Method for measuring film thickness of metal processing agent and system for measuring film thickness of metal processing agent

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for measuring the film thickness of a metalworking agent that is attached to a mold and has visual recognizability. The method comprises: an image data acquisition step, which acquires image data obtained by photographing a plurality of markers, each with a different measured L value, showing the appearance of the surface of the mold to which the metalworking agent is attached; a correspondence derivation step, which derives a correspondence between the photographed L values ​​and the measured L values ​​using the photographed L values ​​of the plurality of markers in the image data; a film thickness derivation step, which derives the film thickness of the metalworking agent based on the photographed L values ​​of the measurement location in the image data, using the correspondence and the correlation between the measured L values ​​and the film thickness value; and an output step, which outputs the derived film thickness of the metalworking agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and system for measuring the film thickness of metal processing fluxes. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2024-159952, filed September 17, 2024, and invokes all descriptions contained in that Japanese application. Background Technology

[0002] Techniques for measuring the adhesion state, such as the amount of release agent applied, have been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: WO2024 / 070261; Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-94564. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In metalworking technologies such as die casting and plastic forming, to ensure good productivity and improve the quality of finished products, it is necessary to accurately and easily measure the film thickness of metalworking agents such as release agents and lubricants adhering to the mold. In particular, it is preferable to have improved convenience and the ability to accurately measure the film thickness at various points on the surface of the mold coating.

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method and system for measuring the film thickness of a metalworking agent that improves convenience and allows for accurate and simple measurement of the film thickness of the metalworking agent adhering to a mold.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] The film thickness measurement method for metalworking agents of the present invention is a method for measuring the film thickness of a metalworking agent that is adhered to a mold and has visual recognizability. The method includes: an image data acquisition step, which acquires the appearance of the surface of the mold to which the metalworking agent is adhered and a measurement L... Image data obtained by photographing a plurality of markers with different values ​​together; the correspondence derivation process uses the image data from the photographing process. The image of multiple markers in the value L Value and measurement L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values; the film thickness export process, based on the image data of the measurement area L. Values, using correspondences, and measuring L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the metalworking agent; and the output process is used to output the derived film thickness of the metalworking agent.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] The above-described film thickness measurement method improves convenience and enables accurate and simple measurement of the film thickness of metalworking agents adhering to molds. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a die-casting apparatus used in the method for measuring the film thickness of a release agent according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the film thickness measurement system for the release agent of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a representative step in the method for measuring the film thickness of the release agent according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an example of image data obtained by capturing images of four markers attached to the surface of a mold.

[0017] Figure 5 Represented by line graph Figure 4 The image shown is a photograph of the captured image.

[0018] Figure 6 It indicates the shooting of the marker L Measurement of values ​​and markers L A graph showing the correspondence between values.

[0019] Figure 7 It indicates the measurement L A graph showing the correlation between the value and the film thickness. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [Implementation Summary]

[0021] The film thickness measurement method for metalworking agents of the present invention is a method for measuring the film thickness of a metalworking agent that is adhered to a mold and has visual recognizability. The method includes: an image data acquisition step, which acquires the appearance of the surface of the mold to which the metalworking agent is adhered and a measurement L. Image data obtained by photographing a plurality of markers with different values ​​together; the correspondence derivation process utilizes the image data from the photographing process. The image of multiple markers in the value L Value and measurement L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values; the film thickness export process, based on the image data of the measurement area L. Values, using correspondences, and measuring L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the metalworking agent; and the output process is used to output the derived film thickness of the metalworking agent.

[0022] Metalworking fluxes used to adhere to molds require a uniform thickness of adhesion to the mold. Taking die-casting release agents as an example, this will be explained in detail. In die-casting, a type of mold processing, molten metal is poured into a mold cavity formed by assembling molds heated to a specified temperature. After molding, the product is removed from the assembled mold to manufacture a casting. To prevent the molten metal from sticking to the mold, to manufacture castings with high precision, and to facilitate the smooth removal of castings from the mold, release agents are adhered to the surface of the mold by methods such as coating, spraying, or spraying. If too much release agent is applied, it can cause discoloration on the surface of the casting or lead to quality deterioration due to the vaporization of the release agent components. Conversely, if too little release agent is applied, or if the application is uneven, it may hinder the manufacture of high-precision castings or make it difficult to remove castings from the mold. Therefore, it is necessary to apply an appropriate amount of release agent evenly to the surface of the mold. The same requirement applies to other metalworking fluxes, such as lubricants for plastic processing.

