Abstract: A target value progression for a process parameter functioning as a setting variable is established so that an actual value progression for a selected variable has a desired property, or the desired actual value progression itself ensues. The actual value progression occurring in relation to the first configuration is predetermined as a reference value progression for the selected variable, and a target value progression for the process parameter functioning as the setting variable is established by a computer so that the reference value progression as the actual value progression with the desired property or the desired actual value progression itself ensues when the shaping machine in the second configuration operates in a production cycle in accordance with the selected target value progression for the at least one process parameter functioning as the setting variable.

Abstract: A shaping machine includes a stationary first mold mounting plate, a second mold mounting plate movable with respect to the first mold mounting plate, a tubular snorkel fixedly secured to the second mold mounting plate, and an injection unit for plasticizing and injecting a molding material. An abutment is designed so that, in the opened condition of the closing unit, the injection unit can be braced against the abutment, and so that, in a closed condition of the closing unit, the injection unit is freed from the abutment by the force action of the snorkel on the injection unit.

Abstract: An injection unit for a shaping machine includes an injection element suitable for introducing a plasticized material into a mold tool by a linear movement of the injection element. The injection element is coupled in linear motion-transmitting relationship to a bearing element, and at least two linear drives are adapted to exert a force on the injection element by the bearing element. The force can be transmitted by a transmission element from the at least two linear drives to the bearing element and thus to the injection element, and at least one clearance is arranged between the bearing element and the transmission element such that deformations of the bearing element are not transmitted to the transmission element or are transmitted to a reduced degree.

Abstract: An arrangement for melting at least one solid precursor product for polymer production includes a housing for receiving the solid precursor product by way of an opening, and a melting device arranged in the housing. The melting device is disposed so that the solid precursor product can be fed thereto to be melted. A preferably switchable discharge device is connected to an opening of the housing and can be connected to an injection unit.

Abstract: A shaping machine or a handling apparatus for a shaping machine includes at least one measuring device for measuring the spacing of two selected points of the shaping machine or the handling apparatus. Furthermore, the at least one measuring device has at least one piezoresistive micromechanical sensor.

Abstract: A method of setting a shaping machine includes identifying values for setting parameters, which setting parameters at least partially establish control of controllable components of the shaping machine during the shaping process. A plurality of simulations of the shaping process are performed on the basis of a first parameter and a second parameter. The first parameter describes physical factors of the shaping process. The second parameter is suitable as a basis for at least one of the setting parameters of the shaping machine. The simulation is carried out on the basis of various combinations of values of the first parameter and the second parameter. Values of at least one quality parameter are calculated from results of the simulations for the various combinations of values of the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: A control device for a handling device includes a storage medium, a processing unit, an output for outputting signals, and an input for receiving signals from the handling device. A waiting phase is conducted before an actuation of an end-of-arm tool mounted to an end-of-arm of a handling arm. The signals received by the input represent a dynamic parameter of the end-of-arm and a threshold value corresponds to a specific dynamic parameter of the end-of-arm stored in the storage medium. The signals received by the input can be compared with the threshold value by a comparison unit of the control device, and an end of the waiting phase can be determined when reaching the threshold value. Depending on a curve of the dynamic parameter, the threshold value can be determined and the end of the waiting phase can be determined when reaching the threshold value.

Abstract: A closing unit for a shaping machine includes mutually moveable mold mounting plates suitable for carrying mold tool portions, a first hydraulic cylinder adapted to apply a closing force to the mold mounting plates, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a pressure storage device connected to the first hydraulic cylinder and adapted to store a pressure prevailing in the first hydraulic cylinder upon pressure relief at a storage device pressure. A hydraulic interconnection of the pressure storage device with the second hydraulic cylinder allows the storage pressure stored in the pressure storage device to be used for locking and/or unlocking the locking device.

Abstract: An injection unit for a molding machine includes a plasticizing cylinder having at least two grooves, and a carrier part having a notch. The plasticizing cylinder is arranged in the notch. The at least two grooves are spaced apart axially from each other. At least two engaging elements are provided, which engage with the at least two grooves, in order to create a positive-locking connection between the plasticizing cylinder and the carrier part, through which an axial movement of the plasticizing cylinder relative to the carrier part is inhibited.

Abstract: A pull or push rod or locking nut for a molding machine has an undercut, and the undercut has an undercut cross-section, a side wall, and an undercut ramp. The side wall transitions via a first transition curvature into an undercut base, and the undercut base transitions via a second transition curvature into the undercut ramp. The undercut base, viewed in the undercut cross-section, is at least partially curved, and the curvature of the undercut base differs from the first transition curvature and/or the second transition curvature.

