Molding system with vision system and method for optically inspecting molded articles

Abstract

A molding system is disclosed that includes a molding machine, a vision system, and a processor. A molding machine for producing a plurality of molded articles has an additive device for adjusting the color of the plurality of molded articles. The vision system is configured to detect a color of each of at least two molded articles of the plurality of molded articles. A processor operably connected to the molding machine and the vision system is configured to analyze data generated by the vision system and to determine a desired color in response to a difference between (i) an average value of detected colors of the at least two molded articles and (ii) a desired color different from a predetermined value. The processor is configured to control the additive device to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles. A method for optically inspecting a molded article is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a molding system and a method for using the molding system. More specifically, the present technology relates to a molding system for producing and inspecting molded articles and a method for inspecting molded articles during operation of the molding system. Background Art

[0002] Molding is a process by which a molded article can be formed from a molding material by using a molding system. Various molded articles can be formed by using a molding process, such as an injection molding process. An example of a molded article that can be formed from, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material is a preform that can be subsequently blown into a beverage container, such as a bottle, etc.

[0003] Broadly speaking, the cost of producing a molded article consists of the capital cost of the molding system itself, the cost of the resin, and other expenses (electricity, water supply, labor costs, etc.). In order to obtain the most benefit from the system, the molding system should be operated as much as possible and at full capacity. In order to extend the life of the molding system, regular inspection is important. One way to inspect such a machine is to inspect the molded articles produced by the machine.

[0004] To minimize downtime, inspections should not impede operation of the molding system, and the molded articles should be inspected with minimal delay after they are molded to intercept problems as quickly as possible.

[0005] In some cases, when the molded articles are preforms, their color may deviate from the desired color. Inspection of molded articles by individual handling may be time consuming and difficult. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve at least some of the inconveniences existing in the prior art.

[0007] According to a broad aspect of the present technology, a molding system is provided, the molding system comprising a molding machine, a vision system and a processor. The molding machine is used to produce a plurality of molded articles, and has an additive device for adjusting the color of the plurality of molded articles. The vision system is used to detect the color of each of at least two molded articles in the plurality of molded articles. The processor operably connected to the molding machine and the vision system is configured to analyze data generated by the vision system, and in response to (i) an average value of the detected colors of the at least two molded articles and (ii) a difference between the desired colors different from a predetermined value, the processor is configured to control the additive device to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles.

[0008] In some embodiments of the molding system, the additive apparatus is configured to add an additive to an injection unit of the molding machine in order to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles.

[0009] In some embodiments of the molding system, the processor is configured to control the additive device according to a pre-calculated remediation model.

[0010] In some embodiments of the molding system, the pre-computed remediation model is a first order system.

[0011] In some embodiments of the molding system, the first order system is a first order plus time delay.

[0012] In some embodiments of the molding system, the detected colors of at least two molded articles are averaged over a plurality of molding cycles.

[0013] In some embodiments of the molding system, the number of the plurality of molding cycles is determined based on a temporal response of the additive device.

[0014] In some embodiments of the molding system, a first of the at least two molded articles is taken from a first molding cycle of the plurality of molding cycles, and a second of the at least two molded articles is taken from a second molding cycle of the plurality of molding cycles.

[0015] In some embodiments of the molding system, a first of the at least two molded articles originates from a first molding cavity and a second of the at least two molded articles originates from a second molding cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments of the molding system, at least two molded articles originate from the same molding cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments of the molding system, the at least two molded articles include the entire plurality of molded articles, and the processor is configured to analyze data generated by the vision system to determine viable data and non-viable data, and to calculate an average of the detected colors from the viable data.

[0018] In some embodiments of the molding system, the detected color is transmitted to the controller as a set of three or more color parameters.

[0019] In some embodiments of the molding system, the vision system includes: a black box housing configured to accommodate the at least two molded articles; a light source for illuminating the at least two molded articles; and a detector configured to detect the color of the at least two molded articles.

[0020] In some embodiments of the molding system, the black box housing is adjustable between a receiving position in which the black box housing is configured to receive the molded article and a release position in which the black box housing is configured to release the molded article.

[0021] In some embodiments of the molding system, the black box housing has a movable member movable between a receiving position in which the black box housing is configured to receive the molded article and a release position in which the black box housing is configured to release the molded article.

[0022] In some embodiments of the molding system, the additive device is a first additive device and the molding machine further comprises a second additive device, the first color is configured to dose the first additive, and the second additive device is configured to dose the second additive.

[0023] According to an alternative broad aspect of the present technology, a molding system is provided, the molding system comprising a molding machine, a vision system and a processor, the vision system comprising a black box housing, a light source and a detector. The molding machine is used to produce a plurality of molded articles and has an additive device for adjusting the color of the plurality of molded articles. The vision system is configured to inspect at least one molded article among the plurality of molded articles. The black box housing is configured to accommodate the at least one molded article, the light source is used to illuminate the at least one molded article, and the detector is configured to detect the color of the at least one molded article. The processor operably connected to the molding machine and the vision system is configured to analyze data generated by the vision system, and in response to the detected color of at least one molded article being different from the desired color, the processor controls the additive device to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles.

[0024] In some embodiments of the molding system, the black box housing is rotatable between a receiving position in which the black box housing is configured to receive the molded article and a release position in which the black box housing is configured to release the molded article.

[0025] In some embodiments of the molding system, the black box housing has a movable member movable between a receiving position in which the black box housing is configured to receive the molded article and a release position in which the black box housing is configured to release the molded article.

[0026] In some embodiments of the molding system, a black box housing is located in the molding area. The vision system is configured to inspect at least a portion within the housing to detect a color of the molded article while the molded article is held on the molding surface. A processor operably connected to the molding machine and the vision system is configured to analyze data generated by the vision system, and in response to the detected color of at least one molded article being different from the expected color, the processor controls the additive device to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles.

[0027] In some embodiments of the molding system, the additive apparatus is configured to add an additive to an injection unit of the molding machine in order to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles.

[0028] In some embodiments of the molding system, the processor is configured to control the additive device according to a pre-computed remediation model.

[0029] In some embodiments of the molding system, the pre-computed remediation model is a first order system.

[0030] In some embodiments of the molding system, the first order system is a first order plus time delay.

[0031] In some embodiments of the molding system, the processor is configured to average the detected color of the at least one molded article over a plurality of molding cycles.

