Ultrasound sensors for process monitoring in injection moulding

Kariminejad, Mandana, Tormey, David, Huq, Saif, Morrison, Jim and McAfee, Marion (2021) Ultrasound sensors for process monitoring in injection moulding. Sensors, 21 (15). pp. 1-22. ISSN 1424-8220

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Abstract / Description

Injection moulding is an extremely important industrial process, being one of the most commonly-used plastic formation techniques. However, the industry faces many current challenges associated with demands for greater product customisation, higher precision and most urgently a shift towards more sustainable materials and processing. Accurate real-time sensing of the material and part properties during processing is key to achieving rapid process optimisation and set-up, reducing downtimes, and reducing waste material and energy in the production of defective products. While most commercial processes rely on point measurements of pressure and temperature, ultrasound transducers represent a non-invasive and non-destructive source of rich information on the mould, the cavity, and the polymer melt and its morphology, which affect critical quality parameters such as shrinkage and warpage. In this paper, the relationship between polymer properties and the propagation of ultrasonic waves is described and the application of ultrasound measurements in injection moulding is evaluated. The principles and operation of both conventional and high-temperature ultrasound transducers are reviewed (HTUTs) together with their impact on improving the efficiency of the injection moulding process. The benefits and challenges associated with the recent development of sol-gel methods for HTUT fabrication are described together with a synopsis of further research and development needed to ensure greater industrial uptake of ultrasonic sensing in injection moulding.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	injection moulding; ultrasound sensors; sol-gel; process monitoring; lead-based chemicals; lead-free chemicals
Subjects:	600 Technology > 620 Engineering & allied operations 600 Technology > 670 Manufacturing
Department:	School of Computing and Digital Media
Depositing User:	Saif Huq
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2021 10:52
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2021 10:52
URI:	https://repository.londonmet.ac.uk/id/eprint/7016

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