Schließprozess

Schließprozess is a German term that denotes the sequence and mechanism by which something is brought to a closed state. It is used across engineering, manufacturing, and machinery contexts to describe the act of closing a formed or hollow object, a valve, a door, or other closures. The term emphasizes both the mechanical motion and the control logic that ensures proper closure.

In manufacturing and especially in injection molding and other closed-die processes, der Schließprozess refers to the mold clamping phase, during which the two halves are moved together until a specified clamping force is reached and the mold is held closed during plastic injection. It is characterized by clamp tonnage, closing speed, hold pressure, and the duration of the closed state, and it is critical for geometry accuracy and part quality. Optimizing the Schließprozess reduces wear, shortens cycle times, and minimizes defects such as flash.

Modern systems use sensors, actuators, and programmable controllers to perform the Schließprozess with safety interlocks and feedback. Limit switches or encoders verify position, while force sensors monitor closure pressure. If misalignment or stall is detected, the process halts to protect operators and equipment.

Outside of manufacturing, Schließprozess can describe the closing of valves, doors, or seals in consumer and industrial products, always involving actuation, sequencing, and control to achieve a secure closure. Important considerations include reliability, repeatability, energy consumption, and the maintenance of moving parts and seals.