[0032] In some embodiments of the molding system, the number of the plurality of molding cycles is determined based on a temporal response of the additive device.

[0033] In some embodiments of the molding system, a first of the at least two molded articles is taken from a first molding cycle of the plurality of molding cycles, and a second of the at least two molded articles is taken from a second molding cycle of the plurality of molding cycles.

[0034] In some embodiments of the molding system, a first of the at least two molded articles originates from a first molding cavity and a second of the at least two molded articles originates from a second molding cavity.

[0035] In some embodiments of the molding system, at least two molded articles originate from the same molding cavity.

[0036] In some embodiments of the molding system, the detected color is transmitted to the controller as a set of three color parameters.

[0037] In some embodiments of the molding system, the additive device is a first additive device and the molding machine further comprises a second additive device, the first color is configured to dose the first additive, and the second additive device is configured to dose the second additive.

[0038] According to another broad aspect of the present technology, a method for optically inspecting at least two molded articles is provided. The method can be performed by a processor of an injection molding machine, including: causing the injection molding machine to mold a plurality of molded articles, causing the color of at least two molded articles of the plurality of molded articles to be detected by a visual system; and comparing an average value of the detected color of each of the at least two molded articles with a desired color. In response to a difference between the average value of the detected color of each of the at least two molded articles and the desired color different from a predetermined value, the processor controls an additive device to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles.

[0039] In some embodiments of the method, the processor is configured to control the additive device according to a pre-computed remediation model.

[0040] In some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises running a test loop to determine parameters of the pre-computed remediation model.

[0041] In some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises causing the detection to be performed over a plurality of molding cycles, and determining an average of the detected colors of each of the at least two molded articles over the plurality of molding cycles.

[0042] In the context of this specification, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. are used as adjectives merely to allow the nouns they modify to be distinguished from each other, rather than to describe any particular relationship between these nouns. Furthermore, as discussed herein in other contexts, reference to a "first" element and a "second" element does not exclude that the two elements are the same actual real-world element.

[0043] These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned purposes and / or aspects, but not necessarily all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology generated by attempting to achieve the above-mentioned purpose may not meet the purpose and / or may meet other purposes not specifically described herein.

[0045] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] A better understanding of embodiments of the present technology (including alternatives and / or variations thereof) may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer preform that may be inspected by a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology;

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an injection system including an injection molding machine, a vision system, and a processor;

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an injection system according to an alternative embodiment of the present technology, the injection system including an injection molding machine, a vision system, and a processor;

[0050] Figure 4Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of a vision system including a black box housing in a receiving position and having a preform received therein, a light source, and a detector;

[0051] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view of a vision system of FIG. 1 , with the black box housing in a released position;

[0052] Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view according to an alternative embodiment of a vision system, the vision system including a black box housing having a movable member, a light source, and a detector, the movable member being in a receiving position, and the black box housing having a preform received therein;

[0053] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of a visual system of FIG. 1 , with the movable member in a released position;

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an injection system according to an alternative embodiment of the present technology, the injection system including an injection molding machine, a vision system, and a processor; and

[0055] Figure 7 Depicted is a block diagram of a method that may be performed in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Reference will now be made in detail to various non-limiting embodiments of molding systems and related methods of operation thereof. It should be understood that in view of the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, other non-limiting embodiments, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and such variations should be considered within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain structural and operational details of the non-limiting embodiments discussed below may be modified or omitted entirely (ie, not required). In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail.

[0058] There are ways and means to check parameters of molded articles after they leave the molding system (i.e., downstream of the molding system), however this is done after the fact and is time consuming. A large number of defective molded articles may be produced before the molding process can be adjusted.

[0059] A molding system is disclosed that is configured to associate each preform with a corresponding molding cavity while handling the preforms as an aggregate rather than manipulating the preforms individually, so that the complexity and cost of the molding system can be reduced.

[0060] Thus, if defective preforms are produced by defective mold cavities, the defective mold cavities may be identified and the controller may adjust one or more of its operating parameters to limit the number of defective preforms produced, thereby reducing waste generation.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a molded article (specifically, a preform 50) produced by a molding machine of the present technology in cross section. The illustrated preform 50 is referred to below Figure 2 The injection molding machine 100 described herein is produced, but it is contemplated that the preform 50 may be produced by another type of molding machine in other non-limiting embodiments according to the present technology. It is also contemplated that different types of molded articles may be produced by a molding machine according to non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, including but not limited to: closures, thin-walled containers, medical devices, etc.

[0062] In the embodiment described herein, the preform 50 is a multi-layer preform. It should be noted that this is a non-limiting embodiment of a molded article, as it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the preform 50 may be a single-layer preform. The multi-layer preform 50 includes a neck portion 32, a gate portion 36, and a body portion 34 extending between the neck portion 32 and the gate portion 36. The gate portion 36 is associated with a generally spherical shape that terminates in a trace portion 38.

[0063] The multilayer preform 50 is formed by at least two layers. On the outside, the multilayer preform 50 has a skin 20. Skin 20 can be made of various materials. For example, in the multilayer preform 50 for making a beverage container, the skin 20 is made of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is approved by the FDA for contact with food. It is conceivable that the skin 20 can be made of various other materials, including any suitable polymer resin and thermoplastic, as understood by those skilled in the art. Although not described herein, it is conceivable that in some embodiments, the multilayer preform 50 can have a cavity identification number embossed in the skin. The cavity identification number can be located in the neck portion 32, in the body portion 34 and / or in the gate portion 34. As will be described below, each cavity 118 of the one or more mold cavities 118 of the injection molding machine 100 has a cavity starter insert that is imprinted with a cavity identification number 25 of each cavity 118 , each cavity identification number being unique to each cavity 118 .

[0064] The skin layer 20 surrounds the core layer 40, which is usually made of a different material from the skin layer 20 or a different state of the same material. At the top of the preform 50, the core layer 40 begins at the leading edge 42. At the bottom of the preform 50, the core layer 40 ends at the trailing edge 44. In some embodiments, the core layer 40 is used to give the preform 50 different characteristics, such as increased rigidity. In some embodiments, the core layer 40 can act as a barrier layer in the final blow molded container blown by the preform 50. In this case, the barrier layer can help prevent, for example, oxygen or light from being transmitted to the inside of the blow molded container. The core layer 40 can also be made of any of various suitable thermoplastics and polymer resins, as understood by those skilled in the art. It is conceivable that the core layer 40 can also include various additives, coloring agents or characteristic modifiers to affect the different characteristics of the multilayer preform 50.

