Abstract: A system for controlling the dimensions of an extrudate exiting an extruder and for compensating for the variations in the extrusion rate of the extruder, expansion rate and rate of travel of the extrudate through sizing devices by changing the speed of an extrudate puller device, includes an extruder which extrudes the extrudate; a conveyor system comprising rollers and a series of sizing devices; a puller device for pulling the extrudate through the sizing devices; and a laser proximity measuring device to assist the system in keeping the desired shape of the extrudate. The laser proximity measuring device includes at least one pair of optical non-contact displacement transducers, a real time processor, and an interactive touch screen display unit. The transducers emit a laser beam which provides a laser point on the side of the extrudate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member; a second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap formed between the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member; and a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap within a very tight die cavity gap tolerance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for blow-molding containers are disclosed. A parison made of a thermoplastic material is first subjected to a thermal treatment in the zone of a heating section along a conveying path. The parison is then shaped into the container within a blow mold under the effect of a blowing pressure. Once the container has been blow-molded, a wall thickness is measured on at least one vertical level of the container. A preset value for the wall thickness is fed to a controller as a desired value, and the measured wall thickness is fed thereto as an actual value. The controller presets the quantity of at least one parameter influencing the blowing process in accordance with a difference between the desired value and the actual value. More specifically, the controller presets the quantity of at least one parameter influencing the supply of blowing gas. The quantity of the parameter is preset on the basis of a blowing process simulation model implemented in the controller.

Abstract: A method of coating metal wire with extrudate using an extrusion system. The method includes the steps of advancing the metal wire through an extrusion die of the extrusion system and extruding molten extrudate over the metal wire as the metal wire is advanced through the extrusion die. Image data is generated, using one or several electronic cameras, concurrently with the advancing, and extruding to provide visual feedback indicative of the concentricity or non-concentricity of extrudate surrounding the metal wire as the metal wire exits the extrusion die.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing a tear line in a vehicle interior trim part, in which a laser beam is guided along a tear line and a material ablation in the form of holes with a residual wall thickness is effected. On the side facing the laser beam, the complete extent of the tear line is detected by a stationary matrix camera. In the machining at a machining site, only pixels of a CMOS matrix camera that are known in advance, for which the incidence of a measurement radiation is expected at this machining site, are read out. The laser is preferably scanned and non-adjacent machining sites are machined successively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for inductively heating an electrical conductor after the extrusion head in a process of manufacturing electrical cables (8) having insulation layer on the electrical conductor. The arrangement comprises a first distinctive part having induction means (5), and a second distinctive part having guide means (4) and provided in a splice box (3) for directing the magnetic field created with the induction means (5) to protect external parts from heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a calendering system is provided to allow for fine gauge adjustment of the product. The calender system has a first and second roller each having a first and second end mounted in opposed end supports. The end supports each have an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one or more internal passages, wherein a heat transfer medium may be circulated through the one or more internal passages. The heat transfer medium may either heat or cool the internal passages of the end supports, resulting in the respective increase or decrease in the gauge of the product.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for the blow moulding of containers (2). A parison (1) composed of a thermoplastic material is first subjected to heat conditioning along a transport path in the region of a heating section (30). The parison is then subjected to a forming process within a blow mould with exposure to blowing pressure to give heat container. The heat conditioning of the parisons is carried out by a plurality of mutually superposed radiant heaters (41). The blow moulding of the container is followed by wall-thickness measurement at at least one level within the height of the container. The heating power of a radiant heater associated with this height level is controlled. The control system receives a prescribed wall-thickness value as required value and the measured wall thickness as actual value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to regulate the film thickness of tubular film manufactured using a film blowing process, wherein the film is laid flat and repositioned using an oscillating take-off unit and subsequently monoaxially oriented in machine direction using an orientation unit. This process produces a film whose thickness profile has as few deviations as possible from the average film thickness across the film width. This result is achieved by setting the film thickness profile of tubular film produced with a film blowing line such that after orientation and as a result of deviations during orientation, a film thickness profile develops that is uniform across the entire film width.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a compression molding method for a cutting insert, in which molding powder filled into a molding space defined by a die, an upper punch, and a lower punch is compression-molded by the upper and lower punches, includes, sliding both the upper and lower punches individually to positions just short of estimated stop positions obtained for design by means of a position controller, and then sliding the punches by means of a load controller so that a predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating semiconductor packages may include a thickness measurer configured to measure the thickness of a printed circuit board (PCB); mold dies, clamped to the top and the bottom of the PCB, through which a molding compound may be injected; and a pressure controller configured to control a clamp pressure of the mold die in response to the thickness of the PCB. The thickness of the PCB may be measured before molding the PCB, and a clamp pressure corresponding to the measured thickness may be decided. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the thickness variation of a PCB in real time, as they are being produced, to decrease the number of bad packages.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating layer is provided according to the invention. The method includes steps of assembling a die coater comprising a first die block (12), a second die block (14), and a plurality of fasteners (40) holding the first die block and the second die block together, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners provides a compression force between the first die block and the second die block, and the first die block and the second die block are constructed to provide an internal manifold (16) and a coating slot (18), and extruding a coating material through the internal manifold and the coating slot. The coating slot can be adjusted to provide a more uniform coating slot along the length of the coating slot by adjusting the compression force of the fasteners, utilizing an offset bracket (80), adjusting the die bolt locations, adjusting the die overhang, providing a non-uniform shim (30), or a combination thereof. A die coater is additionally described.