[0023] Here, from the perspective of improving productivity and casting quality, it is important to control the adhesion state of the release agent, i.e., whether an appropriate amount of release agent can be uniformly adhered to the surface of the mold. Furthermore, for uniform adhesion of the release agent, it is necessary to accurately measure the film thickness at various points on the surface of the mold. The inventors have conducted in-depth research on methods for accurately measuring the film thickness of the release agent adhered to the surface of the mold, thereby creating this invention. The method for measuring the film thickness of the metalworking agent of this invention first involves preparing a visually recognizable metalworking agent, obtaining the appearance of the surface of the mold to which the visually recognizable release agent is adhered, and comparing it with known measurement methods. Image data obtained by capturing multiple markers together. Furthermore, the image data is used to capture L... The image of multiple markers in the value L Values ​​and measurements L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values. Then, based on the image data of the measurement site L... Value, using L-shaped images Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values, and the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the metalworking flux. Finally, the derived film thickness of the metalworking flux is output. Based on this method, firstly, a colorimeter is not always necessary to measure the film thickness when determining L. Value. Colorimeters require pressing the probe against a flat surface for measurement. However, with this method, only image data of the coated surface needs to be acquired. Therefore, in addition to improved convenience, film thickness measurement in details and on shapes with significant irregularities becomes easier. Furthermore, according to this method, since there is no need to apply agents (developer, etc.) for film thickness measurement, film thickness can be measured even when the metalworking agent is directly attached to the mold. Therefore, film thickness can be measured without being affected by these agents. Moreover, due to the extraction of the marker image L... Value and known measurement L The correspondence between values ​​is used to determine the location of the image. Value converted to measurement L Value, and based on the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness leads to the film thickness, thus enabling the suppression of film thickness issues caused by L during image capture. The measurement accuracy is reduced due to deviations in the value. Therefore, the influence of shooting conditions such as light intensity and shadow intensity, as well as the performance of the shooting equipment, can be reduced, and the film thickness of the metalworking agent can be measured with high precision. Thus, expensive and complex shooting equipment is not required; even using image data captured by a general digital camera or a smartphone camera, the film thickness can be measured with high precision. As described above, the metalworking agent film thickness measurement method according to the above configuration improves convenience and allows for accurate and simple measurement of the film thickness of the metalworking agent adhering to the mold. Furthermore, the metalworking agent includes mold release agents, lubricants, etc., applied to the mold, especially during processing using a mold; for example, mold release agents for die casting and lubricants for plastic processing. Additionally, in this invention, L... Indicating lightness, the method for measuring the film thickness of the metalworking agent of the present invention can also be applied to L. a b Color space, L C The value is obtained under arbitrary measurement conditions such as h color space. The value is above 0 and below 100, L When the value is high, it becomes a color close to white, L When the value is low, it turns into a color close to black.

[0024] In the above-mentioned method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents, the above correspondence can be based on the image taken by L. Value and measurement L The value is represented as a calibration curve by a function obtained through regression analysis, such as a function derived using the least squares method. By using this correspondence, the shooting environment and conditions can be considered as a factor in determining the accuracy of the calibration curve. Value converted to measurement L The film thickness of the metalworking flux is derived by calculating the value and exporting the corresponding relationship, such as the calibration curve, based on the acquired image data. This allows for high-precision export of the metalworking flux film thickness. Therefore, the film thickness of the metalworking flux can be measured more easily.

[0025] In the aforementioned method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents, there is no limitation on the number of multiple markers; for example, the number can be more than two and less than six. For instance, in the aforementioned method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents, image data can be acquired by placing multiple markers near the four corners of the shooting range. That is, the image data acquisition step can acquire image data by placing four markers near the four corners of the shooting range. By setting it up in this way, the influence of deviations in light intensity and shadow intensity within the shooting area can be reduced, and the overall image data quality can be improved. Value and Measurement L The correlation between the values ​​is established. Therefore, the overall metalworking film thickness of the image data can be measured more accurately. Furthermore, when there are two or three markers, they are preferably placed near the four corners of the shooting range, although some corners may not have markers. Additionally, when there are five or more markers, the positions of the markers can be arbitrarily determined. Typically, they are placed at the ends to avoid overlapping with the film thickness measurement area.

[0026] In the above-mentioned method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents, it is preferable to measure the thickness of a plurality of markers. The values ​​are set evenly within a range above 0 and below 100. Thus, by broadly setting the measurement L of a plurality of markers... The concentration of the value can be used to more accurately determine the film thickness of the metal processing agent.