[0065] refer to Figure 2 , depicts a non-limiting embodiment of an injection molding machine 100 that may be suitable for implementing embodiments of the present technology. For illustrative purposes only, it shall be assumed that the injection molding machine 100 manufactures the multi-layer preform 50 described above, which is subsequently processed by a molding system 200 according to embodiments of the present technology. It should be understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments, the injection molding machine 100 may include other types of molding systems, such as, but not limited to, compression molding systems, compression injection molding systems, transfer molding systems, metal molding systems, and the like.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the molding machine 100 includes a fixed platen 102 and a movable platen 104. The fixed platen 102 is also referred to as the fixed platen 104. In some embodiments of the present technology, the molding machine 100 may include a third non-movable platen (not depicted). Alternatively or additionally, the molding machine 100 may include a turret block, a rotating cube, a turntable, etc. (all not depicted, but known to those skilled in the art).

[0067] The injection molding machine 100 further includes an injection unit 106 for plasticizing and injecting the molding material. The injection unit 106 may be implemented as a single-stage injection unit or a two-stage injection unit.

[0068] Operably connected to the injection unit 106, the injection molding machine 100 also includes an additive device 107, which is configured to dispense an additive into the injection unit 106 to change the color of the resin present in the injection unit 106. As a result of the change in the color of the resin (i.e., as a result of adding the additive to the injection unit 106), the color of the multilayer preform 50 produced will also change. In the present embodiment, the additive device 107 is a color dosing device 107, and the additive is a colorant. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the color dosing device 107 can be configured to add two or more colorants to the injection unit 106. Additionally, although only one color dosing device is depicted in the drawings, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the injection molding machine 100 can have two or more color dosing devices. For example, in one embodiment, one color dosing device can be configured to address a yellow tint that may be present in the molded article 50 by dispensing a blue colorant, while another color dosing device can be configured to address a green tint that may be present in the molded article 50 by dispensing a red colorant. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the additive device 107 may be configured to add various substances other than colorants to the injection unit 106. For example, in some embodiments, the additive device 107 may be configured to add an antioxidant to reduce the yellowness of the molded article 50.

[0069] In operation, the movable platen 104 is moved toward and away from the fixed platen 102 by means of a stroke cylinder (not shown) or any other suitable means. For example, a clamping force (also referred to as closing or mold closing tonnage) may be generated within the molding machine 100 by use of connecting rods 108, 110 (typically, four connecting rods 108, 110 are present in the molding machine 100) and a connecting rod clamping mechanism 112 and (typically) an associated hydraulic system (not depicted) generally associated with the connecting rod clamping mechanism 112. It will be appreciated that the clamping tonnage may be generated using alternative means, such as, for example, using a column-based clamping mechanism, a toggle clamp arrangement (not depicted), etc.

[0070] The molding machine 100 has a mold 113 having a first mold half 114 and a second mold half 116. The first mold half 114 can be associated with the fixed platen 102 and the second mold half 116 can be associated with the movable platen 104. Figure 2In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the first mold half 114 defines mold cavities 118. The mold cavities 118 are generally formed in an array such that there are a given number of columns and a given number of rows. In some embodiments, there may be eight columns and twelve rows of mold cavities 118, forming a total of 96 cavities, but it should be noted that embodiments of the present technology are not limited to any particular number of cavitations. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the mold cavities 118 may be formed by using suitable mold inserts (such as cavity inserts, gate inserts, etc.) or any other suitable means. Thus, the first mold half 114 may generally be considered a "half mold cavity."

[0071] The second mold half 116 includes a mold core 120 that is complementary to the mold cavity 118, such that the mold core 120 also generally forms an array similar to the array formed by the mold cavity 118, wherein the array formed by the mold core 120 has the same number of columns and rows as the array formed by the mold cavity 118. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the mold core 120 may be formed by using suitable mold inserts or any other suitable means. Thus, the second mold half 116 may generally be considered a "mold core half." Although Figure 2 1, but the first mold half 114 may be further associated with a melt distribution network (commonly referred to as a hot runner) for distributing the molding material from the injection unit 106 to each of the mold cavities 118. In addition, the second mold half 116 is provided with a neck ring (not depicted) to produce a preform having a neck portion 32.

[0072] The first mold half 114 may be coupled to the fixed platen 102 by any suitable means, such as suitable fasteners (not depicted), etc. The second mold half 116 may be coupled to the movable platen 104 by any suitable means, such as suitable fasteners (not depicted), etc. It should be understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the positions of the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 may be reversed, and thus, the first mold half 114 may be associated with the movable platen 104 and the second mold half 116 may be associated with the fixed platen 102. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the fixed platen 102 need not be fixed and may be movable relative to other components of the molding machine 100.

[0073] Figure 2The first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 are depicted in a so-called "mold open position" in which the movable platen 104 is positioned generally away from the fixed platen 102, and thus the first mold half 114 is positioned generally away from the second mold half 116. For example, in the mold open position, a molded article (not depicted) may be removed from the first mold half 114 and / or the second mold half 116. In a so-called "mold closed position" (not depicted), the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 are urged together (by means of movement of the movable platen 104 toward the fixed platen 102) and cooperate to define (at least partially) a molding cavity into which molten plastic (or other suitable molding material) may be injected, as is known to those skilled in the art. Due to the arrangement of the mold cavities 118 and the mold cores 120, the molding cavities generally form an array, hereinafter referred to as a molding cavity array. The molding cavity array has the same number of columns and rows as the array formed by the mold cavities 118 and the mold cores 120.

[0074] It should be understood that one of the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 can be associated with a plurality of additional mold elements such as, for example, one or more leading guide pins (not depicted) and one or more leading guide bushings (not depicted) that cooperate with one or more leading guide bushings to help align the first mold half 114 with the second mold half 116 in the mold closed position, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0075] The injection molding machine 100 may also include a robot 122 (sometimes referred to as a take-out device and / or removal device) operably coupled to the fixed platen 102. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate how the robot 122 may be operably coupled to the fixed platen 102, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. The robot 122 includes a mounting structure 124, an actuating arm 126 coupled to the mounting structure 124, and a transfer plate 128 coupled to the actuating arm 126. The transfer plate 128 includes a plurality of molded article receivers 130.

