Patent Description:
In general, the definition of the final molding parameters loaded in the various control units of an injection molding press requires a large number of molding tests and a long period of manual setting, since it all depends on the know-how and experience of the operator programming the press.

To limit the preparation period, virtual molding simulations are performed using CAE programs to produce the initial molding parameters. However, CAE programs are not perfect and cannot take into account all the complex phenomena that occur within a mould and that change from mould to mould. the physical conditions during the actual molding do not coincide with the molding conditions assumed by the CAE software, so in practice the results of the actual molding vary (even significantly) from the results of the virtual molding.

To solve this problem <CIT> presents a method for determining the molding parameters using CAE.

First, temporary molding parameters for the injection press, taken from a standard database or after a generic test injection, are set up. Then, with the press an actual molding of the piece is carried out and a real profile of the pressure variation actually measured during the actual injection phase is acquired. Meanwhile, the CAE system performs virtual molding (simulation) using provisional molding data and obtains a virtual profile. By comparing the virtual and the real profile on a display, an operator manually corrects the parameters so that a part of the profiles coincides, thus obtaining intermediate parameters. The decision about which side to make a match on is crucial and made by the operator. Then, to reduce the drastically undulating trends of some physical variables, virtual modeling is performed again to optimize, for example, the temperature distribution and the pressure distribution. Consequently, the intermediate parameters are still manually corrected to obtain parameters for optimal moulded products.

It is evident that in <CIT> the convergence towards optimized parameters depends only on the experience or ability of the operator, so there is no certainty of result. Furthermore, the choice of the initial parameters is arbitrary and unrelated to the product to be moulded, so the initial parameters are almost always very far from the optimal ones and many iterations are needed for convergence (if ever there is).

<CIT> disclosed a system for optimizing molding parameters.

It would be very useful to have a method for easily processing and/or comparing the data generated by the CAE simulation and the data collected from actual molding processes.

It would also be very useful to have an optimization method that is more precise, faster and less operatordependent.

The object of the invention is to provide such a method to overcome one or more of the aforesaid problems. The method is defined in the appended claims, wherein the dependent ones define advantageous variants.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for processing molding parameters for an injection molding machine obtained through CAE (Computer Aided Engineering), comprising the steps of.

The simultaneous and ordered presence in the database of the machine parameters allows an operator to find and process them quickly, having available in an orderly manner the evolutions or developments of a molding project/process. The fast and orderly availability of the evolutions or developments of a molding project/process allows to efficiently evaluate which variations in the machine parameters can lead to an improved quality moulded object.

By control unit of the molding machine it is meant here and below any control unit comprised in a machine designed to mould objects by injection of molten material. In particular, the control unit may be.

The same applies to the control unit <NUM> described below.

By software it is meant one or more programs, or sets of instructions, which may be used on a processing system, and/or executed for example by a microprocessor, in order to perform certain actions or activities.

By CAE software it is meant a software application which, by numerical calculation, solves exactly or in approximate form mathematical equations relative to a model of a physical phenomenon. The CAE system - here applied to injection molding - e.g. allows the input of a mathematical model of the physical system to be studied, the numerical calculation on the model and the visualization and analysis of the results.

By machine parameters it is meant the parameters used in the programming of a said control unit with respect to the production cycle of a moulded object, such as for example. the parameters of speed and pressure of the injection unit, or the machine parameters relating to one or each closing and/or opening speed profile of the shutters, or one or each activation sequence of the injectors, or one or each movement sequence of parts of the mold, or one or each movement sequence of external parts - but associated with the molding process. As an example of the last category, we cite mechanical structures for IMC (In-mold Closing) or IMA (In-mold Assembly), both with the aim of making the mold produce e.g. a cap already ready to be mounted on the destination bottle, avoiding a manual or automated closing step of the same.

By processing by means of software it is meant the transformation of data through the application of mathematical formulas or algorithms.

Preferably, said simulation results of the CAE software comprise:.

The generic machine parameters are adapted to a particular machine by means of said conversion, in which the generic machine regulations or settings used in the CAE simulation are effectively implemented in the machine, translating them into parameterizations or specific commands of the control unit (each control unit operates with different data protocols and/or structures).