Abstract: A method and system for making a dough sheet with consistent properties across its width and over time is disclosed. The moisture content of dough is measured using a near-infrared spectrometer. The dough is evenly distributed across the length of sheeting rollers by an externally reinforced fan plate. A control system uses the moisture content and level of dough on the sheeting rollers to control ingredient flow rates.

Abstract: A control unit for a powder material compression molding machine including a powder material compressor which compresses a powder material filled between compressing members in an adjusted filled amount by making the compressing members approach to each other at a predetermined interval, so as to mold a molded product, and a pressure detector which detects a powder material compressing pressure by the powder material compressor. The control unit including a weight determiner which determines that the weight of filled powder material is normal, a thickness determiner which determines that the thickness of the molded product is abnormal in the case where the pressure detected by the pressure detector falls out of a first predetermined range when the weight determiner determines normality, and a compression controller which controls the powder material compressor when the thickness determiner determines abnormality.

Abstract: The invention concerns the manufacture of containers, in particular bottles, from thermoplastic material blanks, in particular PET, whereby a mold is used including at least one capacitive sensor inserted in its wall defining the molding cavity, the front side of the capacitive sensor being flush with the molding surface of the molding cavity and being configured in the continuity of the surface.

Abstract: An sheet forming apparatus selectively uses two control modes: a constant roller gap control mode where a roller gap is controlled by a roller gap adjustment means so that the roller gap converges a predetermined control target value; and a constant pressing load control mode where the roller gap is controlled by the roller adjustment means so that a pressing load converges a predetermined control target value.

Abstract: The present invention enables an automatic roll gap adjustment, thereby facilitating operations at a set-up or when changing forming conditions. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention controls a sheet take-off speed (a roll rotation speed) in accordance with a deviation of a measurement value from a set value of a roll gap under a constant pressing load control.

Abstract: A process for the automatic control of the thickness of extruded film lowers the deviations in the thickness of the film more quickly after the start of the extrusion process. The process includes the measurement of the thickness profile of the film just extruded by means of a thickness-measuring probe. The thickness-measuring probe is moved along the surface of the film substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the extruded film. The thickness-measuring probe records a thickness profile of the film for each measuring cycle at least over parts of the expansion of the film perpendicular to its conveying direction. While providing statistical values in relation to older measured values, the latest measured values during a predetermined time-frame at the start of the extrusion process are more heavily weighted by a computer than those measured during the normal operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the stacking height of stackable products during compression molding off stops includes slides that are movable into and out of an end of blind pockets in a compression mold in which the stack height surfaces are formed during the molding cycle. The slides are held in a retracted position until after the mold is closed and the molding compound flows to the shape of the molding cavity inside the mold including the blind pockets. Then the slides are extended into the ends of the respective blind pockets the same distance to compress the molding compound and obtain the desired height of the stack height surfaces formed by the blind pockets.

Abstract: Device (1) for manufacturing a rubber strip material comprising cord material. The device comprises an extruder (4) with an integrated gear pump (13) with adjustable pump speed and with a conveying screw for extruding unvulcanised rubber around the cord material for the purpose of producing a continuous rubber strip. The device furthermore comprises a control unit (15) for adjusting the pump speed of the gear pump, a measuring unit (16) for measuring the height and the width of the rubber strip and for emitting a measuring signal indicative of the measured height and width. The measuring unit can be connected to the control unit for adjusting the pump speed of the gear pump for emitting the measuring signal to it, wherein the pump speed of the gear pump can be controlled by the control unit at least based on the measuring signal.

