Thermal Optimisation of Moulds

Thermal image of a plastic cover

Temperature distribution of plastics in injection moulds and for deep-drawing is a critical aspect for the quality of manufactured moulded bodies. Contacting measurements are just as much extensive as the application of pyrometers. In contrast to that, infrared camera systems offer the advantage to provide a complete picture of moulds or moulded bodies’ temperature distribution. However, moulds consist of metal and, therefore, reflect background radiation.

A thermographic analysis is carried out much easily when measuring the moulded body itself. Attention should be paid to the fact that temperature measurement is ensued immediately after opening the mould and before the moulded form has been put out, so that this new product has hardly cooled down. Thus, the temperature of the mould can be indicative of the moulded result’s temperature.

The high frame rate (of up to 60 Hz) of InfraTec’s camera series VarioCAM® high definition ensures a precise thermal image acquisition at the exact point in time. Moreover, due to the integration of stationary infrared camera systems, such as VarioCAM® HD head, into production processes, it is possible to regulate the mould’s temperature in case of temperature deviations.

Test of a synthetic roller

Case Studies about Thermography in Plastics Industry

InfraTec Uni Bayreuth - Analysis of the Thermal Conductivity
Analysis of the Thermal Conductivity

Analysis of the Thermal Conductivity in Nano- and Mesostructured Polymer Systems

New materials with precisely controlled optical and thermal transport characteristics can make a large contribution to resource-saving thermal management. Scientists of the University of Bayreuth are pursuing this vision. They use infrared thermography to quantitatively determine thermal conductivity in nano- and mesostructured polymer materials.

Infrared thermal imaging applications at “Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig (KuZ)“ - Picture credits: © iStock.com / aquatarkus
Read more abour infrared thermography applications at Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig gGmbH

Thermography at Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig

With infrared thermography, absolute temperatures, temperature distributions and relative temperature changes can be measured and tracked within dynamic conditions.

Measurement of Plastic Films by Means of Filtering

Infrared thermal imaging to monitor the film production

Temperature represents an important quality aspect in the manufacturing process of thin plastic films. This measurement can be carried out without any contact by applying infrared camera. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the high transparency of the plastic films. A solution for this problem is provided by InfraTec’s special infrared camera systems of the camera series ImageIR® which can be equipped with spectral filters and, therefore, are able to filter background radiation out. These infrared camera systems also feature high frame rates of more than 10 KHz, especially for the acquisition of fast extrusion processes accurate in every detail.

Advantages of this Thermography Solutions in this Application

  • Thermografie-Kameraserie ImageIR® mit neuer 10 GigE-Schnittstelle
    Further information about the 10 GigE technology

    10 GigE Interface for a Strong Increase in Output

    The 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface of the high-end camera series ImageIR® opens this extremely fast transmission standard with a NIC specially developed by InfraTec. This works with optical or electrical transceiver modules that are easy to change and are called SFP+.

    Different 10 GigE fiber SFP+ transceivers allow transmission ranges of up to ten kilometers with the same low sensitivity to electromagnetic interference. A corresponding standard SFP ensures backward compatibility with the conventional GigE interface. This combination allows the ease of use of the cameras with the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface in existing systems - though at a reduced transmission rate.

  • InfraTec glossary - VarioCAM® mobile wireless camera remote control
    Further information about wireless camera remote control

    Mobile Wireless Camera Remote Control

    Stationary camera systems are usually used PC-controlled. Alternatively, InfraTec offers a solution that makes the operation of the camera system even more versatile. An additional tablet PC is attached to the camera housing, which enables wireless control of all camera functions. The display solution allows access to all functions of the IRBIS® online control and acquisition software, delivered together with the camera.

  • InfraTec glossary - ImageIR® mobile wireless camera remote control
    Further information about wireless camera remote control

    Mobile Wireless Camera Remote Control

    Stationary camera systems are usually used PC-controlled. Alternatively, InfraTec offers a solution that makes the operation of the camera system even more versatile. An additional tablet PC is attached to the camera housing, which enables wireless control of all camera functions. The display solution allows access to all functions of the IRBIS® online control and acquisition software, delivered together with the camera.

  • InfraTec glossary - Rotating filter- und aperture wheel
    Get further information about the separate filter & aperture wheel

    Separate Filter & Aperture Wheel – Spectral Thermography

    The combination of a separate filter and aperture wheel, allowing a total of 30 freely selectable combinations, is prerequisite for an universal application in measurement tasks with high object temperatures and in the field of spectral thermography. The neutral density filters used for signal attenuation or the combination of spectral filters and apertures reliably prevent interference effects.

Get in contact with InfraTec thermography division

Would You Like to Know More?

It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our specialists, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.

United States

InfraTec infrared LLC
75024 Plano, TXUSA

Associated Thermographic Automation Solutions

  • Automation InfraTec INDU-SCAN - In-process industrial temperature measurement
    Process Control - INDU-SCAN

    Process Control - INDU-SCAN

    Contactless measurement of temperature distributions and profiles with industrial thermographic cameras permits efficient monitoring and control of temperature-dependent processes and procedures within a system-integrated quality assurance programme in industry.

  • Quality control for more precision in press hardening PRESS-CHECK
    Quality Control or Press Hardening - PRESS-CHECK

    Quality Control or Press Hardening - PRESS-CHECK

    Check the microstructures of sheet metal parts during the stamping process and establish a uniform high strength and quality of all produced stampings safely and with a contact-free method.

  • Welding seams and welding spots testing with WELD-CHECK
    Welding Inspection - WELD-CHECK

    Welding Inspection - WELD-CHECK

    Using pulse thermography, WELD-CHECK enables you a quantitative assessment of the inspected welds.

  • Thermography test solution E-LIT
    Electronic / Semiconductor Testing - E-LIT

    Electronic / Semiconductor Testing - E-LIT

    Detect inhomogeneous temperature distribution and local power loss during the production using the Lock-in thermography.

  • Quality Assurance for Coating Processes | InfraTec / Picture Credits: © iStock.com / Greppe
    Quality Assur­ance for Coating Processes - LayIR-CHECK

    Quality Assur­ance for Coating Processes - LayIR-CHECK

    Infrared cameras allow the non-destructive and process-synchronous monitoring of coating processes to ensure that the coatings are free of defects as soon as they are applied.

Infrared Cameras for Plastics Industry Applications

Associated Industries & Applications

  • InfraTec Bondung and Sealing - Hot gas
    Bonding and Sealing

    Bonding and Sealing

    Users can utilise infrared cameras during bonding and sealing to monitor and control various technological parameters. This includes the geometry of the adhesive application, adhesive temperature and adherend temperature, curing temperature as well as the adhesive bond.

  • InfraTec - Additive manufacturing for process control
    Additive Manufacturing

    Additive Manufacturing

    By in-line monitoring of thermal process parameters, infrared cameras from InfraTec support the optimisation of additive manufacturing processes.

  • thermal imaging for material testing
    Material Testing

    Material Testing

    Save time and costs by non-destructively testing components with infrared camera systems by InfraTec.

  • spectral ir thermography
    Spectral Thermography

    Spectral Thermography

    Using precision filters for specific applications you will measure exactly those spectral ranges being of interest to you.

  • thermal imaging for thermal optimisation
    Thermal Optimisation

    Thermal Optimisation

    Identify possible problems already in the development phase well before serial production.

  • thermal imaging for predictive maintenance
    Inspection of Mechanical Assemblies

    Inspection of Mechanical Assemblies

    Thermography reveals irregularities in heating of mechanical components in time.