[0027] In the aforementioned method for measuring the film thickness of metalworking agents, image data of the mold surface, including areas without metalworking agents, can be acquired during the image data acquisition step. The film thickness export step can then export the image data of the areas without metalworking agents based on corresponding relationships. The measurement L, converted from the value Value, used as a measure of L The lower limit of the value, i.e., the blank value, is used to derive the correlation, and the measurement location L in the image data is used as the basis for the determination. The film thickness of the metalworking agent is derived using the correspondence and correlation relationships. This reduces the variation in shooting L caused by each shot. The influence of the value. Therefore, the improved correlation of the above relationships allows for more accurate determination of the film thickness of the release agent.

[0028] In the above method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents, the correlation can also be established by comparing the film thickness of the sufficiently thick metal processing agent with the measured L. The value is derived as an assumed saturation value. By setting it in this way, the film thickness of the release agent can be measured more accurately.

[0029] In the aforementioned method for measuring the film thickness of metalworking flux, the output process can also differentiate the film thickness distribution by color before outputting the result. This makes the film thickness distribution on the mold surface easily visible and improves convenience.

[0030] The above-mentioned method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents can also acquire the measurement L value L Value measurement process. L Value measurement is typically performed before image data acquisition. This allows for the immediate implementation of correspondence derivation, film thickness derivation, and output processes after image data acquisition. Consequently, the film thickness measurement results for metal processing flux can be known earlier. Marker measurement L The value is determined using a colorimeter. Because the marker is planar, the measuring part of the colorimeter can contact the marker, allowing for accurate measurement without being affected by the surrounding environment. The value is measured.

[0031] Measuring L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is achieved by pre-matching the film thickness value with the measured L. The values ​​are determined in a corresponding manner and derived from the results. Measurement L The value varies depending on the film thickness, but as the film thickness increases, the measured L... The rate of change of the value gradually decreases. In other words, as the film thickness of the metalworking flux increases, the measured L... The change in value will decrease, thus making the measurement of L The value has reached saturation. Therefore, when measuring L... With the values ​​set as the vertical axis and the film thickness value as the horizontal axis, if the correlation is expressed as a logarithmic function with a base greater than 1, then the coefficient of determination (r) 2 The thickness increases, therefore it is preferred. As a logarithmic function with a base greater than 1, for example, the natural logarithm can be used. Therefore, in addition to pre-setting the film thickness value with the measured L... In addition to the data obtained by measuring the values ​​in a corresponding manner, it is also possible to obtain the film thickness and measurement L of metal processing agent films with sufficient thickness. Values ​​(for extremely thick films) were obtained and used to derive correlations. Specifically, L was measured in areas where the metalworking agent adhered sufficiently thickly to any substrate surface (film thickness 50 μm). With a value of 95, these values ​​are set to the measurement L that can determine the film thickness. The upper limit (assumed saturation value) of the film thickness value and the correlation are derived. This enables high-precision film thickness measurement. Sufficient film thickness means that even if the film thickness increases, the measurement L... The rate of change of the value still decreases for film thickness, for example, relative to the measurement of film thickness (μm) L. The rate of change of the value is less than 0.5 for film thickness. Typically, since metalworking fluxes are used with film thicknesses below 20 μm, it is necessary to fabricate sufficiently thick films (e.g., above 40 μm) and measure their thickness in relation to L. The value is sufficient.

[0032] In the above-mentioned method for measuring the film thickness of metal processing agents, the metal processing agent can also be a release agent containing organic acid salts. Such a release agent has high visual recognition and L... The value shows a high correlation with film thickness. Therefore, such a release agent is suitable for the film thickness measurement method of the aforementioned metalworking agents. In particular, when the release agent is a die-casting release agent, it is preferred because the release agent contains organic acid salts, resulting in high visual recognizability of the coating. In die-casting release agents, measures are being implemented to reduce the amount used in order to consider the environment. According to the aforementioned film thickness measurement method of metalworking agents, even when a small amount of die-casting release agent is applied to the mold, it is easy to grasp the adhesion state such as deviation and the distribution of film thickness.

[0033] The film thickness measurement system for metalworking agents of the present invention is a visually identifiable system for measuring the film thickness of a metalworking agent adhered to a mold. The metalworking agent film thickness measurement system includes: an image data acquisition unit that acquires the appearance of the surface of the mold to which the metalworking agent is adhered and a measurement L... Image data obtained by photographing a plurality of markers with different values ​​together; the correspondence derivation unit uses the image data to obtain L The image of multiple markers in the value L Value and measurement L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values; the film thickness export section, based on the measurement location captured in the image data L Values, using correspondences, and measuring L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the metalworking agent; and an output unit outputs the derived film thickness of the metalworking agent. Based on this metalworking agent film thickness measurement system, convenience can be improved, and the film thickness of the metalworking agent adhered to the mold can be accurately and easily measured.

