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Student paper

Inspect the injection mould using local temperature measurement with fiber optic sensors

Bachelor’s thesis or Master’s thesis

Develop a new measurement technique for high-resolution monitoring of melt progression and temperature in the injection moulding process.

It is not possible to look into the Mould during injection moulding. Currently, only selective sensors for pressure and temperature provide insights into the process. For the validation of injection simulations, for example for the calibration of viscosity models for plastics, it would therefore be very interesting to be able to measure the melt progress and the temperature at the interface between the cavity and the melt locally and in real time. Thanks to a new measurement technology, IKV is able to measure strains with high spatial resolution and high sampling rates using fiber optic cables. The systems make it possible to record the finest strains over long distances with spatial resolution using just one sensor. They are therefore used for structural monitoring in bridges, for example. The thermal expansion of the fibers is used to measure the temperature.

Stuwi-Abbildung-von-Simulationsergebnissen-des FVK-Pressprozesses eng© Luna Innovations
Representation of simulation results of the CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) pressing process.

The work is related to this research project:

Injection moulding simulation is an important mould in many areas at IKV. From mould design and component dimensioning using integrative simulations to the prediction of crystallisation of the melt, simulation is used to gain deeper insights into the internal processes during the various phases of the injection moulding process. With your work, you are laying an important foundation for improving the prediction of processes in the cavity.

Objective:

Develop a new measuring technique for high-resolution recording of melt progress and temperature in the injection moulding process.

Development of a suitable strategy for sensor implementation Development of a suitable strategy for sensor implementation
Design of a tool insert for testing Design of a tool insert for testing
Production of the insert and testing based on injection moulding tests Production of the insert and testing based on injection moulding tests
Validation of injection moulding simulations with the developed measurement technology

Your profile:

  • You are studying plastics engineering and are interested in the injection moulding process and tool design.
  • Knowledge of Mould and process technology as well as process simulation for injection moulding is advantageous