AI-Driven Capabilities Advance Efficiency and Quality in Your Molding Environment
Sponsored ContentNew for many molders, AI isn’t as complicated to learn as some may think.
There has been a lot of conversation about applying AI technology to injection molding machines (IMMs). AI technology is new for many injection molders, and it can come across as interfering in their process control. And some molders think complex AI models are difficult to understand and it will be challenging for them to troubleshoot problems or understand why AI is making certain decisions. Additionally, questions about safety, cybersecurity and the transparency of AI systems have contributed to a feeling of unease.
“We’ve had customers who don’t trust AI and we’ve had molders who want to ‘turn it off,’” said Eric Anderson, product/applications manager for Absolute Haitian. “We understand the hesitation. But AI can deliver transformative performance to an injection molding machine.” Haitian’s AI technology is knowledge based on algorithms and specific cycle data entirely internal to the controller, not relying on external sources such as the internet.
The future of molding technology is where smart is standard.
As a machinery maker, goal is to design AI systems for functions where it will be the most useful.
A secondary goal is to ensure it is simple and easy to use and not costly, complex or require specialized expertise to operate. Enhancing the machine’s performance to advance efficiency, energy savings and quality should be the result.
The way to eliminate the uneasiness of AI technology on an injection molding machine is for users to better understand the collaboration between AI algorithms and the mechanical functioning of the IMM.
While each injection molding machine manufacturer has made its own choices and taken its own approach to incorporating AI, a look at Haitian International’s approach is helpful.
Smart features
With the introduction of in 2024, Haitian International applied AI technology to improve efficiency, precision and cost savings.
Haitian calls the overall portfolio of the various AI systems HT-XTEND.
HT-XTEND enables predictive maintenance, optimizes processing parameters, improves energy usage and enhances quality control.
Some features are applicable to Haitian servo-hydraulic MA 5 and JU 5 molding machines while others are specific to the electric Zhafir ZE 5 and VE 5 molding machines.
The intelligent functions were developed in-house, and are, for the most part, available to users as standard equipment.
HT-XTEND is a comprehensive collection of smart features, designed for process optimization, service efficiency and optimized production.
The portfolio, detailed below, is uniquely tailored to servo-hydraulic IMM series machines and electric IMM series machines, ensuring injection molding processes benefit from specialized, state-of-the-art technology. Some features are applicable to Haitian servo-hydraulic MA 5 and JU 5 molding machines, while others are specific to the electric Zhafir ZE 5 and VE 5 molding machines.
Here is a quick look at the HT-XTEND features and their functions:
HT ENERGY: Integrated real-time power monitoring, management and analysis for higher operational transparency and optimized manufacturing decisions.
HT LUBRICATE: Dynamically optimizes lubrication settings, adjusting oil based on cycle times and pressures for precise, efficient use (servo-hydraulic IMMs only).
HT INJECT: Adaptive control of fill and hold in the injection process to maintain consistent parts, stable product weight (see illustration below) and automatic compensation for faults.
The blue graph identifies part weight variation in parts produced without AI optimization. The pink graph shows the reduction in part weight variation with the implementation of AI-optimized HT INJECT. The weight variance is almost cut in half from 1.00261 to 0.59268.
HT CHARGE: Optimizes screw velocity when appropriate, saving energy and reducing excessive screw and barrel wear for longevity.
HT CLAMP: Standard on servo-hydraulic IMMs only, enhances precision and accuracy of the clamp force using a closed-loop system for smooth, self-adjusting operation and delivery of energy savings.
HT OPTIFORCE: Standard on the electric IMMs only, the smart adjustment of clamp force based on simulation and a response curve, intelligently configures the actual clamp force needed for part production.
The strain gage sensor measures tiebar stretch as the mold is closed. This data is sent to the control, which correlates tiebar stretch to tonnage. Based on the reporting of changing conditions, the die height is adjusted. Data is constantly monitored, adjusting from cycle to cycle to maintain more accurate tonnage throughout the run, eliminating guesswork.
HT DIAGNOSE: Quickly locates fault points or anomalies and provides an identification structure enabling quick fault identification and module location for fast troubleshooting.
HT PROTECT: Intelligent, full-cycle mold protection with sensitive deviation detection during closing, minimizing response times and maximizing mold protection.
HT SPEED CONTROL: Multistage injection speed control (electric IMMs only), optimizing shear, pressure and temperature to enhance surface quality and reduce waste.
HT HOLD CONTROL: Supports multistage pressure holding response control (electric IMMs only), enhancing quality and reducing warpage and scrap across materials.
HT PRESSURE: Supports ultra high-precision molding through a pressure sensing template, antidrift technology and intelligent pressure origin calibration and monitoring during injection (electric IMMs only).
White Paper: AI Driven Control Capabilities
Still curious about how AI technology works on an injection molding machine?
Complete the form below to download Absolute Haitian’s white paper that delves much deeper into the details of how the company’s AI-enabled systems can help your operations, or the company today.
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