Abstract: A pull or push rod for a molding machine having a groove. The groove is suitable for forming a positive-locking connection with a locking nut, by which positive-locking connection forces are transmittable between the locking nut and the pull or push rod. The groove has a groove cross-section, has at least two groove flanks, and has a groove base. The at least two groove flanks, viewed in the groove cross-section, each transition with at least one transition curvature into the groove base. The groove base in the groove cross-section is at least partially formed as a curvature, and the curvature of the groove base differs from the transition curvatures of the groove flanks.

Abstract: A machine element, in particular for a shaping machine, includes a lubricated bearing and/or a seal and a primary drainage conduit for catching a fluid medium issuing from the bearing and/or the seal, preferably substantially pressure-lessly. A collecting device is provided for collecting the fluid medium which is caught in the primary drainage conduit over a period of time, and a measuring device is adapted to directly and/or indirectly measure an amount of the fluid medium collected by the collecting device over the period of time.

Abstract: A protective cover for a plasticizing cylinder of a shaping machine has an elongate internal space which is enclosed by at least one wall and in which the plasticizing cylinder can be arranged. A terminal box for heating strips arranged on the plasticizing cylinder projects into the elongate internal space, and the at least one wall has an opening which is closed by an openable cover member. In an opened condition of the openable cover member, the opening allows access to the terminal box or the interior of the terminal box.

Abstract: A closed-loop control device includes a target value entrance for inputting a target value for at least one control value, an actual value entrance for inputting an actual value for the at least one control value, wherein the actual value is determined based on the at least one measuring value, a calculation unit for calculating the actuation value based on a deviation of the actual value from the target value in such a way that the actual value follows the target value, and a control exit for outputting the actuation value for an actuator of the at least one tempering circle. The calculation unit is configured in such a way that the actuation value is calculated based on the present operating point or in a manner adapted to the present operating point.

Abstract: A molding facility or peripheral apparatus for a molding facility including at least one non-safe control apparatus having at least one signal input and at least one signal output for the non-safe control of non-safety-relevant actuators of the molding facility or peripheral apparatus, and at least one safe control apparatus which has at least one safe signal input and at least one safe signal output and in which there is stored a safety program which can be executed for the safe control of safety-relevant actuators of the molding facility or peripheral apparatus, wherein the safety program is a version of a wiring diagram, that can be executed by the safe control apparatus and is compiled by a compiler.

Abstract: In a method for determining at least one parameter for the description of the compression behavior of a material processed in a molding machine, at least a part of the processed material is introduced into a mold cavity via a distribution system and a gate, and the processed material solidifies in the mold cavity. A compression test is performed in which a volume storing the material is modified and a measurement of the resulting pressure modification is conducted or a pressure applied onto the material is modified and a measurement of the resulting modification of the volume is conducted. A parameter for the description of the compression behavior is calculated based on the result of the compression test by using a mathematical model. The compression test is conducted when the gate is at least substantially solidified or when the hot runner is closed.

Abstract: A plasticizing unit for a molding machine includes a plasticizing cylinder, and the plasticizing cylinder has a feed zone and a filling opening for material to be plasticized. The filling opening is arranged adjacent to the feeding zone, and a thermal separating device is arranged between the feed zone and the filling opening. An active tempering device for the filling opening is provided, and the active tempering device includes at least one tempering conduit and a tempering medium turbulently flowing through the tempering conduit during operation of the active tempering device.

Abstract: A method of simulating a shaping process involves calculating states of objects involved in the shaping process in discrete and successive time steps with presetting of conditions, and the conditions represent input parameters of the shaping process. After a time step which is before the end of the simulated shaping process, (a) a check on the calculated states of the objects involved in the shaping process is carried out based on a quality criterion. If the check in step (a) shows that the quality criterion is not met, then (b) at least one of the following is carried out: resumption of the simulation with repeated calculation of the time step and/or a preceding time step, and continuation of the simulation with calculation of a time step following the time step. When method step (b) is carried out, the conditions are at least partially altered.

Abstract: An arrangement for melting at least one solid precursor product for polymer production includes a housing for receiving the solid precursor product by way of an opening, and a melting device arranged in the housing. The melting device is disposed so that the solid precursor product can be fed thereto to be melted. A preferably switchable discharge device is connected to an opening of the housing and can be connected to an injection unit.

Abstract: A power supply device for a molding machine with an intermediate circuit, which can be connected with at least one drive of the molding machine and is suitable for supplying the at least one drive with electrical energy; a supply module connected to the intermediate circuit; an energy storage device connected to the intermediate circuit; and a closed loop control device for closed loop controlling an energy content of the energy storage device. The energy storage device can be closed loop controlled by means of the closed loop control device so that the energy content of the energy storage device does not go outside a range, in which a power input and/or a power output of the energy storage device is essentially constant.