AI-Based Injection Molding Assistant Launched
LS Mtron’s new AI Molding Assistant and Smart Weight Control technologies can help molders reduce costs while achieving higher quality and productivity.
LS Mtron Injection Molding Machines has introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based offering with two distinct systems: AI Molding Assistant and Smart Weight Control. The AI Molding Assistant is a condition derivation system that LS Mtron says can reduce the time needed to stabilize the initial molding setup process by learning and imitating the behavior of highly skilled molding specialists via AI.
Smart Weight Control, meanwhile, detects any molded part weight change and alters the processing conditions in real time to fix any deviations and meet the correct product specifications.
Injection molding begins with setting up the initial molding process, a task best handled by a skilled molding professional. Since the time required to establish an initial process and the best part quality depend on operator proficiency, it can be difficult to set and repeat the optimized process conditions. AI technology can automatically reduce the deviations in manufacturing efficiency that occur through human error.
The LS Mtron AI Molding Assistant can learn optimal conditions when setting the initial molding process, and once programmed, it can set and repeat the most optimized molding process. In a release, the company said that because the system learns and imitates the pre-set optimal molding conditions, it can implement consistent processes regardless of the machine operator’s work proficiency.
LS Mtron’s new Smart Weight Control System considers the factors that can contribute to weight changes in molded parts, including shifts in the temperature and humidity of the manufacturing environment, as well as changes in the physical properties of resin. When a change in the molded part’s weight occurs, this technology automatically detects it and alters the molding parameters to correct the issue.
While the new Smart Weight Control features use the machine’s software to calculate weight differentials, a real-time weight scale can be added to log the actual part weight into the machine’s AI system.
LS Mtron’s AI Molding Assistant and Smart Weight Control seek to automatically create a stable process and maintain that process.
Photo Credit: LS Mtron
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