Automation Parts

Kistler Measuring Chain Records Melt Pressure The melt-pressure measuring chain from Kistler enables the precise measurement and recording of melt pressure when moulding components to tight dimensional tolerances. The chain is made up of a factory-calibrated sensor, matched amplifier and cable designed to measure and record the melt pressure in injection-moulding machines and hot-runner systems, and is also suitable for measuring static pressure in polymer pumps. The sensor allows the melt pressure and temperature signals to be integrated into the moulding machine's control system. The very stable, high-temperature-resistant, piezoresistive measuring element is protected by a robust diaphragm, allowing the sensor to be mounted directly in the flow of the material to eliminate the time lag inherent in indirect measuring systems. A temperature signal derived from the piezorestive element is used by the amplifier to compensate for temperature variations. The sensor displays high...

Steelplanner Optimises Duferco's Supply Chain Duferco La Louviere has implemented two Steelplanner modules for the optimisation of its supply chain, complementing the existing Steelplanner environment. The first additional module is Betamatcher Midterm for the optimal Hot Strip Mill coffin selection. To efficiently manage a HSM, a planning department must tackle two complex and consecutive problems: the assignment of slabs to orders and the scheduling of those assigned slabs. Traditionally, these two logistical problems are solved independently. However, this way of working has many drawbacks. This may result in assigned slab-populations that are not feasible to schedule or that result in poor schedule-quality. The implementation of Betamatcher at Duferco La Louviere has resolved these issues. It has solved the assignment problem and the HSM-scheduling critical constraints in one optimisation round. Mr Tufaru, planning manager at Duferco, said: 'Betamatcher Midterm added...