Closed loop control for injection molding processes

A method for controlling an injection molding machine having a mold forming a mold cavity, the injection molding machine being controlled according to an injection cycle, the method comprising:

• extruding a molten polymer into the mold cavity according to an extrusion profile;
• measuring, using a first sensor, at least one variable during the extrusion profile;
• adjusting at least one extrusion operational parameter of the injection molding machine based on the at least one measured variable measured from the first sensor;
• terminating the extrusion profile upon the molten polymer exceeding a first threshold;
• injecting the molten polymer into the mold cavity according to an injection profile using a screw that moves from a first position to a second position;
• and
• upon completion of the injection profile, commencing a recovery profile in which the screw is moved to the first position;
• wherein the injection profile commences after termination of the extrusion profile.