Document Abstract
ANTEC Papers: 1999
366: System Modelling for the Control of the Rotational Molding Process
Abu Fara, D.I, Kearns, M.P and Crawford, R.J Dept of Chem. Eng., University of Jordon, Amman 11942 School of Mech. Eng., The Queens University of Belfast, N. Ireland BT9 5AH
In recent years the rotational molding process for plastics has become more sophisticated in terms of equipment design and the complexity of the molded parts. One of the weaknesses that remain is the lack of precise control of the process variables. Molders can now monitor in real time the temperatures inside the mould but there is a lack of a model relating machine controls and the key temperatures in the process. This paper presents for the first time the use of neural network methods to develop models to assist in the design of control systems. In this first phase of the work, deterministic step changes were used to derive a model relating oven temperature and the mold internal air temperature.