How is the introduction of statistical process control (SPC) affecting molding equipment and the molding process?
Carr: A major improvement in molding machines is in the area of controls. New programmable logic controllers are more accurate than previous-generation systems and can deliver many data variables that are used in quality SPC to better control material flow and to deliver quality parts with the fastest cycle times possible. Control technology may move toward the implementation of refined fuzzy logic to help machines self-calibrate and control processes more efficiently, thereby consistently producing accurate parts. The maintenance of process and quality control has always been an issue in the molding sector. In the old days, people used to think that once the machine is set and running, it will make the same part over and over again. Nowadays, industry engineers know that process control is an ongoing procedure that is required to mold any part. That’s why more and more machine manufacturers are refining their controllers to meet SPC requirements. In fact, process control actually does