Abstract: A method for modifying the resilience of a flexible layer having a predetermined footprint and to be formed from a predetermined amount of edible material is described. The method includes increasing the thickness of the flexible layer whilst maintaining the predetermined amount of edible material and the footprint of the flexible layer. In one embodiment, increasing the thickness involves moulding in a flowable form the predetermined amount of edible material in a mould, the mould including a moulding region of substantially the same footprint as the flexible layer with the moulding region including at least one projection extending from the moulding region. The predetermined amount of edible material is then allowed to set.

Abstract: A film die for the production of tubular film made of thermoplastic synthetics has at least one feed channel for the synthetic fused material which ends in a ring-shaped discharge nozzle with an interior and/or exterior cooling ring that is adjusted to the diameter of the extruded synthetic tube, in which physical parameters of the air blown onto the extruded film tube can be variably changed sector by sector. The film die is divided into sections, in which the temperature is individually variable, and/or additional bores are arranged across the circumference of the film die, which are essentially aligned vertical to the exterior cooling ring, whereby air of variable temperatures can be blown from them, the physical parameters of which are variable. The film die has at least one control unit that controls or operates the various measures for influencing the film thickness.

Abstract: An alternate polymer extrusion method and system reduces “drool” effects that detract from precise control over the content of two or more materials in an extrudate along its length. In the system, two or more extruders direct melt to two or more gear pumps. Control of the speed of the gear pumps controls the amount of each material emergent from the pumps, proceeding to a convergence in the paths from the pumps and thence to a die. Melt in each path between each pump and the convergence tends to expand and drool into the convergence as its associated pump is slowed and stopped. To prevent this, in the die, a constriction in each path just upstream of the convergence greatly reduces drool past that point by requiring a much greater pressure to force the melt past the constriction. The increased pressure required increases compression and expansion of the melt between the pump and the construction as a pump starts or increases in speed, on one hand, and stop or decreases in speed, on the other hand.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for the blow moulding of containers (2). A parison (1) composed of a thermoplastic material is first subjected to heat conditioning along a transport path in the region of a heating section (30). The parison is then subjected to a forming process within a blow mould with exposure to blowing pressure to give heat container. The heat conditioning of the parisons is carried out by a plurality of mutually superposed radiant heaters (41). The blow moulding of the container is followed by wall-thickness measurement at at least one level within the height of the container. The heating power of a radiant heater associated with this height level is controlled. The control system receives a prescribed wall-thickness value as required value and the measured wall thickness as actual value.

Abstract: A slit die has a combined, opposing pair of lips. Between the lips, the die has a lip gap and a coating liquid discharge opening formed at the lower end of the lip gap. At least one of the lips is constituted of two blocks that are vertically layered over each other and relatively movable in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the discharge opening. The slit die further has a block-engaging element for engaging the blocks together in such a way that relative positions of the blocks are adjustable, a block-fastening element for fastening the blocks together after their relative positions are adjusted, a positioning element attached to outer surfaces of the blocks, on the side opposite the discharge opening side, and defining the positions to which the blocks are relatively moved, and a fixing element for fixing the positioning element to the blocks.

Abstract: A process for preweakening the inside of an automotive trim piece cover layer of various constructions by use of a laser beam so as to enable formation of an air bag deployment opening in the trim piece formed at the time the air bag deploys. The laser beam impinges the inside surface of the cover to form a groove scoring or spaced perforations to form a preweakening pattern. A robot arm may be used to move a laser generator so as to form the preweakening pattern. The laser beam can be controlled in accordance with sensed conditions to achieve accurate preweakening, and may also be used to trim substrate panels and to perform other cutting operations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery includes allowing a cylindrical battery case (5) with a bottom to contain an electrode plate group, carrying out a groove-forming processing on an outside periphery of an opening of the battery case, disposing a sealing plate in the opening of the battery case through a gasket, and crimping and sealing the end of the opening of the battery case.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing containers. The apparatus comprises at least one heating unit which heats preforms; at least one blow moulding unit which expands heated preforms to form containers; at least one sensor device which outputs at least one measured parameter representative of a physical state of the preforms or containers; wherein at least two control parameters of the heating unit or of the blow moulding unit can be varied; and an adjusting unit which is configured in such a way that it adjusts the control parameters as a function of the measured parameter. According to the invention, the adjusting unit comprises an associating device which associates control parameters with predefined measured parameters in a manner that is freely predefinable.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed which has a needle, and a substrate table arranged to hold a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the needle is moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position being such that in use the needle penetrates a layer of imprintable material on the substrate, and the second position being such that in use the needle is disengaged from the imprintable material on the substrate, the substrate table and the needle arranged such that one may be scanned relative to the other.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform and an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform. The system also includes a processor configured to estimate at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave and to use the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform.