[0076] In general, the purpose of the plurality of molded product receivers 130 is to remove the molded product 50 from one or more mold cores 120 (or one or more mold cavities 118) and / or to implement post-molding cooling of the molded product. In the non-limiting example described herein, the plurality of molded product receivers 130 include a plurality of cooling tubes for accommodating a plurality of molded preforms. However, it should be clearly understood that the plurality of molded product receivers 130 may have other configurations. The exact number of the plurality of molded product receivers 130 is not specifically limited. In some cases, the number of molded product receivers 130 corresponds to the number of mold cavities 118.

[0077] Figure 2Schematically depicting a side-entry robot 122. However, it should be understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the robot 122 can be top-entry. It should also be clearly understood that the term "robot" is intended to encompass structures that perform a single operation as well as structures that perform multiple operations. In at least some embodiments, it is also contemplated that the robot 122 can be omitted and / or replaced with a different implementation of an apparatus for moving the molded article 50.

[0078] It should be noted that the robot 122 is configured to manipulate the molded articles 50 while maintaining the array of molding cavities (ie, the robot 122 does not disturb the position of the molded articles).

[0079] The molding machine 100 also includes a post-molding processing device 132 operably coupled to the movable platen 104. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how the post-molding processing device 132 can be operably coupled to the movable platen 104, and therefore will not be described in any detail herein. The post-molding processing device 132 includes a mounting structure 134 for coupling the post-molding processing device 132 to the movable platen 104. The post-molding processing device 132 also includes a plenum 129 coupled to the mounting structure 134. A plurality of processing pins 133 are coupled to the plenum 129. The number of processing pins within the plurality of processing pins 133 generally corresponds to the number of receivers within the plurality of molded article receivers 130. In at least some embodiments, it is also contemplated that the post-molding processing device 132 can be omitted and / or replaced with a different implementation of a device for processing the molded article 50.

[0080] The molding machine 100 also includes a computing device 140 (also referred to herein as a processor 140) that is configured to control one or more operations of the molding machine 100. As will be described below, the processor 140 is further configured to control one or more operations of a molding system 200 of which the molding machine 100 is a part, and these operations will be described in more detail below. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the computing device 140 may include a plurality of processors or computer-implemented devices operably connected together.

[0081] The processor 140 includes a human machine interface (not separately numbered) or HMI (for short). The HMI of the processor 140 can be implemented with any suitable interface. For example, the HMI of the processor 140 can be implemented with a multi-function touch screen. An example of an HMI that can be used to implement non-limiting embodiments of the present technology is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 6,684,264, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor 140 may be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.) or other related components. In other embodiments, the functions of the processor 140 may be implemented using a processor having access to a code memory (not shown) that stores computer-readable program code for the operation of the computing device, in which case the computer-readable program code may be stored on a fixed, tangible medium that is directly readable by various network entities (e.g., a removable disk, CD-ROM, ROM, hard disk, USB drive), or the computer-readable program code may be stored remotely but may be transmitted to the processor 140 via a transmission medium via a modem or other interface device (e.g., a communication adapter) connected to a network (including but not limited to the Internet), which may be a non-wireless medium (e.g., an optical or analog communication line) or a wireless medium (e.g., a microwave, infrared or other transmission scheme) or a combination thereof.

[0083] In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the HMI need not be physically attached to the processor 140. In fact, the HMI of the processor 140 can be implemented as a separate device. In some embodiments, the HMI can be implemented as a wireless communication device (such as a smart phone, for example) that is "paired" or otherwise communicatively coupled to the processor 140.

[0084] The processor 140 may perform several functions including, but not limited to, receiving control instructions from an operator, controlling the molding machine 100 based on operator control instructions or preset control sequences stored within the processor 140 or elsewhere within the molding machine 100, acquiring one or more operating parameters associated with the molding system, etc. According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, the processor 140 is further configured to process one or more of the acquired operating parameters associated with the molding system 200 and output information to the operator using an HMI, etc.

[0085] The molding machine 100 also includes a plurality of monitoring devices (not depicted) configured to acquire various operating parameters associated with the performance of the molding machine 100. Generally, these monitoring devices are known in the art and therefore will not be described in detail herein.

[0086] By way of example only, the injection molding machine 100 may include a counter to count mold openings and closings to determine the number of cycles within a period of time and / or the cycle time of each cycle. The injection molding machine 100 may also include a plurality of pressure gauges to measure pressures within various components of the injection molding machine 100 (such as hydraulic fluid pressure or molding material pressure).

[0087] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, the processor 140 is configured to obtain a plurality of operating parameters associated with the molding machine 100. The nature of the plurality of operating parameters so obtained may vary. How the processor 140 obtains the plurality of operating parameters will of course depend on the nature of the plurality of operating parameters so obtained.

[0088] The processor 140 may obtain machine variables by monitoring the operation of the molding machine 100. By way of example only, the processor 140 may obtain cycle time by monitoring the performance of the molding machine 100. Naturally, the processor 140 may obtain some of the machine variables by an operator inputting machine variables using an HMI or by reading a memory tag (not depicted) associated with a mold used in the molding machine 100 (i.e., the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 described above). Various embodiments of the memory tag (not depicted) are known in the art. In general, the memory tag (not depicted) may store information about the mold, the molded article to be produced, a predefined control sequence, a setup sequence, and the like.

[0089] For example, an operator may input a cavitation indication for the injection molding machine 100 using the HMI of the processor 140 (in which case cavitation may be considered an operational and supervisory variable). Alternatively, the mold (i.e., the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 described above) may be equipped with a memory tag that may, for example, store a cavitation indication for the mold. In these embodiments, the processor 140 may obtain the cavitation by accessing the memory tag and reading information therefrom (in which case cavitation may be considered a machine variable). In yet another embodiment, the memory tag may contain a mold cavitation indication for the mold (i.e., the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 described above), but some of the mold cavities may not be operational at this time. In these instances, an operator or administrator may input the actual cavitation using the HMI (in which case cavitation may again be considered an operational and supervisory variable).

