Method for Operating an Injection Molding Machine

A method for operating an injection molding machine having a molding tool, an injecting device, and a controlling device to control the injecting device, comprising:

• measuring a value of a transition criterion for changing a control mode of the control device based upon a transition criterion to a pressure control, wherein the controlling of the injection molding machine is based upon the pressure control;
• determining an extrapolation value based upon the measured value based upon a method selected from a group consisting of:
• determining the extrapolation value via a strapping table,
• determining the extrapolation value based upon a interpolation function,
• determining the extrapolation value based upon a polynomial, and
• determining the extrapolation value based upon a master curve;
• comparing the transition criterion with the extrapolated value;
• and
• changing the control mode of the control device if the extrapolation value is equal to the transition criterion or the transition criterion is exceeded by the extrapolation value.

An injection molding machine comprising:

• a molding tool;
• an injecting device;
• a controlling device to control the injecting device, wherein an extrapolation value is determined based upon a measured value based upon a method selected from the group consisting of:
• determination of the extrapolation value via a strapping table,
• determination of the extrapolation value based upon a interpolation function,
• determination of the extrapolation value based upon a polynomial, and
• determination of the extrapolation value based upon a master curve,
• wherein the transition criterion is compared to the extrapolated value, and
• the control mode of the control device is changed when the extrapolation value is equal to the transition criterion or the transition criterion is exceeded by the extrapolation value;
• and
• a measuring device for measuring the value of a transition criterion for changing a control mode of the control device based upon a transition criterion to a pressure control, wherein the pressure control has at least a major engagement in controlling the injection molding machine.