Abstract: A mold clamping apparatus of an injection molding machine, which includes a fixed platen to which a fixed-side mold is attached, a mold clamping housing, a plurality of tie bars provided between the fixed platen and the mold clamping housing and a movable platen to which a moving-side mold is attached and which is capable of moving with respect to the fixed platen along the tie bars. The mold clamping apparatus includes heaters for heating the tie bars and sensors for sensing the temperatures of portions heated by the heaters, and the heaters and the sensors are provided to each of the plurality of tie bars. The mold clamping apparatus includes a temperature adjustor, which is connected to the heaters and the sensors and controls the temperatures of the heated portions of the tie bars.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing a tear line in a vehicle interior trim part, in which a laser beam is guided along a tear line and a material ablation in the form of holes with a residual wall thickness is effected. On the side facing the laser beam, the complete extent of the tear line is detected by a stationary matrix camera. In the machining at a machining site, only pixels of a CMOS matrix camera that are known in advance, for which the incidence of a measurement radiation is expected at this machining site, are read out. The laser is preferably scanned and non-adjacent machining sites are machined successively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for panel/wafer molding. The present invention discloses a base with a first separation layer, an upper molding base with a second separation layer, a cheap molding layer and a vacuum panel bonding machine for bonding, a curing unit, a cleaning unit and a separating unit; wherein upper molding base is rectangular or round. Therefore the present invention providing a simple, cheap universal panel/wafer molding apparatus for a round or rectangular type panel, and does no harm to the chip active surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a calendering system is provided to allow for fine gauge adjustment of the product. The calender system has a first and second roller each having a first and second end mounted in opposed end supports. The end supports each have an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one or more internal passages, wherein a heat transfer medium may be circulated through the one or more internal passages. The heat transfer medium may either heat or cool the internal passages of the end supports, resulting in the respective increase or decrease in the gauge of the product.

Abstract: The resin molding equipment comprises: a work piece feeding section; a work piece measuring section measuring thickness of a semiconductor chip mounted on a work piece; a resin supplying section supplying liquid resin to the work piece; a resin molding section having a molding die for molding the work piece with the liquid resin; a product measuring section measuring thickness of a resin molded part of the molded product; a product accommodating section; and a control section for controlling the sections. The control section includes means for adjusting an amount of the liquid resin, which is supplied to the work piece by the resin supplying section, on the basis of the thickness measured by the work piece measuring section.

Abstract: A plastic sleeve is applied to a pole of varying cross-sectional area. A series of poles are advanced along their lengths through the opening of an extruder die, plastic is extruded onto the pole to form a cylindrical sleeve, and the rate of advancement of the pole through the die is adjusted in accordance with the increasing or decreasing diameter of the pole, so as to assure an even application of the plastic about the pole. The ends of the plastic are gathered while the plastic is still hot, forming a closure of the plastic about the ends of the pole.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process.

Abstract: Device for extruding hollow strands from thermoplastic material, with an extrusion die and a calibrating device, arranged between which is a mold chamber with an outer mold body for influencing the diameter of a hot, still moldable hollow strand emerging from an annular die of the extrusion die. The device is configured for extruding hollow strands of thermoplastic material and with which changing the wall thickness of the hollow strand emerging from the annular die is also possible. This is achieved by the mold chamber having an inner mold body, the inner and outer mold bodies being arranged coaxially in relation to the annular die and, by axial and/or radial adjustment in relation to each other, forming an annular gap between them for changing the cross section and/or the wall thickness of the hollow strand emerging from the annular die.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a container manufacturing machine include a thickness monitor (10) for determining an average wall thickness of containers produced by the machine. The system uses the average wall thickness to adjust machine control to change operation of the machine and adjust the quality of the containers being produced. The system also responds to feedback from pneumatic devices (104), heaters (103), mechanical devices and temperature sensors (108, 109) to determine corrections to be made to the machine operation.