[0034] [Specific examples of implementation methods]

[0035] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of the method for measuring the film thickness of the metalworking agent and the system for measuring the film thickness of the metalworking agent according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, a mold release agent used for die casting will be used as an example of a metalworking agent for specific description. In the following drawings, the same or equivalent parts will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0036] (Implementation Method 1)

[0037] A brief overview of the die-casting apparatus for the method and system for measuring the film thickness of the release agent used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be provided. Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a die-casting apparatus used in the method for measuring the film thickness of a release agent according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 This indicates that the mold is in the open state, as will be described later. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the film thickness measuring system for the release agent of the present invention. Furthermore, the above system can be integrated as a single device or composed of multiple devices. Additionally, the film thickness measuring system 51 and the die-casting device 11 can also be integrated.

[0038] Figure 2 The film thickness measurement system 51 for the metalworking agent (release agent) shown in Embodiment 1 is... Figure 1 The die-casting apparatus 11 shown is used together and includes an image data acquisition unit 52, a correspondence export unit 53, a film thickness export unit 54, and an output unit 55. The image data acquisition unit 52 acquires the appearance and measurement L of the surface of the mold with the release agent applied. Image data is obtained by photographing a plurality of markers with different values ​​together. The correspondence derivation unit 53 uses the image data captured by L. The image of multiple markers in the value L Value and measurement L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values. The film thickness export unit 54 extracts the film thickness based on the image data of the measurement area L. Values, using correspondences, and measuring L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the release agent. The output unit 55 outputs the derived film thickness of the release agent. These components will be described later.

[0039] The die-casting apparatus 11 includes a fixed mold 13, a movable mold 14, an injection sleeve 15, and an injection piston 16. The fixed mold 13 is fixed. On the other hand, the movable mold 14 is configured to move relative to the fixed mold 13. When the fixed mold 13 and the movable mold 14 come into contact, a mold cavity 17 is formed. One open end of the injection sleeve 15 communicates with the mold cavity 17. The injection sleeve 15 is provided with an injection port 18 for injecting molten metal into the injection sleeve 15. Molten metal, i.e., molten aluminum or other metal, is injected into the injection sleeve 15 through the injection port 18.

[0040] The injection piston 16 injects molten metal contained within the injection sleeve 15 into the mold cavity 17 formed by contacting the fixed mold 13 and the movable mold 14. The injection piston 16 includes a plunger head 21 and an injection rod 22. The plunger head 21 pushes the molten metal injected into the injection sleeve 15 into the mold cavity 17.

[0041] Next, a brief description of the process for manufacturing castings using the die-casting apparatus 11 will be provided. First, after preheating the fixed mold 13 and the movable mold 14 to a predetermined temperature, the fixed mold 13 and the movable mold 14 are positioned as follows: Figure 1 The mold is opened as shown. Furthermore, release agent is sprayed from the release agent application component 27, causing the release agent to adhere to the entire surface 25 of the fixed mold 13 and the entire surface 26 of the movable mold 14.

[0042] Then, the movable mold 14 is moved to form the mold cavity 17. The injection rod 22 is then moved, and molten metal inside the injection sleeve 15 is ejected and filled into the mold cavity 17. This state is maintained for a predetermined time to allow the molten metal to solidify. The movable mold 14 is then opened, and the casting mounted on the movable mold 14 is removed. Because a release agent is applied to surfaces 25 and 26, it can be easily removed.

[0043] Here, the release agent used will be described. As an example, the release agent includes a solvent and an organic acid salt. In this embodiment, the solvent is water, and the release agent is an aqueous release agent. Organic acid salts can be generated by mixing organic acids and basic compounds. In this embodiment, the release agent includes a salt of at least one carboxylic acid compound selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and trimellitic acid, and water. Because such a release agent provides high visual recognition of the coating, it is suitable for film thickness measurement.

[0044] Next, the method for measuring the film thickness of the release agent will be explained. Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating representative steps in the film thickness measurement method for the release agent according to Embodiment 1. In the film thickness measurement method for the release agent according to Embodiment 1, as step (S10), as preparation for film thickness measurement, the measurement of a plurality of markers (described later) is performed. value L Value measurement process. In this process (S10), the prepared plurality of, specifically four, markers L The values ​​were measured by a colorimeter. In addition, L... The value measurement process (S10) can be performed at any time as long as it precedes the image data acquisition process (S20) described later, and the two processes do not need to be performed continuously without interruption.

[0045] Next, after heating the mold to a specified temperature to allow the release agent to adhere to the surfaces 25 and 26 of the mold, the solvent is evaporated. Furthermore, the organic acid salt component in the release agent remains on the surface 25 of the fixed mold 13 and the surface 26 of the movable mold 14, forming a film. That is, the organic acid salt component in the adhered release agent remains as a white film on the surface of the mold.