[0090] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor 140 may obtain the operating and supervisory variables by receiving an indication of these parameters from an operator. However, in some embodiments of the molding machine 100, the processor 140 may obtain some (or even all) of the operating and supervisory variables by monitoring the performance of the molding machine 100. For example, some embodiments of the molding machine 100 may include equipment for weighing molded articles and / or equipment for tracking discarded molded articles (e.g., those molded articles that do not have mass or weight specifications). In those embodiments, the processor 140 may obtain part weights and / or scrap rates by monitoring the performance of the molding machine 100. Naturally, other ways in which the processor 140 obtains some or all of these or other operating parameters are possible, some of which are described below.

[0091] Still refer to Figure 2 , depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a molding system 200 that may be suitable for implementing embodiments of the present technology. The molding system 200 includes an injection molding machine 100 for manufacturing a molded article (a preform 50 in the example described herein) and a vision system 250. In some cases, the molding system 200 may also include a processor different from the processor 140. However, in the present embodiment, the processor 140 is associated with both the injection molding machine and the molding system 200. In some additional embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be associated with a factory where the injection molding machine 100 is located, and the processor 140 may be configured to control multiple systems, including the molding system 200. The molding system 200 is illustrated and is therefore described relative to the embodiment of the injection molding machine 100 described above.

[0092] It is contemplated that different embodiments of the injection molding machine 100 may be included in the molding system 200. It is also contemplated that the molding system 200 may also include different molding equipment such as, but not limited to, compression molding machines, injection compression molding machines, extrusion blow molding machines, transfer molding machines, and the like.

[0093] As mentioned above, the molding system 200 includes the vision system 250. The vision system 250 includes the detector 252 and the light source 254.

[0094] The detector 252 (sometimes referred to as an optical device and / or inspection device) is configured to detect the color of the preform 50. In the present embodiment, the detector 252 is a camera. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the detector 252 may be a color sensor instead of a camera. Additionally, although only one detector 252 is depicted in the accompanying drawings, it is contemplated that the vision system 250 may include two or more detectors. The detector 252 is connected to the injection molding machine 100. More specifically, the detector 252 is connected to the inflation chamber 129 via a connection structure 253. In some embodiments, the connection structure 253 may be operable to adjust the vertical and / or horizontal position of the detector 252. It should be understood that the detector 252 may be connected to other places. For example, in some cases, the detector 252 may be connected to the actuator arm 126 of the robot 122. In other cases, the detector 252 may be separated from the injection molding machine 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 2Schematically illustrated in , detector 252 and processor 140 are operably coupled to each other. Like this, detector 252 can communicate the data generated thereby with processor 140, and can be controlled by processor 140. More precisely, detector 252 can transmit the detected color of preform 50 to processor 140. In some cases, detector 252 can transmit the detected color as a set of three color parameters (such as red, green and blue values ​​(RGB model), hue saturation brightness values ​​(HSL model) or L*a*b* values ​​(CIELAB color space model)). As described below, detector 252 can transmit data to processor 140 to adjust the operation of color quantitative feeder 107.

[0095] Light source 254 is connected to detector 252. In other embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A , Figure 5B In the embodiment shown in , the light source 254 can be arranged substantially relative to the light source 254 (i.e., the light source 254 can be disconnected from the detector 252). In some cases, the light source 254 can be connected to another component. For example, the light source 254 can be connected to the robot 122. The light source 254 is used to illuminate the multi-layer preform 50, and the light source 254 can help the detector 252 detect the color of the multi-layer preform 50. In some embodiments, the light source can be a multi-spectral light source. In some embodiments, the light source 254 can be omitted.

[0096] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the molding system 200 will now be described in operation.

[0097] As briefly described above, the molding machine 100 molds a plurality of preforms 50. The plurality of preforms 50 are removed from the mold core 120 by the robot 122.

[0098] The robot 122 then manipulates the preforms 50 to place at least some of the preforms 50 in the field of view of the detector 252. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, only two preforms 50 may be placed in the field of view of the detector 252. In other embodiments, three or more preforms 50 (but not all) may be placed in the field of view of the detector 252 (as determined by the position of the preforms 50). Figure 2 In addition, in some embodiments, the robot 122 may slowly move the preforms 50 along the field of view of the detector 252 (i.e., one preform at a time, a row of preforms at a time, or a column of preforms at a time), while in other embodiments, the robot 122 may place all of the preforms 50 whose colors are to be inspected in the field of view of the detector 252 at one time.

[0099] The detector 252 detects the color of each of the preforms 50 passing through its field of view. As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the molding system 200, the detector 252 may be configured to detect the color of only some of the preforms 50. The detector 252 transmits the data generated thereby to the processor 140. As mentioned above, the transmitted data may be provided as a set of three parameters.

[0100] The processor 140 analyzes the data provided by the detector 252. The processor 140 classifies the data to distinguish between viable data and non-viable data. In fact, in some cases, the color of one or more of the preforms 50 detected by the detector 252 may not be available (i.e., an outlier) for a variety of reasons, such as, notably, insufficient lighting conditions. Using the viable data, the processor 140 calculates the average of the detected colors of the preforms 50 that pass through the field of view of the detector 252 and for which data is available. This average is referred to as the average detected color.

[0101] It is contemplated that the processor 140 may calculate the average detected color based on various manners. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 140 may calculate the average detected color based on data generated by the detector 252 in multiple molding cycles. In other embodiments, the processor 140 may calculate the average detected color based on data from preforms 50 of a given molding cavity in one or more molding cycles. In still other embodiments, the processor 140 may calculate the average detected color based on data from various preforms from different molding cavities of the mold 113. Other such combinations are contemplated.

[0102] The processor 140 then compares the average detected color with the desired color of the preform 50. In response to the difference therebetween being different from a predetermined value, the processor 140 controls the color doser 107 to correct the difference (i.e., for correcting the detected color of the preform formed in the subsequent molding cycle). It should be noted that the predetermined value may be pre-set by an operator and / or may be adjusted as needed during the manufacturing process.

[0103] In an embodiment where the detected color is transmitted to the processor 140 under the RGB model, there is a predetermined value for each of the RGB parameters. In one non-limiting example, the predetermined value for each of the red, green, and blue values ​​is 3. In another non-limiting example, the predetermined value for the red value is 2, the predetermined value for the green value is 3, and the predetermined value for the blue value is 5. Thus, the predetermined value may be the same for each RGB parameter, or may be different for different parameters.