Abstract: A process of controlling the thickness profile of a blown tubular film, consisting of thermoplastic plastics, around the circumference of same when producing blown film by means of blown film extruders, having a film extrusion die, wherein a measuring device measures the film thickness of the tubular film around the circumference and wherein a control device variably controls the cooling gas flow as a function of the measured film thicknesses around the circumference in sectors, wherein cooling gas flows are supplied from the outside in the direction of production in two separate planes, and wherein the cooling gas flows are controlled variably and in circumferential sectors around the circumference in the two planes in respect of their physical parameters.

Abstract: An extrusion die or extruder having a flexible lip that is moveable by a geared mechanism. A shaft is operably connected to at least one gear, which in turn is operably connected to a movable lip of the extruder. Rotation of the shaft results in movement of the extruder lip.

Abstract: A blow head for extruding a tubular plastic preform from an outlet gap between a fixed die core and a die body allows a change of the width of the outlet gap as a function of the circumference using light and small actuating devices, e.g., double-acting actuator cylinders, if the die body has its upper end, facing away from the outlet gap, pivotably mounted in the blow head and a pressure ring is positioned in the outlet gap, on which the actuating devices act.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine for cutting up, in particular, foodstuff products having an unstable outer contour. The product feeding unit of the cutting machine has a number of conveyor and shaping belts, which are distributed over the peripheral contour of the product to be cut, are driven in a revolving manner, and whose conveyor strands can be, in particular, individually placed with a pre-determinable pressure against the conveyed product to be cut.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymers, rubbery polymeric components and reinforcing fillers are mixed and heated to a range of 380° F. to 440° F. The resulting mixture is then fed into a BANBURY mixer, with the resulting mixture fed into a diverter feeding two molds. The velocity of the piston of each mold being filled is controlled to thereby control the density of the molded product along its length (BANBURY is a registered trademark of Farrel Corporation). As each mold is filled, it is deposited in a cool water bath (50° F.–60° F.) while the next mold is being filled. The molds are sequentially transferred to an air cooling rack to complete the process. A texture, generally comprising indentations perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on the molded object, provides a frictional surface between the railway crosstie and the ballast beneath the crosstie.

Abstract: A die assembly (10) having a first die part (12), which includes a first lip (16) that, in combination with a second lip (18), defines a feed gap (20). The first die part (12) also includes a rear portion (22), a front portion (24), a slot (26) between these portions (22,24), and a gap-setting device (28) that is mechanically movable within the slot (26) so as to enable the movement of the front portion (24) relative to the rear portion (22). The first lip (16) is carried by the front portion (24), whereby movement of the front portion (24) in one direction moves the first lip (16) relative to the second lip (18), thereby adjusting the feed gap (20). The geometries of the slot (26) and the gap-setting device (28) are such that movement in a second opposite direction is limited to a known position, thereby providing a registration position for the front portion (24) of the first die part (12) and thereby providing a registration position for the first lip (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation and a process for the production of foam in a continuous block foam process in which the height of a foam-forming mixture along a conveyor is measured and a correcting variable as a function of deviation of the actual height risen from the standard height is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hollow bodies, in particular bottles and similar containers provided with an evacuation opening, of thermoplastic includes a lower machine part and a beamlike upper machine part. The lower machine part is equipped with at least two blow molds, each provided with a cavity. A number of blowing and calibration mandrels corresponding to the number of blow molds is disposed on the beamlike upper machine part disposed above the lower machine part. One blow mold is assigned to each blowing and calibration mandrel. The blowing and calibration mandrels can be axially fed jointly toward the blow molds and can be moved with their calibration region into an orifice of the cavity until an annular shoulder of the blowing and calibration mandrels comes into contact with a counterpart face on the associated blow mold. The blowing and calibration mandrels are retained axially freely movably, within predeterminable limits, in the upper machine part.

Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous manufacturing method which consists in producing a blank (E) by extrusion, bringing said blank to a temperature for molecular orientation, passing said blank around a radial expansion mandrel (12); gauging and cooling while subjecting the blank to axial traction. The radial expansion produced on the mandrel (12) is partial so that the internal diameter (B) of the blank (E), when it leaves the mandrel, is less than the nominal internal diameter (D) of the finished tube; performing an additional radial expansion of the blank, up to its nominal diameter, by internal fluid pressure. In permanent operating conditions, the inner surface of the blank (E) is no longer in contact with the mandrel (12).

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.