[0046] Next, as step (S20), an image data acquisition step is performed. In this step (S20), a digital camera (not shown) is used as an imaging device to photograph the surfaces 25 and 26 of the mold. In this case, four prepared markers are placed at the four corners of the imaging range and attached to the surface of the mold. Then, the surface of the mold is photographed to acquire image data including the markers. The image data acquisition unit 52 acquires image data by receiving the image data captured by the digital camera. Furthermore, although a digital camera is used as the imaging device in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. A camera on a smartphone can be used as the imaging device, or a CCD (Charge-coupled Device) camera can be used, etc.

[0047] Figure 4 This is an example of image data obtained by capturing images of four markers attached to the surface of a mold. Figure 5 Represented by line graph Figure 4 The image shown is a photograph. Please refer to it as well. Figure 4 and Figure 5The marker 31a is a rectangular sheet component of uniform thickness. The marker 31a includes an attachment area 32a used when attaching to an object and a measurement area 33a serving as a color sample measured by a colorimeter. The marker 31a is magnetically attached to the surface of the object, such as a mold, using a magnet (not shown) mounted on the back side of the attachment area 32a. The measurement area 33a has a flat surface and is configured to have no lightness deviation throughout the entire measurement area 33a. Before being attached to the mold, the marker 31a is measured by a colorimeter of the L-shape of the measurement area 33a. The value is measured. The L value is measured. The values ​​are stored in the correspondence derivation section 53 in association with each marker. Furthermore, when measuring the film thickness of the release agent, in this embodiment, L is prepared... Four markers, 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, each with a different value.

[0048] Image data 29 includes a black-and-white image 30 based on the release agent attached to the surface 26 of the mold 14 and images of four markers 31a-31d. In the image data acquisition process, image data 29 is acquired by capturing areas where the four markers 31a-31d are positioned near the four corners. That is, when taking the picture using a digital camera, the four markers 31a-31d are attached to the surface 26 of the mold 14 in a manner positioned at the four corners. Furthermore, L is measured... The values ​​decrease in the order of markers 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d. In this embodiment, the measurement L values ​​of the measurement areas 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d of the markers 31a to 31d that were measured beforehand are... The values ​​are 90, 70, 50, and 30 respectively.

[0049] Then, as step (S30), the correspondence derivation step is performed. In this step (S30), the image data of the measurement areas 33a to 33d of markers 31a to 31d is extracted from the acquired image data. value. Figure 6 This indicates the photographing of markers 31a to 31d. Measurement of values ​​and markers 31a-31d L A graph showing the correspondence between values. In Figure 6 In the middle, the vertical axis represents the shooting L Value, the horizontal axis represents the measured L Value. See also. Figure 6 According to the filming of L Value and measurement L The value, obtained using the least squares method, is a linear curve, i.e., calibration curve 34, representing the value of L during shooting. Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values. Data points 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d correspond to markers 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, respectively. By using this correspondence, the capture values ​​of each part of the image data can be determined. Value converted to measurement L Value. Typically, shooting L... The value changes with each shot due to ambient light and camera conditions, therefore it differs from the L value measured by the colorimeter. The values ​​are inconsistent. In the process of deriving the correspondence, measurement L is used. Shooting of markers with known values ​​L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values. Furthermore, the process of deriving the correspondence involves obtaining color numerical information from image data that is not L. In the case of values, it may also include converting the numerical information of the image data's camera color into L. The process of value.

[0050] Next, as step (S40), a film thickness export process is performed. In this step (S40), an L-shaped film thickness is measured. Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values, and the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is based on the image data of any measurement location L. The value is used to derive the film thickness of the release agent. Specifically, firstly, the image data (L) is captured using a correspondence relationship. Value converted to measurement L Value. Therefore, it is possible to correct the shooting L. The deviation of the value. Furthermore, using conversion to shoot L The value derived from the measurement L Value and measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the release agent. Figure 7 It indicates the measurement L A graph showing the correlation between the value and film thickness. Figure 7 In the middle, the vertical axis represents the measurement L. The value is represented by the horizontal axis, which indicates the film thickness (μm).

