Inventors:
David Kazmer - North Andover MA, US
Rahul Panchal - Eden Prairie MN, US
Stephen Johnston - Ashville NY, US
Assignee:
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL - Lowell MA
International Classification:
B29C 45/76
Abstract:
A method for use in forming a molded part includes providing a mold having a cavity and a movable pin, injecting a moldable material into the cavity, biasing the movable pin to maintain an end of the movable pin in contact with the moldable material in the cavity during the curing of the moldable material and until the moldable material is cured, and monitoring movement of the biased movable pin during curing of the moldable material in the mold. Also disclosed is a sensor engageable with an end of a movable pin of a mold for monitoring the forming of a moldable part, and systems employing the same.