[0104] As mentioned above, in response to the difference between the average detected color and the desired color being different from the predetermined value, the processor 140 controls the color doser 107 in a manner that reduces the difference between the average detected color and the desired color (i.e., so that the color of the preform 50 more closely resembles the desired color). To this end, the color doser 107 may add one of the colorants to the injection unit 106, and / or may stop adding one of the colorants to the injection unit 106.

[0105] In the case where the color dosing device 107 is required to add one or more colorants to the injection unit 106, the processor 140 can be configured to control the color dosing device 107 according to a pre-calculated remediation model that follows a first-order system such as a first-order plus time delay (FOPTD) / first-order plus dead time (FOPDT). This can reduce the possibility of exceeding the amount of colorant that needs to be added, and thus can reduce waste generation, not only by reducing the amount of defective products, but also by reducing the amount of colorant used. On the other hand, the use of a pre-calculated remediation model can help avoid oscillations in the detection color. The tuning parameters of the pre-calculated remediation model can include gain values, time delay values, and time constant values, which can be determined by performing tests before starting to manufacture the preform 50. It should be noted that the tuning parameters are usually not changed unless the desired color and / or resin consistency are changed. It should be understood that the color dosing device 107 can be operable to add colorants differently, for example, not following a first-order system.

[0106] After the color dosing device 107 is added, the detector 252 can continue to detect the color of the preforms 50 formed in subsequent molding cycles, but it should be noted that a time delay is expected between the addition of at least one colorant by the color dosing device 107 and the production of preforms 50 having the correct color.

[0107] After waiting a number of molding cycles corresponding to the time delay (ie, the time response for the effect of the color doser 107 to be fully effective), the robot 122, detector 252, and processor 140 repeat the above steps until the average detected color is sufficiently close to the desired color.

[0108] It should be noted that the present technique is able to evaluate the color of the preform 50 as a whole rather than individually, which may be beneficial in some cases to gain a broader understanding of the color of the preform 50.

[0109] Although not depicted herein, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the robot 122 may release the preforms 50 onto a device such as a conveyor belt, and once placed thereon, the detector 252 may detect the color of the preforms 50 .

[0110] In the molding system 200 (ie, Figure 3 In an alternative embodiment of the molding system 201 shown in FIG. 2 , in addition to the detector 252 and the light source 254, the vision system 250 includes a black box housing 256. As will be described in detail below, the black box housing 256 is configured to receive preforms therein to help the detector 252 detect the color of the preforms 50. In this embodiment, as in the molding system 200, the color of at least some of the preforms 50 is detected, so that the black box housing 256 is configured to receive an associated number of preforms 50.

[0111] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the black box housing 256 is connected to the mounting structure 124 of the robot 122 via a connection structure 258. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the connection structure 258 may be movable to adjust the position of the black box housing 256 relative to the molded article receiver 130 (i.e., relative to the robot 122). In other embodiments, the black box housing 256 may be connected elsewhere. For example, in some embodiments, the black box housing 256 may be connected to the plenum 129.

[0112] The detector 252 is disposed at one end of the black box housing 256, and the light source 254 is disposed at the other end of the black box housing 256. Being opposite to each other can help provide optimal illumination for the detector 252 to effectively detect the color of the preform 50 contained in the black box housing 256. In some embodiments, there may be two or more detectors 252, and / or two or more light sources 254.

[0113] In this embodiment, the robot 122 is configured to guide the preforms 50 into the black box housing 256. Once contained in the black box housing 256, the only light source illuminating the preforms 50 is the light source 254. Therefore, when the detector 252 detects the color of the preforms 50, the lighting conditions of all preforms 50 are substantially similar. This can help the detector 252 provide more consistent readings. After the detector 252 detects the color of the preforms 50, the robot 122 removes the preforms 50 from the black box housing 256. The robot 122 can then place them on a containment device such as a box or a conveyor belt.

[0114] In some embodiments, the overall operation of the detector 252 , processor 140 , and color doser 107 of the molding system 201 is similar to the operation described above with reference to the molding system 200 , and therefore will not be described in detail herein.

[0115] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B, an alternative embodiment of the black box housing 256 will now be described, namely the black box housing 260. Like the black box housing 256, the black box housing 260 is connected to the mounting structure 124 via the connecting structure 258. The black box housing 260 can be in the receiving position ( Figure 4A ) and the release position ( Figure 4B ) between the receiving position in which the black box housing 260 is configured to receive the preform 50 and the releasing position in which the black box housing 260 is configured to release the preform 50. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Only one preform 50 is shown in FIG. 2 , but it is contemplated that the black box housing 260 may be configured to accommodate two or more preforms 50 .

[0116] The black box housing 260 configured to accommodate the preform 50 has an open end upper end and a closed end bottom end. In order to maintain the preform 50 contained therein in a stable position, the black box housing 260 has an upper support wall 262, the size of which is designed to closely surround the radially outermost end of the neck portion 32 of the preform 50. In addition, the black box housing 260 also has a lower support wall 264, which is angled relative to each other and is designed to accommodate the gate portion 36. Therefore, when the preform 50 is contained in the black box housing 260, the preform 50 is usually stable in an upright position. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the black box housing 260 can be configured to stably maintain the preform 50 in another position (e.g., lay flat). The black box housing 260 defines an aperture that provides optical access for the detector 252 and the light source 254 to the interior of the black box housing 260 (ie, enables the light source 254 to illuminate within the black box housing 260 and enables the detector 252 to detect the color of the preform 50 ).

[0117] In this embodiment, when the black box housing 260 is in the receiving position, the black box housing 260 is positioned vertically below the robot 122 so that the robot 122 can simply release the preform 50 into the black box housing 260 through its open end.

[0118] After detector 252 detects the color of preform 50, black box housing 260 is adjusted to release position.For this reason, connecting structure 258 is configured to rotate black box housing 260 from accommodating position to release position around axis 266.Because the upper end of black box housing 260 is an open end, when in release position, preform 50 falls out from black box housing 260.Black box housing 260 can be placed on the box configured to accommodate preform or above the conveyor belt.It should be noted that in this embodiment, when black box housing 260 rotates around axis 266, detector 252 and light source 254 do not rotate around axis 266 (that is, detector 252 and light source 254 are not fixedly connected to black box housing 260).The life of detector 252 and light source 254 can be extended by reducing the movement of detector 252 and light source 254.Detector 252 and light source 254 can be connected to connecting structure 258 or can be connected to other places.