[0051] Measuring L The correlation between the value and film thickness was established by preparing multiple samples and measuring L. The values ​​and film thickness are obtained in advance. Here, as... Figure 7 As shown, even with increased release agent film thickness, the measured L The value will also saturate. Therefore, in addition to measuring L beforehand... In addition to the data obtained by measuring the value in relation to the film thickness, the saturation measurement L is also important. The value and its corresponding film thickness (ultra-thick film data) can be used to obtain the measurement L. The correlation between the value and film thickness. For example, in a sufficiently thick metalworking flux with a film thickness of 50 μm, measuring L... With a value of 95, these values ​​are set as the measurement L. By constructing a logarithmic equation with a base greater than 1 for the virtual saturation values ​​(vertical axis) and film thickness (horizontal axis), the correlation between them is derived. The rate of change of this correlation shows good reproducibility. Furthermore, by measuring L on a mold without metalworking flux... Setting the value to a blank value improves correlation and allows for more accurate film thickness measurement. This will be explained below. Even if the logarithmic expression is preset to represent the measured L... The formula (correlation formula) for the correlation between the value and the film thickness is as follows: Figure 7 As shown in calibration curves 36a-36f, the correlation will still change due to blank values. Therefore, when actually measuring film thickness, it is necessary to obtain an image of the mold with a film thickness of 0. Values, using correspondences, are converted into measurements L. Value. This value will be used as the measurement L. The blank values ​​are used to derive the correlation formula. This can be achieved using the aforementioned ultra-thick film data and measurements of L. The correlation can be derived by using blank values ​​of the values, or the correlation can be pre-set using the above-mentioned ultra-thick film data, and then the correlation can be finally derived using blank values ​​at the time of measurement.

[0052] In the image data acquisition process (S20), the corresponding relationship is used to capture the image of the mold with a film thickness of 0. Value converted to measurement L Value, by measuring L The value is used as a blank value, thus enabling high-precision setting of the measurement L. The correlation between the value and film thickness. Furthermore, by obtaining blank values, it is possible to reduce the impact of the mold's surface color and texture on the L-shaped film thickness. The influence of the value. Furthermore, the blank measurement L The value is that in the image data acquisition process (S20), image data can be acquired based on setting markers on the mold surface and setting areas where no release agent is applied, and the images of the areas where no release agent is applied are captured. Value converted to measurement L The value is obtained from this. In Figure 7 In the diagram, line 36a represents the blank measurement L. When the value is 25, the blank measurement L is represented by line 36b. When the value is 30, the blank measurement L is represented by line 36c. When the value is 35, the blank measurement L is represented by the line 36d. When the value is 40, the blank measurement L is represented by line 36e. When the value is 45, the blank measurement L is represented by line 36f. The case where the value is 50.

[0053] Next, as step (S50), an output step is performed. In this step (S50), when, for example, an image captured in the image data acquisition step is displayed and a specified part on the mold is selected, the film thickness at that part can be numerically displayed and output. Alternatively, for example, the distribution of film thickness on the surface of the mold can be color-coded (including a distribution map display) and output.

[0054] Table 1 shows the film thickness of the release agent calculated using Embodiment 1, without performing the above-mentioned correspondence derivation process, and directly photographing L. The value is used as a measure of L The film thickness of the release agent was calculated based on the value, and the L was measured using a colorimeter. The film thickness of the release agent was measured and calculated using a colorimeter. The film thickness of the release agent measured and calculated is closest to the actual film thickness. It can be seen that the film thickness of the release agent calculated using Embodiment 1 is closer to the colorimeter value than the film thickness obtained without performing the corresponding derivation process, allowing for more accurate film thickness measurement. Furthermore, the method of Embodiment 1 allows for simple film thickness measurement because it eliminates the need to use a colorimeter to measure the release agent adhering to the mold each time. It should be noted that the measurement locations R1, R2, and R3 are shown respectively... Figure 4 middle.

[0055] Table 1

[0056] According to the above-described method for measuring the film thickness of the release agent, the appearance of the surface 26 of the mold 14 to which the visually recognizable release agent is attached is obtained, and compared with the measured L. Image data 29 is obtained by photographing a plurality of markers 31a to 31d with different values ​​together. Furthermore, the image data 29 is derived from the image capture L. The images of multiple markers 31a to 31d in the value L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values. Then, using the L-shot... Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values ​​and the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is shown in the image data 29 taken at the measurement site L. Value converted to measurement L Value, and based on the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the release agent. Finally, the derived film thickness of the release agent is output. According to this method, since it is not always necessary to use a measuring tool to determine the film thickness... Since a colorimeter with specific values ​​is used, a colorimeter is not required when exporting film thickness. This not only improves convenience but also makes film thickness measurement in detailed areas and on shapes with significant irregularities easier. Furthermore, the use of photographs exported using markers 31a to 31d... Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values, and the measurement L The film thickness at the measurement site is derived by examining the correlation between the value and the film thickness, thus enabling the determination of the film thickness at the measurement site by photographing L. The method suppresses the reduction in measurement accuracy caused by fluctuations and deviations in values. This reduces the impact of shooting conditions such as light intensity and shadow levels, as well as the performance of the shooting equipment, and enables high-precision measurement of the release agent film thickness. Therefore, the method for measuring the film thickness of the release agent described above improves convenience and allows for accurate and simple measurement of the film thickness of the release agent adhering to the mold.

