Industrial processes like pressure
die-casting and injection moulding can benefit greatly from the use of
statistical process control (SPC) techniques, to improve quality and reduce
scrap rates. Unfortunately, many existing packages have proved expensive or
difficult to use in the demanding environment of the factory floor and so
this has restricted the adoption of the technique.
We have therefore developed a low-cost, automated, data acquisition
system, which can be retro-fitted on both pressure die-casting and injection
moulding machines. It works by monitoring the key parameters involved in the
process (i.e. ram position and pressure), and presenting them through a
graphical display. The software includes a Statistical Process Control (SPC)
wizard, which allows the user to set approachable SPC limits. The system
uses a rugged, non-contact linear transducer for ram position output and a
ram pressure transducer. In addition, each die-casting machine can either
have its own ruggedised PC, to allow the operator and setters to use it to
the full, or be part of a larger network.
These options are detailed on the
links below:
