Accurate measurement is increasingly critical to the molding process as molders seek to find ways to be more exact and more predictable. Product offerings on display at NPE showed molders improved methods for keeping an eye on the process, translating data into reliable, consistently molded components.

Priamus System Technologies continues to bring out new products in response to customer demand for easy-to-use, state-of-the-art measurement systems. Engel and Toshiba equipment provided a look at some of the newest products Priamus has in its line. The new Priased piezoelectric sensors feature hardware code right inside the sensor that records sensitivity (instead of a chip located in the cable or connector). In addition, the sensor front can be machined for contoured cavities, and a mounting nut is included. Two types are offered: the 6001BO.X (4-mm diameter), and the 6003B0.X (2.5-mm diameter). They are both dimensionally compatible with competing cavity pressure sensors.

Other new products include the Universal Signal Conditioning Multi-DAQ, which is light and compact, and has modular signal conditioning for up to 16 channels. It is configurable in pairs for piezoelectric cavity pressure or temperature sensing, or machine signals. It also has automated switchover in real time, reacting to viscosity variations, and can be used for sequential valve gate molding.

The Priamus Tool Box provides mobile process monitoring for up to 16 channels for assisted and automated mold setup. It offers fast process optimization using cavity pressure curves and also analyzes machine performance over time, by energy and power consumption, and by machine and process capability.

From Kistler, the 9211AE cavity force sensor with single-wire technology allows for simple installation in the mold and is field repairable. The sensor’s piezoelectric element measures pressure through the ejector pin to increase accuracy—from a few milliNewtons to 2500N.

Gefran SpA featured its MJ Series melt pressure sensor, which the company says is the smallest currently available (6-mm-diameter diaphragm). With an accuracy of .25 percent, MJ sensors offer pressures of 1500, 2000, and 2500 bar for dynamic applications. The company also brought its new MK4 A analog noncontact magnetostrictive linear position transducer, with a completely sealed design that blocks contaminants. Strokes range from 50 to 2500 mm.

Dynisco LLC introduced CANopen and DeviceNet data transmitters that provide sophisticated, bus-enabled communication technology for greater cost savings in extrusion and injection molding. Simplified wiring reduces installation costs, and availability of diagnostic information from the devices helps speed up maintenance. Used in conjunction with the CANbus circuitry, the microprocessor automatically monitors the health of sensor electronics and reports fault conditions over the bus.

Dynisco also launched a new family of Smart pressure transmitters, the SPX Series, that provides processors with a 4- to 20-mA output for pressure measurement and has Hart communication functionality. The SPX Series allows accurate pressure measurement ±.25 percent at process temperatures up to 400C and at pressure ranges of 25 to 30,000 psig. Transmitters are designed for all extrusion and process pressure measurements ranging from 25 to 30,000 psi.

RJG Inc. announced the release of its new piezoelectric sensor line. Currently available are 2.5- and 4-mm-diameter flush mounts and miniature (6-mm-diameter) button-style sensors. These will be followed shortly by the standard (12.6-mm) button style before the end of September. The sensors can measure force up to 556 lb.