[0057] In this embodiment, the film thickness export process may include: [details of the film thickness export process]. Value and measurement L The process of deriving the film thickness of the release agent using a linear curve obtained by the least squares method is described. Therefore, the film thickness of the release agent can be easily derived using the obtained calibration curve. This allows for a simpler method of measuring the film thickness of the release agent.

[0058] In this embodiment, the plurality of markers 31a to 31d is at least four. The image data acquisition process acquires image data with the four markers 31a to 31d located in areas near the four corners, respectively. Therefore, the influence of deviations in the amount of light and the degree of shadow within the image data plane can be reduced, and the overall image data acquisition quality can be improved. Value and Measurement L The correlation between the values ​​allows for a more accurate determination of the film thickness of the release agent.

[0059] In this embodiment, the measurement L of a plurality of markers is broadly defined. The concentration of the value allows for more accurate determination of the film thickness of the release agent. The measurement of L from multiple markers... The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​is preferably 20 or more.

[0060] In this embodiment, the image data acquisition step acquires image data of the area on the surface 26 of the mold 14 where no release agent is attached. The film thickness derivation step, based on the correspondence, captures the image data of the area where no release agent is attached. Value converted to measurement L The value, and the converted measurement L The value is used as a measure of L The blank value. Therefore, by using the area where the release agent film thickness is zero as the measurement L... The lower limit of the value, i.e. the blank value, can improve the accuracy of the film thickness measurement of the release agent.

[0061] In this embodiment, the method for measuring the film thickness of the release agent includes measuring L. value L Value measurement process. L The value measurement process is performed before the image data acquisition process. Therefore, the correspondence derivation, film thickness derivation, and output processes can be performed immediately after image data acquisition. Consequently, the film thickness measurement results of the release agent can be obtained earlier.

[0062] In this embodiment, the metalworking agent is a release agent containing an organic acid salt. Such a release agent has high visual recognizability and a high correlation between brightness and film thickness. Therefore, such a release agent can be applied to the film thickness measurement method for the aforementioned metalworking agent.

[0063] The metalworking agent film thickness measurement system 51 of the present invention is a system for measuring the film thickness of a visually identifiable metalworking agent attached to a mold 14. The metalworking agent film thickness measurement system 51 includes: an image data acquisition unit 52, which acquires the appearance and measurement data of the surface 26 of the mold 14 to which the metalworking agent is attached. Image data 29 is obtained by photographing a plurality of markers 31a to 31d with different values ​​together; the correspondence derivation unit 53 uses the image data 29 to obtain image data L. The images of multiple markers 31a to 31d in the value L Value and measurement L Value, export shooting L Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values; film thickness export section 54, based on the image data 29 of the measurement area L. Values, using correspondences, and measuring L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the release agent; and the output unit 55 outputs the derived film thickness of the release agent. Based on this metalworking agent film thickness measuring system 51, convenience can be improved, and the film thickness of the metalworking agent adhering to the mold can be accurately and easily measured.

[0064] (Other implementation methods)

[0065] In the above embodiments, in the above method for measuring the film thickness of metalworking agents, the output process can also distinguish the film thickness distribution by color (including displaying a distribution map) and output it. With this setting, the film thickness distribution on the mold surface can be easily seen visually, and convenience can be improved. Furthermore, if any part of the mold in the captured image is selected, the film thickness value of that part can be displayed on the screen or printed out.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe the use of a release agent containing organic acid salts as a metalworking agent, it is not limited to this. As long as it is visually recognizable, it can be applied to any metalworking agent, or it can be a release agent that does not contain organic acid salts.

[0067] Furthermore, although in the above embodiments, L is implemented before the image data acquisition process. Value measurement can be performed, but is not limited to, and can also be implemented after image data acquisition. Value measurement process. L The order of the value measurement process (S10) and the image data acquisition process (S20) can be interchanged, and the two processes do not need to be performed continuously without interruption.

[0068] In addition, the film thickness export process can also acquire blank values ​​each time image data is acquired, and adjust the measurement L. The correlation between the values ​​and film thickness values ​​(e.g., calibration curves) can be derived. Alternatively, specific calibration curves can be prepared in advance according to the metalworking agent or mold, and the film thickness can be determined by selecting and using the corresponding calibration curve based on the metalworking agent or mold.