Preferably, the generic machine parameters and/or the simulated process data are also saved in the common collection.

Preferably in said common collection there are saved also real process data, that is values of physical quantities relative to the molding process detected by sensors on board the machine during the actual injection molding process, such as for example the pressure or temperature at a certain point of the molded piece or mold.

Preferably in said common collection the real process data obtained during the molding with the first and/or second machine parameters, are saved.

In a variant of step (iii) and (iv), said other molding process is performed N times with machine parameters different from the first machine parameters, where N >= <NUM>. In each N-th iteration the second machine parameters used may be:.

In a variant of step (iii) and (iv), said other molding process is performed with machine parameters different from the first machine parameters, where N >= <NUM>. In each N-th iteration the second machine parameters used may be:.

It is possible to also optimize the machine parameters thanks to the further steps of the method of.

In particular, it is possible to obtain optimized machine parameters by modifying the CAE software internally or modifying the data that it generates as a function of the machine parameters generated by the previous iteration or as a function of all the previous iterations. The method then makes it possible to construct said database of parameters and then exploit the overall information thereof to modify the parameters of the next iteration.

The iterations e.g. may take place always producing the same object, in order to converge more quickly to a set of optimized parameters (each time the specific knowledge gained until the second-last iteration is fully exploited).

After various iterations of steps (i) to (vi), step (vi) will be able to generate machine parameters which, used for example in the moulding machine, will lead to a less faulty or higher quality object.

If necessary at each N-th iteration said conversion is performed to obtain the machine parameters adapted to the control unit.

In a variant, step (v) occurs through a software. This software may e.g. be the software installed in the control unit, or the CAE simulation software or a third software distinct from the first two. Said software has, and/or has access to, the first and second machine parameters, or in general to all the files or data present in said common collection and/or related to one or each iteration.

In a variant, step (vi) takes place through a software, e.g. through said third software or through the CAE simulation software. The execution of one or each step (i)-(vi) through a software allows automation, speed and repeatability.

If step (vi) takes place through said third software, such third software may communicate with the CAE simulation software in various ways, e.g. via a data exchange file or in real time by sharing a common memory area or virtual environment, such as the said database.

The advantage of using a third software is to avoid modifying the CAE simulation software, which is usually a complex and very specialized program.

In an advantageous variant, the third software may be configured to learn and/or modify its output data, which are input to the CAE simulation software, to optimize the data then generated through simulation by the CAE simulation software. Therefore it is not necessary to alter the functioning of the CAE simulation software (a complex operation, which could also ruin its computational stability). The result of the calculation algorithms of the CAE simulation software can be corrected by modifying the input data brought to the CAE software. In essence, said third software applies a corrective pre-processing to the data input to the CAE software.

In a different advantageous variant, the third software is configured to modify the data generated at the output of the CAE simulation software, to optimize the data generated through simulation by the CAE software. Thus, even this way it is not necessary to alter the operation of the CAE simulation software, of which the result of the calculation algorithms is corrected by modifying the output data (said simulation results). In essence, said third software applies a corrective post-processing to said simulation results.

In a different advantageous variant, the third software is configured to modify a conversion software which performs said conversion between the simulation results and the machine parameters to be loaded in the control unit. Through the modification of the conversion software, which for example is carried out by modifying parameters or variables inside the conversion software, the machine parameters to be loaded in the control unit can be optimized.

if A<NUM> is a simulation result that is converted into a machine parameter P<NUM> by an algorithm in the conversion software via the function<MAT> the third software may be configured to modify the coefficient k and/or the function f (·).

In general, the conversion software may be updated according to the algorithm: <MAT> <MAT> where:.

An exemplary formula for updating the CAE simulation results, is <MAT> <MAT> where:.

Another advantage is that the third software may comprise artificial intelligence algorithms or neural networks to specifically learn gradually and improve the quality of the data entered as input to the CAE simulation software or of the corrective data applied to the CAE software simulation results.

The third software may be an integrated module or part of/in the CAE software or a separate software, distinct from the CAE software, from which it receives and to which it sends data. As a separate software, distinct from the CAE software, the third software may be e.g. an integrated module or part of the software of an aforementioned control unit or a software running on a device or computer other than the one executing the CAE software and other than the one operating control unit.

