KERN IoP featured in Plastics Engineering on Industry 4.0 in injection moulding

KERN IoP was included in the Plastics Engineering “Industry 4.0 in Injection Molding” article on Industry 4.0 applications in injection moulding. The publication discusses different approaches in the sector and includes KERN IoP’s contributions on data acquisition, process-variable monitoring and the use of information to support production decisions.

Variables that help explain the process

In an injection moulding cell, cycle time, pressure, temperatures, machine states, production and energy consumption become more useful when recorded with context. A time series can show that something changed; linking it to the product, mould, material and production period helps investigate why.

Measured results in their application context

The interview discussed results observed in projects and the potential for using data to improve cycle time, energy use, OEE and waste. Those results relate to specific conditions and cases; each plant requires its own assessment of the achievable improvement. Every application needs a baseline, a documented intervention and verification under comparable conditions.

Integration with existing industrial infrastructure

KERN IoP develops modular solutions that can integrate with existing industrial infrastructure and expand according to the application. The architecture and cost depend on available signals, instrumentation, number of devices and the software scope required by each plant.

Recycled materials and process variability

Processing post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins can introduce greater material variability. KERN IoP can record signals and process conditions that help document that variation and relate it to production and quality results. Material characterisation and verification that properties remain within their specified ranges complement the monitoring data.

Engineering developed in Latin America for industrial applications

KERN IoP’s inclusion in a specialist international publication gives visibility to developments made in Latin America and experience gained in plastics-processing plants. Our work focuses on instrumentation, data acquisition, software and applied engineering so that each plant can measure its own results and make decisions supported by evidence.

To discuss instrumenting a machine or production cell, contact us to define the measurement scope and available variables.