavity pressure sensors for a unique application that reduces tooling stress over conventional, compact injection molding through low mold-cavity pressure. Directed by Germany's Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV, Aachen), the project replicated compact injection molded vehicle parts with foamed ones that significantly reduced weight and prevented the occurrence of voids that are caused by material accumulation. The typical cavity pressure of a compact component was 400 bar, while for the foamed one it was only 40 bar. This manufacturer supplied the 6177A mold-cavity pressure sensor (diameter: 4 mm) which is said to have four-times higher sensitivity than standard sensors. These can be used with existing electronic equipment and wiring to measure mold pressure levels up to 200 bar. Kistler Instrumente AG, Winterthur, Switzerland; +41 52 2241111; www.kistler.com