K SHOW PREVIEW: Mold monitor records process data

The German company, manner group, is introducing moldMIND, a cost-effective monitoring system for monitoring process data within the mold and protecting the interests of moldmakers and injection molders. The data can be used to ensure production quality and settle disputes in claims related to mold guarantees. Typically a moldmaker will only guarantee its mold provided the mold is run within certain conditions, such as temperature, cycle time and number of shots.
Described as a little "black box", moldMIND can be mounted on all types of molds. A piezo contact is used to record the number of shots, while thermal sensors measure the temperature at two individual points in the hot runner and mold. An LCD display shows both the total number of shots and the current status. Other information recorded by the monitor includes the maximum and minimum cycle time and time of day, operation hours, downtime hours and disassembly hours. The monitor operates on battery power with a life corresponding to the average lifespan of the mold.