Do You Want to Optimize the Curing Process of Your Parts?

At AIMPLAS, we have a tool for real-time monitoring of thermosetting resins and their curing process, which will help you optimize any curing process.

In this infographic, we show you how it works, its advantages, and applications.

Benefits of Cure Monitoring

Cure monitoring helps improve both the quality and efficiency of the material curing process:

• First, cure monitoring can be used to ensure the quality of products made from curing material, as it can confirm that the curing reaction has taken place and determine how much time it required. This can help avoid waste caused by issues such as incorrect resin component ratios, resin reaction failure, poor mixing, residual post-curing effects, or improper processing conditions.
• Cure monitoring can also enhance processing efficiency by identifying critical points in the curing reaction. These may include the gel point needed for mold closure or the degree of cure required to demold the product. As a result, product cycle times can be reduced and optimized without the risk of improperly processed material.

Monitoring Through Dielectric Analysis

There are several systems for monitoring resins; one of them is Dielectric Analysis (DEA), which correlates ionic viscosity and ionic conductivity with the polymerization of resins.

Benefits of Dielectric Analysis

1. Provides information on the state of cure
2. Saves time, effort, and costs
3. The same measurement can be used in R&D, QA/QC, and manufacturing

What Materials Can Be Studied with Dielectric Cure Monitoring?

• Thermosets
• Epoxies
• Acrylics
• Silicones
• Polyesters / Polyurethanes / Polystyrenes / Polyimides / Polyamides
• Composites and Laminates
• BMC/SMC molding compounds
• Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives
• Oils
• Pharmaceuticals

What Applications Can Use Dielectric Cure Monitoring?

• Formulation, reaction speed, curing and process monitoring
• Water and solvent diffusion
• UV curing
• Dental and optical adhesives
• Photoresist
• Non-destructive material testing
• Rheology
• Research and development
• Quality Assurance / Quality Control
• Manufacturing

What Processing Environments Can Use Dielectric Cure Monitoring?

• Ovens
• Presses and molds
• Autoclaves
• Pultrusion and extrusion systems
• Reactors
• Injection molding

At AIMPLAS, we help companies optimize the curing process of their parts so they can benefit from savings in time, energy, and labor. If you need more information, feel free to contact us.