Method for controlling the filling of at least one cavity

A method for regulating the filling of a cavity in an injection-molding machine, the method comprising:

• providing an injection molding machine with a cavity and a needle valve nozzle having an outlet, the outlet of the needle valve nozzle being arranged at an opening of the cavity for injection of a melt into the cavity via the outlet, wherein a width of the outlet of the needle valve nozzle is adjustable by movement of a needle between a fully open position and a fully closed position, the needle being separated from the outlet of the needle valve nozzle in the fully open position;
• filling the cavity by introducing the melt into the cavity from the outlet of the needle valve nozzle;
• and
• monitoring a position of a melt front of the melt within the cavity using at least one sensor arranged within the cavity, the at least one sensor including at least one of a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor;
• wherein, during the introducing of the melt into the cavity or during a compression phase, the width of the outlet of the needle valve nozzle is altered to regulate the filling the cavity by moving the needle to one or more intermediate positions in response to a signal from the at least one sensor, the one or more intermediate positions of the needle being arranged between the fully open position and the fully closed position.