Monitoring & metering


FROM DATA GRAVEYARD TO EFFICIENT DIGITALISATION IN INJECTION MOLDING


Plastic injection molding has been an early adopter of digitalisation strategies. With the market demanding high quality standards and putting players under enormous cost pressure, this industry has seen a high degree of automation. Such requirements combined with very short cycle times can only be met with optimised production processes. Consequently, injection molders equipped their machines with sensors at an early stage. The sensors accurately monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure and volumes and thus help to identify and realise optimisation potential. However, to remain competitive in the long term, it is important to stay on top of current developments. In this interview, Pascal Bibow, product manager Digital Solutions Plastics, explains further digitalisation paths in light of recent trends.


MR. BIBOW, YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING IN THE FIELD OF PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING FOR YEARS AND YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AT MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY EXPERT KISTLER. WHAT CHALLENGES DO INJEC- TION MOLDERS FACE TODAY? Progress through digitalisation brings many advan- tages, but also one major disadvantage: a huge amount of data. Many companies collect data indis- criminately without having a concrete goal in mind and then hope that some AI will be able to generate added value from it. This phenomenon can be observed in all areas that deal with digitalisation and Industry 4.0. The pressure to optimise processes is high. So people start collecting and storing as much data as possible just to have the option of evaluating them one day. However, there is a lack of time, a shortage of skilled workers and not enough data tech- nology expertise, so the data ends up gathering dust in the depths of the archives.


IN THESE CASES, DIGITALISATION COMPLETELY MISSES ITS TARGET OF SUPPORTING THE INJECTION MOLDER. BUT THERE ARE ALSO COMPANIES WHO DO REALLY WELL BECAUSE OF DIGITALISA- TION. WHAT DO THEY DO DIFFERENTLY? The key is targeted digitalisation. Before collecting data, it is necessary to work out and define which data the injection molder needs to achieve previously


56 November 2024 Instrumentation Monthly


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