[0069] Alternatively, image data of areas on the mold surface with a sufficiently thick layer of release agent can be acquired, and measurement L can be exported. The correlation between the value and the film thickness value (e.g., calibration curve, etc.). It is also possible to photograph the area with a sufficiently thick layer of release agent. The value is used as a measure of L The upper limit of the value (the assumed saturation value). By setting it in this way, the film thickness of the release agent can be measured more accurately.

[0070] Although the marker in the above embodiment is a rectangle with an attachment area, the shape is not particularly limited; it can also be circular, or the attachment area can be integrated with the measurement area by coating the magnet surface, etc. Additionally, the measurement L... The method for obtaining the value only needs to be able to get L. The value is not particularly limited and can be obtained using devices other than a colorimeter. Furthermore, the number of markers only needs to be two or more, preferably three or more, and more preferably four or more. If there are two or more markers, it is possible to export the captured L value. Value and Measurement L The correspondence between values ​​is established and converted. If there are four or more markers, the influence of ambient light can be reduced, and film thickness can be measured with high accuracy.

[0071] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0072] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0073] 11 Die-casting equipment

[0074] 13. Fixed mold

[0075] 14 Movable mold (mold)

[0076] 15 Injection Sleeve

[0077] 16. Injection Piston

[0078] 17 Mold cavity

[0079] 18 Notes

[0080] 19 inner wall

[0081] 21. Plunger head

[0082] 22 Injection rod

[0083] 24 Outer Diameter Surface

[0084] Surfaces 25 and 26

[0085] 27. Release agent sprayed onto components

[0086] 29 Image Data

[0087] 30 images

[0088] Markers 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d

[0089] 32a Attachment Area

[0090] Measurement areas 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d

[0091] Calibration curves for lines 34, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f.

[0092] Data points 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d

[0093] 51 Film Thickness Measurement System

[0094] 52 Image Data Acquisition Department

[0095] 53. Correspondence Derivation Section

[0096] 54 Film Thickness Outlet Section

[0097] 55 Output Section

Claims

1. A method for measuring the film thickness of a metalworking agent, wherein the metalworking agent is adhered to a mold and is visually identifiable, wherein, The method for measuring the film thickness of the metal processing agent has the following features: The image data acquisition process acquires the appearance and measurement of the surface of the mold to which the metalworking agent is applied. Image data obtained by photographing a plurality of markers with different values ​​together; The process of deriving the correspondence involves using the captured image data L. The image L of the plurality of markers in the value Value and the measurement L Value, derive the captured L Value and the measured L The correspondence between values; The film thickness export process involves capturing L based on the measurement location in the image data. Values, using the aforementioned correspondence, and the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the metal processing agent; as well as The output process outputs the film thickness of the metal processing agent.

2. The method for determining the film thickness of metal processing agents according to claim 1, wherein, The image data acquisition process acquires the image data obtained by placing the plurality of markers in the area near the four corners of the shooting range.

3. The method for determining the film thickness of a metalworking flux according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the image data acquisition process, image data is acquired including areas where the metalworking agent is not attached to the surface of the mold. The film thickness extraction process will be based on the correspondence and the imaging of the area where the metal processing agent has not been applied. The measurement L, converted from the value Value, used as the measurement L The lower limit of the value, i.e., the blank value, is used to derive the correlation relationship, based on the measured location L in the image data. The film thickness of the metal processing agent is derived using the corresponding relationship and the correlation relationship.

4. The method for determining the film thickness of a metalworking flux according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The correlation is the relationship between the film thickness of the sufficiently thickly adhered metalworking agent and the measured L. The value is derived as a hypothetical saturation value.

5. The method for determining the film thickness of a metalworking flux according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The output process distinguishes the distribution of the film thickness by color and outputs it.

6. The method for determining the film thickness of a metalworking flux according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The metalworking agent is a release agent containing organic acid salts.

7. A film thickness measurement system for a metalworking agent, wherein the metalworking agent is adhered to a mold and is visually identifiable, wherein, The film thickness measurement system for the metal processing agent has the following features: The image data acquisition unit acquires and measures the appearance of the surface of the mold to which the metalworking agent is applied. Image data obtained by photographing a plurality of markers with different values ​​together; The correspondence derivation unit uses the captured image data L The image L of the plurality of markers in the value Value and the measurement L Value, derive the captured L Value and the measured L The correspondence between values; The film thickness export section, based on the measured location in the image data, captures L... Values, using the aforementioned correspondence, and the measurement L The correlation between the value and the film thickness value is used to derive the film thickness of the metal processing agent; as well as The output section outputs the film thickness of the metal processing agent.

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