iQ hold control: New smart assistant for nominal values shortens sample validation process

ENGEL is introducing a new member of the iQ product family at K 2022. The new smart assistant for nominal values goes by the name of iQ hold control; it automatically determines the optimum holding pressure time to help process technicians achieve massive time savings.

The holding pressure time is one of the quality-driving parameters in the injection moulding process. This is why it is individually configured after mould set-up and typically determined empirically. Determining what is known as the sealing point not only takes a lot of time, it also consumes a lot of raw material, since several parts first need to be moulded and analysed in the quality control lab. The new holding pressure assistant by ENGEL removes the need for production personnel to make this effort, saving both time and raw materials.

The basis for automatically calculating the holding pressure time is mould breathing on the one hand, and the plasticising screw position on the other. iQ hold control analyses both process values and suggests the optimum holding pressure time via the CC300 injection moulding machine control after just a few cycles. Once the set-up technician has confirmed the value, production can immediately begin.

The holding pressure time is determined objectively, meaning that even less experienced process technicians can adjust the process parameters at the push of a button in case of a batch change. Further efficiency gains can result from the automatically determined optimum holding pressure time being lower than the holding pressure time set initially. In these cases, the cycle time is reduced. And the energy requirement decreases.

Visitors to the K show 2022 can experience the new iQ hold control in action at the ENGEL stand. Connectors for vehicle electronics are being produced on an all-electric e-mac injection moulding machine. The machine features all of the smart assistance systems available in ENGEL's inject 4.0 programme. The smart assistance systems can be activated and deactivated individually to allow visitors to the show to experience the feature live. Doing so makes it very clear how even individual iQ solutions can translate to massive benefits for the challenges in daily injection moulding practice. The ENGEL experts are presenting various scenarios, including the topics of great energy efficiency or constant part quality, even if the raw material itself is subject to quality fluctuations.

To give customers the ability to test, in their own operations, what additional efficiency and quality potentials smart assistance systems open up for them, ENGEL is offering all iQ systems, including the new iQ hold control, as trial versions with immediate effect. A fully-featured version of the desired smart assistance system is activated on the machine control unit for a limited period of time.

The new iQ boost service sees ENGEL support its customers in the selection, implementation and deployment of smart assistance systems. Various packages are available, including – for example – webinars and in-house training, process engineering consultancy and tests at the ENGEL technology centre. Thanks to iQ boost, ENGEL is making it easy for customers to leverage the full potential of digital opportunities.