METHOD OF ENERGY DISTRIBUTION AND CONSUMPTION CONTROL BASED ON MELT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT FOR PLASTIC INJECTION AND EXTRUSION PROCESSES

摘要

A method of improving energy consumption and/or melt quality of injection molding or extrusion machine can include controlling energy input to the melt from screw drive and heat sources. One or more sensors can measure a present value of at least one process parameter associated with the melt. A control algorithm can compare the present value of melt with a set value. If the present value deviates from the set value by more than a predetermined amount, the set value of at least one operating parameter can be adjusted. The algorithm can determine energy transferred to melt material from thermal and mechanical sources, and adjust set values to optimize energy consumption or improve melt quality. Process parameters can include melt temperature, melt quality characterized value, prospective throughput or injection cycle time, or prospective energy consumption value. Operating parameters can include barrel heating temperature, screw rotational speed, screw plasticizing back pressure, screw injection speed or screw injection pressure.