If step (vi) occurs through the CAE simulation software, it can receive the processing of the first and second machine parameters in various ways, e.g. through an ad hoc module or a data-entry user interface.

In particular, the third software has such instructions that the data saved in the common collection are used as arguments of mathematical functions or algorithms to generate data to be given as input or output to the CAE software.

In a variant, the second machine parameters are entered manually in the control unit by an operator.

In a variant, the simulation software is loaded and/or executed in any control unit of the machine or press.

In a variant, the parameters returned by the injection press or injection machine comprise not only said machine parameters and/or the said process data monitored by the sensors but also the numerical values generated by auxiliary members not strictly necessary for the injection process itself, such as for example, direct or indirect measuring and/or control devices placed downstream the process.

It should be noted that all the above defined variants are object of the invention whether considered alone or in combination with each other.

The advantages of the invention will be even clearer from the following description of a preferred method, in which reference is made to the attached drawing in which.

In the figures: equal numerical references indicate equal elements, and arrows symbolize a transfer of data and/or data itself (where indicated).

The method is applied to an injection molding machine <NUM>. The machine <NUM> generally comprises e.g. an injection device <NUM>, arranged on a base <NUM> and provided with a mold <NUM> with one or more hot runners <NUM>.

A control unit <NUM>, equipped with intelligence, drives various members of the molding machine during the molding steps, and comprises e.g. a display <NUM> and an operating panel <NUM> (e.g. a keyboard or touch screen). The control unit <NUM> is e.g. connected - in a known way - to actuators (not shown) to move parts of the mold and injectors, and/or to sensors for detecting the state of the actuators and the mold.

The control unit <NUM> also comprises a computer or microprocessor <NUM>, connected to the panel <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> can perform data exchange, that is bidirectional data communications, with the outside of the machine <NUM>.

Note that the control unit <NUM> could also refer to.

<FIG> shows in a block diagram preferred steps of the method.

<NUM> indicates a software or CAE environment in which an operator can model an injection molding process and perform a simulation to virtually study the outcome, i.e. the moulded product.

In the following, the subscript i, i >= <NUM>, generally indicates the i-th iteration, if there are multiple iterations.

A first step of the method involves modeling a process of injection molding and running a simulation with the software <NUM>, in order to generate simulation results A<NUM>.

Preferably, the simulation results at the first iteration A<NUM> comprise generic machine parameters H<NUM> (as defined above) and/or simulated process data S<NUM>, as defined above.

A second step of the method involves extracting from the CAE environment <NUM> the simulation results A<NUM> and inserting them into a memory or electronic database M, accessible by a user, such as a server.

Then, dedicated machine parameters P<NUM> (arrow F0) are generated from the simulation results A<NUM>.

This step of the method may be performed by a software, indicated with the block <NUM>, which fetches data from memory M and transfers them as input to the control unit <NUM> as machine parameters to be used. In the block <NUM> a format conversion may take place, to adapt the parameters to the control unit <NUM> if the protocol is different. For this purpose, preferably the block <NUM> generates a data file containing machine parameters P<NUM>, for facilitating the circulation (e.g. via email) and/or the storage.

The software of block <NUM> may reside in the memory M, in the control unit <NUM> or elsewhere remotely.

A third step of the method comprises molding in the machine <NUM> with the parameters P<NUM> coming from block <NUM>. It is expected that this molding is not optimal, so, as a next step, by varying, e.g. manually, the machine parameters entered earlier new machine parameters are obtained and with them another molding is performed in the machine <NUM>. This step, which can be repeated several times until reaching a moulded product of better quality or desired features, generates at least another set of machine parameters P<NUM>, or various sets P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, etc., it depends on the number of repetitions.

A further step of the method involves exporting (arrow F1) from the control unit <NUM> the data used and/or generated during one or the last iteration. This data may be the machine parameters P<NUM> (or Pi+<NUM>) used during one or the last iteration and/or the actual process data Bi related to one or the last iteration (see definition above).

The machine parameters P<NUM> (or Pi+<NUM>) are exported preferably via a data file that contains them, to facilitate their circulation (e.g. via email) and/or their memorization. In the example, the parameters P<NUM> are exported to the memory M.

