Gefran Inc. is introducing the QE2008- W wireless strain measurement system to the North American market for die-casting and injection molding applications. With a sampling rate of up to 1,000 measurements per second, the QE2008-W system accurately measures clamping force, bending, and cavity pressure profile to help manufacturers maintain quality control, protect equipment from damage and enable effective collaboration and communication for production teams.
“Gefran’s Sensormate app serves as the digital interface for the QE2008-W system and with a connection to your network, users can locate the sensors wirelessly through our app and then download measurements as raw data or put the information into a chart,” said Gefran product specialist, Nikunj Patel. You can quickly summarize all your test values and measurement data into a PDF report, include screenshots, and add comments to give readers contextual details or troubleshooting notes.”
When paired with Gefran’s Sensormate app, the QE2008-W easily connects to smartphones, tablets, and computers, allowing multiple users to quickly capture, analyze, and share measurement data. The Sensormate app is downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store, Google Play, and Apple App Store, and each QE2008-W system comes with a protective carrying case containing eight sensors that mount magnetically to tie bars.
The QE2008-W helps with mold alignment so that force is equally distributed, thus minimizing issues such as flashing, plastic deformation, or mold damage, and when compared to traditional bonded strain gauges, the QE2008-W installs in minutes. No wiring is required. The sensors connect to the app using Bluetooth technology, and the micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) chips inside the QE2008-W sensors ensure proper placement and orientation. Whenever the QE2008-W is connected to the app, it will also check for firmware updates and the sensors are updated through the app.
“To mitigate the impact of bending forces, the QE2008-W uses four sensors, evenly distributed around the tie bar, mounted at 90-degree intervals. By averaging the readings from these sensors, the QE2008-W measures maximum tension to determine the angle and direction of the bend, achieving greater accuracy of tension and compression measurements for each tie bar,” shared Gefran product manager, Theng Theng Chua.
The QE2008-W’s fast acquisition readings can also measure the cavity pressure profile which is the indirect pressure on tie bars during the injection cycle. Knowing the cavity pressure profile accelerates production efficiency and makes it easier to sustain high product quality. It is an ideal method of analysis for plastic injection molding machines because the sensors are non-invasive. They can be reused on multiple machines and several types of molds. The QE2008-W also costs less to operate compared to permanent methods of measurement.
The QE2008-W is equipped with a Bluetooth low-energy communication system, and it is the first wireless strain measurement system with an integrated accelerometer (MEM chips). This means sensor mounting can be done easily, with no diameter- dependent templates or guessing required. The accelerometer accurately determines the sensor’s relative position using gravity, for the calculation of its angle in relation to another sensor and the sensor’s indication lights offer clear guidance on placement or repositioning to ensure accurate alignment.
The QE2008-W also has integrated RAM inside each sensor to allow for measurements at a rate of 1kHz and the strain measurements are securely saved in the sensor’s RAM during the measurement period. Once a measurement is complete, the sensor seamlessly transmits the saved data to the Sensormate app for further analysis and reporting.
“By capturing and analyzing data, manufacturers can gain valuable insights into the performance of their machines. This information enables them to optimize production by preventing machinery failures, eliminating downtime, and ensuring their tie bars can withstand demanding conditions,” said Gefran general manager, Tapan Mody.
“The QE2008-W is a tool that ensures operational excellence.”
About Gefran, Inc.
Gefran, Inc. is a U.S.-based manufacturer and subsidiary of Gefran S.p.A., headquartered in the town of Provaglio d’Iseo in Northern Italy. With more than five decades of experience and nearly 700 employees worldwide, Gefran designs, engineers, and manufactures sensors, controls, and components used in industrial equipment and operations management. Original equipment manufacturers and end users rely on Gefran products for process control, automation, and equipment electrification for applications in die-casting, plastics, packaging, glass, fluid power, heat treatment, and more. In addition to standard product lines, Gefran’s vertically integrated supply chain gives the company the flexibility to customize products for its OEM customers.
