National Research Council of Canada

Chee Ang Loong

Cheng-Kuei Jen

Hao Wang

Ky Thanh Nguyen

Bin Cao

Ultrasonic sensors and associated methods for on-line monitoring of material properties for die casting, molding and extrusion processes at elevated temperatures are disclosed. The sensors include the use of ultrasonic waveguides embedded in the processing machines and piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers. The sensors are operated in the reflection geometry in which one side access of the processing machines is required. The monitoring parameters are the flow front, gap development and temperature of the materials being processed and filled in the cavities of the die in casting processes and the mold in injection molding, and the temperature and viscosity of the molten polymers in the polymer extrusion machines. Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers made of high Curie temperature materials, fabricated by sol-gel techniques and directly deposited on top of the ultrasonic waveguides or the external walls of the shot sleeve of the die caster, die of the die caster, mold of the injection molding machine or barrel of the extruder are also used.

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Pointe Claire, Canada

Chee Ang Loong