Another step of the method involves exporting (arrow F1) from the machine <NUM>, together with the data Pi, the actual process data Bi and importing them e.g. in the memory M.

Then a software in a block <NUM> processes the data present in the memory M, e.g. H<NUM>, P<NUM> (. Pi+<NUM>) and/or S<NUM>, B<NUM> (. The software of the block <NUM> resides preferably in the memory M, or it can reside in the control unit <NUM> or elsewhere remotely.

The data transfer to the input of software <NUM> (arrow F3) may, for example, take place by migrating a file containing the data and generated respectively by the control unit <NUM> and/or by the software <NUM>. Almost certainly a data conversion is necessary to adapt the data protocol between the software <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> and the software <NUM>. Preferably the conversion is performed by the software <NUM>, thereby avoiding to modify pre-existing systems.

The <NUM> software processes the input data F3 and generates a data output F4.

In this case too a data conversion may be necessary for adapting the data protocol between software <NUM> and e.g. the software <NUM>. Preferably the conversion is performed by the software <NUM>, thereby avoiding to modify the software <NUM>.

The data output F4 is the product e.g. of intelligent algorithms that gradually learn from the differences between the data H<NUM>, P<NUM>, Pi and/or S<NUM>, B<NUM>, Bi how to generate the data F4 so that a subsequent software simulation <NUM> generates parameters for the control unit <NUM> capable of leading to a more accurate moulded product. In particular, the data output F4 is generated as a function of the differences between the data generated during an iteration by the simulator <NUM> to the molding in the machine. For this purpose, preferably the software <NUM> is associated with the memory or database M, in which there are saved.

Preferably all the aforesaid data are saved in the database M, to improve the corrective and optimizing capacity of the software <NUM>.

In the database M, a historical archive is thus created which contains data related to subsequent developments and improvements for the object's molding process.

As it can be seen, the system of <FIG> altogether can allow the software <NUM> to generate more realistic simulations thanks to the contribution of the output F4 processed by the software <NUM>. In particular, the software <NUM> includes algorithms and/or mathematical functions that have as argument e.g. the data H<NUM>, P<NUM>, Pi and/or H<NUM>, B<NUM>, Bi and/or Fi, and give as output optimized data or correction data.

In particular, the output F4 of the software <NUM> can be used to.

The software <NUM> may be implemented in many ways. it can work to integrate the functions of the software <NUM>, or the software <NUM> may coincide with or be part of the software <NUM>. Or, or even, the software <NUM> may be an integrated module or part of/in the software <NUM> or a separate software, distinct from the software <NUM>, from which it receives and to which it sends data. As separate software, distinct from the software <NUM>, the software <NUM> may be e.g. an integrated module or part of/in the software of the control unit <NUM> or a software that runs on a device or computer other than the one running the CAE software and other than the control unit <NUM>.

In particular, the software <NUM> may apply a mathematical function or algorithms to the data F3 to obtain data Fi, especially by exploiting the knowledge or the history of the data accumulated in the memory M.

Note that the database or memory M, intended as a permanent storage of historical data, could also be absent. A case is e.g. the one in which the system of <FIG> functions with multiple iterations on parameters Ai generated in real time to optimize "on the fly" the parameters Pi but does not save the results.

Claim 1:
Method for processing moulding parameters (Pi+<NUM>) for an injection moulding machine (<NUM>) obtained by CAE comprising the steps of
(i) simulating through CAE a moulding process needed to mould an object, wherein the CAE simulation generates simulation results (Ai),
(ii) generating first machine parameters (Pi) by electronically processing the simulation results (Ai) to make them compatible with the data protocol of a control unit (<NUM>) of the machine, so that the machine can perform an actual moulding process according to the first machine parameters;
(iii) obtaining second machine parameters (Pi+<NUM>), different from the first ones, from the execution of another moulding process for the same object;
(iv) saving in an electronic database (M) accessible by a user operator the first and second machine parameters associating them in a common collection
characterized by the further steps of
(v) processing the data contained in the common collection with a software,
(vi) modifying the machine parameters calculated with a subsequent CAE simulation as a function of the processing produced by said software in step (v), to obtain optimized machine parameters.