Suppliers of hot-runner temperature controllers for injection molding are making upgrades that emphasize improved touch-screen controls, more compact designs and the ability to handle more temperature zones.
MOLD-MASTERS SHRINKS UNIT AS IT EXPANDS CAPABILITIES
Mold-Masters announced upgrades to several of its hot-runner temperature-controller technologies.
The company's TempMaster M-Ax Six Servo Axis hot-runner temperature controller, launched last year at the K show, controls the motions of valve stems, cores, coining plates, index plates, stripper plates and ejector plates driven by a servo motor or an electric motor. It can control Mold-Masters drive technologies, such as its E-Drive synchro plate and Single Electric Valve Gate (SeVG) devices, said Michael Crawford, corporate communications manager.
The TempMaster M-Ax now is 43 percent smaller than the prior design and provides up to eight axes of servo control. Furthermore, it can be integrated with the TempMaster M2 hot-runner control, which can manage up to 256 zones.
The Adaptive Process System (APS) technology uses a proprietary algorithm to monitor the mold temperature. To maintain the hot-runner temperature to within 0.1 degree Fahrenheit, it makes micro adjustments to adapt to variations in material viscosity, shot size, pressure and power fluctuations. With APS, control over the motor is more precise, Crawford said.
In addition, Mold-Masters offers new touch-screen technology and faster software processing speeds for its TempMaster M2 hot-runner controller. The choice of a 12-inch or 16-inch touch screen is available with the unit, and the high-resolution display is more responsive to inputs due to a five-fold improvement in processing speed. Hot-runner performance data is displayed in real time. The company has added wireless connectivity to the controller, allowing monitoring and adjustment from a mobile device, Crawford said.
ORYCON UNIT TAKES CONTROL FROM 36 TO 144 ZONES
Orycon Control Technology, a manufacturer of hot-runner systems, manifolds, hot halves and heavy-duty temperature controllers, has launched two new models of its T-500 hot-runner temperature controller.
Unveiled last year at the K show, the T-500 initially was designed to control up to 36 temperature zones, President Sal Benenati said. The latest versions include a model with an 18-inch-by-18-inch-by-18.5-inch footprint; it's enclosed in a mobile housing designed for up to 72 zones of temperature control. Also new is a larger model with a 31-inch-by-18-inch-by-12-inch footprint; it's designed to control up to 144 temperature zones. The controller architecture is based on cards that each control six temperature zones.
The system operates on a Windows-based platform that allows for the use of graphics and icons that ease programming, Benenati said. The touch-screen unit is designed with fast-response, high-resolution graphics.
The touch-screen unit can display information about an alarm condition. Features include a function that allows easy access to detailed information for each zone, including its amperage draw, percentage of power being used, set point and actual temperature. Users also can change the operating mode, set point or zone operation by using the zoom function.
Molders also can pre-check a mold before it's in operation to ensure that all zones are in good working order. The controller automatically calculates the total power requirements to run the mold, by averaging the power necessary at start-up when the power draw is the highest with the power requirement when the machine is running, Benenati said.
The controller can be set up so that an operator can view a grouping of temperature zones at a glance to see that each is working correctly. It keeps an operating-condition log that can be retrieved via a USB port and displayed on any Windows-based computer as an Excel file. This provides a record of the hot-runner's temperature processing parameters and any deviations experienced during a production run.
Users can select between J or K thermocouples, as well as process parameters such as length of warm-up time, maximum temperature, boost time and temperature changes when the unit is in standby mode. The hot-runner controller uses a standard communications protocol to connect to an injection molding machine. Users can set up the controller to automatically respond to anomalies.
Operators also can use a simple procedure to calibrate the T-500.
SISE GOES MULTIZONE
SISE Plastics Control Systems, a manufacturer of sequential valve-gate controls, mold-temperature controls and process-monitoring equipment, earlier this year launched a new generation of multizone hot-runner temperature controllers.
The MV3 is targeted at packaging, automotive, medical and technical parts applications, said Sean Cassidy, North American operations manager.
The MV3 line is available in five sizes — XS, S, M, L and XL — and can control up to 336 zones. Users can select from one of three power cards (2.5 amps, 15 amps and 30 amps) to configure the controller to the targeted molding application.
The MV3 comes with either a 10-inch or 15-inch touch-screen display and uses Linux-based control software designed by SISE, Cassidy said. Functions include the ability to communicate with the injection molding machine to monitor and record production temperatures. This allows the molder to use an Industry 4.0 connectivity strategy in which various devices communicate with each other and adjust their performance based on the status of related equipment in a molding cell.
Advanced functions on the new controllers include four soft-start settings and the capability to group hot runners into temperature zones. The MV3 line also has what SISE calls a PTI function that addresses anomalies with the thermocouple. There is also a Moldscan function for leak detection and real-time diagnostics of issues with the hot runner. The power cards and thermocouple cards are on removable, pivoting shelves for ease of access. Users can select from 11 languages to view the data.
Mikell Knights, senior staff reporter
For more information
Mold-Masters Injectioneering Ltd.,Madison Heights, Mich., 248-544-5710, www.milacron.com
Orycon Control Technology Inc.,Ocean, N.J., 732-922-2400, www.orycon.com
SISE Plastics Control Systems Inc.,Atlanta, 404-495-5968, www.en.sise-plastics.com