[0119] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , an alternative embodiment of the black box housing 256 will now be described, namely the black box housing 270. Similar to the black box housings 256, 260, the black box housing 270 is connected via a connection structure (at Figure 5A and Figure 5B 124. Generally, the black box housing 270 has a movable member 271. In this embodiment, the movable member 271 is movable in the accommodation position ( Figure 5A ) and the release position ( Figure 5B ), in which the black box housing 260 is also in the accommodating position and is configured to accommodate the preform 50, and in which the black box housing 270 is also in the releasing position and is configured to release the preform 50. As mentioned above, although in Figure 5A and Figure 5BOnly one preform 50 is shown in the black box housing 270, but it is conceivable that the black box housing 270 can be configured to accommodate two or more preforms 50. The black box housing 270 configured to accommodate the preform 50 has an open end upper end and an open end bottom end. In order to maintain the preform 50 contained therein in a stable position, the black box housing 270 has an upper support wall 272, the size of which is designed to closely surround the radially outermost end of the neck portion 32 of the preform 50. Therefore, when the preform 50 is contained in the black box housing 270, the preform 50 is usually stable in an upright position. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the black box housing 270 can be configured to stably maintain the preform 50 in another position (e.g., lay flat). The black box housing 270 defines an aperture that provides optical access for the detector 252 and the light source 254 to the interior of the black box housing 270 (ie, enables the light source 254 to illuminate within the black box housing 270 and enables the detector 252 to detect the color of the preform 50 ).

[0120] The black box housing 270 also defines an aperture configured to accommodate a sliding member 271. As mentioned above, the sliding member 271 can move between a receiving position and a release position. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the sliding member 271 can be a pivotable member that pivots between the receiving position and the release position.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the black box housing 270 is configured to accommodate the preform 50 therein (i.e., the sliding member 271 is in the accommodating position), the black box housing 270 is vertically positioned below the robot 122 so that the robot 122 can simply release the preform 50 into the black box housing 270 through its open end.

[0122] After the detector 252 detects the color of the preform 50, the slide member 271 moves to the release position. When the preforms 50 are no longer supported, they fall out of the black box housing 270.

[0123] The black box housing 270 may be placed over a box configured to hold preforms or over a conveyor belt.

[0124] refer to Figure 6 , an alternative embodiment of the molding system 201 will now be described, namely the molding system 202. Features of the molding system 202 that are similar to features of the molding system 201 have been labeled with the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail herein.

[0125] One notable difference between the molding systems 201, 202 is that the black box housing 256 of the molding system 202 is configured to house a single preform 50 therein. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the black box housing 256 of the molding system 202 may be similar to the black box housings 260, 270 described above.

[0126] Therefore, in operation, only one of the preforms 50 is contained in the black box housing 256. The detector 252 detects the color of one of the preforms 50, and in response to the processor 140 determining that the detected color differs from the desired color by a predetermined amount, the processor 140 controls the color doser 107 to add the colorant to the injection unit 106. It is conceivable that in some embodiments, the detector 252 can detect the color of one of the preforms 50 in multiple molding cycles, and then the processor 140 can calculate the average value of the detected color in multiple molding cycles, and control the color doser 107 accordingly. In this embodiment, the preform 50 of the detected color is always from the same mold cavity. In other embodiments, the black box housing 256 and / or the robot 122 can be moved relative to each other so that the preforms from different mold cavities are analyzed. In yet other embodiments, the molding system 202 can have two or more black box housings that analyze two or more preforms 50. The processor 140 may calculate an average of the colors detected in each of the two or more black box housings 256 and control the color doser 107 accordingly.

[0127] Refer to the block diagram Figure 7 , a method 300 that may be performed by the processor 140 and in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology will now be described. The method 300 will be described herein with respect to the molding system 200 described above, but it is contemplated that the method may be applied to the molding system 201 and other non-limiting embodiments of molding systems in accordance with the present technology.

[0128] Step 310 - Molding a plurality of molded articles using a mold of an injection molding machine

[0129] The method 300 begins at step 310 by causing the mold 113 of the injection molding machine 100 to mold a plurality of molded articles, ie, preforms 50. As mentioned above, the mold 113 defines a plurality of molding cavities forming a molding cavity array having a given number of columns and rows.

[0130] Step 320 - Detecting the color of at least two molded articles in a plurality of molded articles

[0131] The method then continues at step 320 with detecting the color of at least two preforms 50 of the plurality of preforms 50 by the detector 252 of the vision system 250 .

[0132] In some embodiments, the method includes detecting color during a plurality of molding cycles.

[0133] In some embodiments, once the at least two preforms 50 are housed in the black box housing 256 , the detector 252 detects the color of the at least two preforms 50 .

[0134] According to another aspect of the present technique, the method may continue by inspecting a single preform 50 of the plurality of preforms 50 .

[0135] Step 330 —Comparing the average values ​​of the detected colors of each of at least two molded articles.

[0136] The method then continues at step 330 by comparing the average of the detected colors of each of the at least two preforms 50 with the desired color. In response to the difference being different than a predetermined value, the processor 140 controls the color doser 107 to adjust the color of the plurality of preforms 50 produced in the following molding cycle.

[0137] In some embodiments of the method, the processor 140 is configured to control the color doser 107 according to a pre-calculated remediation model.

[0138] In some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises running a test loop to determine tuning parameters of the pre-computed remediation model.

[0139] In some embodiments where color detection occurs over multiple molding cycles, an average of the detected colors of the at least two molded articles is determined over the multiple molding cycles.

[0140] In some embodiments, method 300 terminates and / or returns to step 310 .

[0141] In some embodiments, method 400 terminates and / or returns to step 410 .

[0142] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is exemplary rather than restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0143] The description of the embodiments of the present technology only provides examples of the present technology, and these examples do not limit the scope of the present technology. It should be clearly understood that the scope of the present technology is limited only by the claims. The above concepts can be applied to specific conditions and / or functions, and can be further extended to various other applications within the scope of the present technology. Having described the embodiments of the present technology in this way, it is obvious that modifications and enhancements are possible without departing from the described concepts.

