In the world of plastics processing, every detail counts. Modern injection molding machines operate in the microsecond range – highly dynamic, precise, powerful. This is also what the Swiss manufacturer Netstal-Maschinen AG stands for, which has made a name for itself worldwide with systems for the beverage, packaging, and medical technology industries, where quality, speed, and process safety are top priorities.
On board: Highly precise pressure sensors from STS, which reliably ensure the correct pressure conditions with every cycle.
What happens inside an injection molding machine?
In seconds, complex components are created from plastic granulate – through an interplay of heat, pressure, and precision.
Two central units form the heart of the machine:
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The injection unit heats and homogenizes the plastic using a rotating screw in the hydraulic cylinder.
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The clamping unit houses the mold, into which the prepared plastic mass is injected under high pressure.
The entire process depends on exact pressure conditions. Even small deviations can have costly consequences – from defective parts and material loss to production stoppages.
Why the pressure sensor plays a key role
Monitoring the injection process is done via sensors in the hydraulic circuit of the injection axis. The chamber pressure can be used to derive the so-called volumetric pressure – a critical parameter for the quality of the final product.
If the calculated pressure is too high or too low, the risks include:
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Incomplete filling of the tool
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Optical or mechanical defects in the part
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Unnecessary material loss
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Damage to the tool
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Production downtime
To avoid this, pressure sensors with extreme measurement accuracy, high reproducibility, and excellent temperature stability are required.
Tested to the limits: The ATM.1ST from STS impresses in rigorous testing
Intensive comparison tests were conducted at Netstal to choose the right pressure sensor. The focus was not only on accuracy but also on long-term stability under high thermal load.
The result: The STS ATM.1ST performed excellently across all test phases. Notably impressive were:
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High precision in low-pressure range
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Excellent temperature resistance
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Minimal measurement deviation – even after millions of cycles
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Maintaining tight tolerance limits after artificial aging
Technical highlights of the ATM.1ST
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Pressure ranges | 100 mbar to 1,000 bar |
| Measurement types | Relative and absolute pressure |
| Accuracy (characteristic) | ≤ ±0.10% / 0.05% FS |
| Total error (0–70 °C) | ≤ ±0.30% FS |
| Operating temperature range | –40°C to +125°C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, optional titanium |
| Construction | Modular, adaptable |
Conclusion
Precision begins with measurement. Thanks to the robust and highly accurate pressure sensors from STS, manufacturers like Netstal can guarantee maximum quality, process security, and efficiency – even in the most demanding applications.
With the ATM.1ST, STS once again proves: when it comes to precision under high pressure, Swiss sensor technology can be trusted.
