Abstract
The present study deals with the issue of clamping force control of an injection molding machine using 2-way cartridge valve based logic circuit. The operating principle for the cartridge valve is described with its construction and static opening behavior. Basic module circuits are designed first and analysed according to the basic functions. Then they are combined with a virtual design model for the clamping mechanism to simulate the control performance of the overall system. The backlash inherent in the mechanism is considered while evaluating the time-delay in the process of clamping force build-up. The effects of a couple of design parameters in backlash, i.e., interval and stiffness have been demonstrated in the time-domain.