Claims

1. A molding system (200, 201, 202), comprising: A molding machine (100) for producing a plurality of molded articles 50, the molding machine (100) having an additive device (107) for adjusting the color of the plurality of molded articles (50); a vision system (250) for detecting a color of each of at least two molded articles (50) of the plurality of molded articles (50); as well as A processor (140) operably connected to the molding machine (100) and the vision system (250), the processor (140) being configured to analyze data generated by the vision system (250), and in response to (i) an average value of detected colors of at least two molded articles (50) and (ii) a difference between an expected color that is different from a predetermined value, the processor (140) being configured to control the additive device (107) to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles (50).

2. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 1, wherein in order to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles (50), the additive device (107) is configured to add an additive to the injection unit (106) of the molding machine (100).

3. The molding system (200, 201, 202) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor (140) is configured to control the additive device (107) according to a pre-calculated remediation model.

4. The molding system (200, 201, 202) of claim 3, wherein the pre-computed remedial model is a first order system.

5. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 4, wherein the first-order system is a first-order plus time delay system.

6. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the average value of the detected colors of the at least two molded articles (50) is taken over a plurality of molding cycles.

7. The molding system (200, 201, 202) of claim 6, wherein the number of the plurality of molding cycles is determined based on a time response of the additive device (107).

8. A molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first of the at least two molded articles (50) is taken from a first molding cycle among the multiple molding cycles, and the second of the at least two molded articles (50) is taken from a second molding cycle among the multiple molding cycles.

9. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a first one of the at least two molded articles (50) originates from a first molding cavity and a second one of the at least two molded articles originates from a second molding cavity.

10. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least two molded articles (50) originate from the same molding cavity.

11. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The at least two molded articles (50) include all of the plurality of molded articles (50), and The processor (140) is configured to analyze the data generated by the vision system (250) to determine viable data and inviable data, and to calculate the average value of the detected colors from the viable data.

12. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detected color is transmitted to the processor (140) as a set of three color parameters.

13. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vision system (250) comprises: a black box housing (256, 260, 270) configured to accommodate the at least two molded articles (50); a light source (254) for illuminating the at least two molded articles (50); and A detector (252) is configured to detect the color of the at least two molded articles (50).

14. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 13, wherein the black box housing (260) is adjustable between a receiving position and a release position, wherein the receiving position comprises a black box housing (260) configured to receive a molded article (50), and wherein the black box housing (260) is configured to release the molded article (50).

15. A molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the black box housing (270) has a movable member (271), and the movable member (271) is capable of moving between a receiving position and a release position, in which the black box housing (270) is configured to receive the molded article (50) and in which the black box housing (270) is configured to release the molded article (50).

16. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the additive device (107) is a first additive device and the molding machine further comprises a second additive device, the first color is configured to dose a first additive, and the second additive device is configured to dose a second additive.

17. A molding system (200, 201, 202), comprising: A molding machine (100) for producing a plurality of molded articles (50), the molding machine (100) having an additive device (107) for adjusting the color of the plurality of molded articles (50); a vision system (250) configured to inspect at least one molded article (50) among the plurality of molded articles (50), the vision system (250) comprising: a black box housing (256, 260, 270) configured to house the at least one molded article (50); a light source (254) for illuminating the at least one molded article (50); and a detector (252) configured to detect a color of the at least one molded article (50); A processor (140) operably connected to the molding machine (100) and the vision system (250), the processor (140) being configured to analyze data generated by the vision system (250), and in response to the detected color of the at least one molded article (50) being different from the expected color, the processor (140) controlling the additive device (107) to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles (107).

18. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 17, wherein the black box housing (260) is capable of rotating between a receiving position and a release position, wherein the receiving position comprises a black box housing (260) configured to receive a molded article (50), and wherein the black box housing (260) is configured to release the molded article (50).

19. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 17, wherein the black box housing (270) has a movable member (271), and the movable member (271) is capable of moving between a receiving position and a release position, in which the black box housing (270) is configured to receive the molded article (50) and in which the black box housing (270) is configured to release the molded article (50).

20. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein in order to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles (50), the additive device (107) is configured to add an additive to an injection unit (106) of the molding machine (100).

21. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the processor (140) is configured to control the additive device (107) according to a pre-calculated remediation model.

22. The molding system (200, 201, 202) of claim 21, wherein the pre-computed remedial model is a first order system.

23. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the processor (140) is configured to average the detected color of the at least one molded article (50) over a plurality of molding cycles.

24. The molding system (200, 201, 202) of claim 23, wherein the number of the plurality of molding cycles is determined based on a time response of the additive device (107).

25. A molding system (200, 201, 202) according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the first of the at least two molded articles (50) is taken from a first molding cycle in the multiple molding cycles, and the second of the at least two molded articles (50) is taken from a second molding cycle in the multiple molding cycles.

26. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein a first one of the at least two molded articles (50) originates from a first molding cavity and a second one of the at least two molded articles (50) originates from a second molding cavity.

27. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the at least two molded articles (50) originate from the same molding cavity.

28. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the detected color is transmitted to the processor (140) as a set of three color parameters.

29. The molding system (200, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the additive device (107) is a first additive device, and the molding machine (100) further comprises a second additive device, the first color is configured to dose a first additive, and the second additive device is configured to dose a second additive.

30. A method (300) for optically inspecting at least two molded articles (50), the method (300) being executable by a processor (140) of an injection molding machine (100), the method (300) comprising: causing (310) the injection molding machine (100) to mold a plurality of molded articles (50); causing (320) a vision system (250) to detect the color of at least two molded articles (50) of the plurality of molded articles (50); An average value of the detected color of each of the at least two molded articles (50) is compared with a desired color (330), and in response to a difference between the average value of the detected color of each of the at least two molded articles (50) and the desired color being different from a predetermined value, the processor (140) controls the additive device (107) to adjust the color of the plurality of molded articles (50).

31. The method (300) of claim 30, wherein the processor (140) is configured to control the additive device (107) according to a pre-computed remediation model.

32. The method (300) of claim 31 , further comprising running a test cycle to determine parameters of the pre-computed remediation model.

33. The method (300) according to any one of claims 30 to 32, further comprising causing the detection to be performed in a plurality of molding cycles and determining the average value of the detected color of each of the at least two molded articles (50) in the plurality of molding cycles.

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