Intelligent Injection Molding on Sensing, Optimization, and Control

TLDR

Injection molding is a major mass‑production technique whose quality depends on process settings, making sensing, optimization, and control essential research areas. This paper introduces the concept of intelligent injection molding as the integrated application of sensing, optimization, and control. It reviews recent studies on detecting key physical variables, optimizing process parameters, and controlling machine variables in the molding process. The authors conclude by outlining future research directions and promising algorithms for further development.

Abstract

Injection molding is one of the most significant material processing methods for mass production of plastic products. It is widely used in various industry sectors, and its products are ubiquitous in our daily life. The settings and optimization of the injection molding process dictate the geometric precision and mechanical properties of the final products. Therefore, sensing, optimization, and control of the injection molding process have a crucial influence on product quality and have become an active research field with abundant literature. This paper defines the concept of intelligent injection molding as the integral application of these three procedures—sensing, optimization, and control. This paper reviews recent studies on methods for the detection of relevant physical variables, optimization of process parameters, and control strategies of machine variables in the molding process. Finally, conclusions are drawn to discuss future research directions and technologies, as well as algorithms worthy of being explored and developed.